Douglasville Motorcycle Safety Lawyers

As any motorcyclist will tell you, riding a motorcycle is a lot of fun. However, it’s also considerably more dangerous than driving a typical passenger vehicle.

Motorcyclists are not protected by seatbelts, airbags, windshields, and steel roofs, and even relatively small accidents can cause severe injuries.

Still, every motorcyclist should expect to stay reasonably safe on the road as long he or she is cautious and obeys the rules. If a negligent driver causes you to suffer an injury, you should strongly consider hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer.

Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., of Douglasville can help ensure that you receive fair compensation after a painful motorcycle accident.

What Are Some Motorcycle Safety Considerations?

Of course, it’s important to avoid getting into an accident in the first place. Here are a few important safety considerations for motorcyclists.

• Safety Equipment: A full motorcycle helmet is absolutely crucial to your safety. It’s also important to have sturdy boots, gloves, and leather or another strong material covering your legs, arms, and torso.
• Staying Alert: To a large extent, you’re responsible for your own safety. Don’t assume that cars can see you; instead, stay vigilant and give passenger cars plenty of space.
• Obeying Laws: Resist the urge to weave in and out of traffic during rush hour. It’s important to be patient, obey the speed limit, and avoid reckless driving.

What Are Some Common Myths About Motorcycle Safety?

If you’re thinking of switching from four wheels to two, or even if you’ve been riding a motorcycle for quite a while, motorcycle safety should be at the top of your list of priorities. Since motorcycles lack the protection a car offers, riders are at a higher risk of suffering very serious, sometimes fatal injuries in a crash. In addition to taking a motorcycle safety course, it’s a good idea to have the contact information of a local motorcycle accident lawyer handy in the event of a crash.

A motorcycle accident lawyer serving Douglasville can guide you through the process of filing a claim and demanding compensation for your injuries.

Helmets Cause Broken Necks

There are plenty of myths regarding motorcycle safety, including misconceptions about helmets. One of the questions your motorcycle accident lawyer may ask you is whether you were wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Some riders avoid wearing helmets because they fear the added weight on the head will lead to a broken neck in the event of a collision.

In fact, DOT motorcycle helmets are designed to absorb the energy of the impact, which protects your neck as well as your head.

Helmets Impair Your Senses

Another common myth regarding helmets is that they interfere with your vision and hearing, which can increase the risk of a crash and wrongful death.

In fact, research demonstrates that riders who wear helmets are less likely to get in a crash than riders who don’t. This may be because motorcycle helmets actually aid your senses.

By providing protection for your eyes, it can reduce vision impairment from the wind. Helmets also protect your ears from the wind, which reduces noise as you ride.

City Riding is Safer Than Highway Riding

One of the most common myths about motorcycle safety is that riders are safer on city streets than they are on the interstate. Many riders believe this because of the slower speeds.

In fact, highway riding is much safer than city riding. More problems can occur when you factor in pedestrians and intersections.

Additionally, if you run into trouble within city limits, there are more roadside obstacles that you could strike in the event you need to go off-road.

What Are Some Tips For Motorcycle Safety in Georgia?

An accident that may amount to a fender bender between two cars can easily be a fatal incident when a motorcycle is involved.

While motorcycles are fun to ride, they are also much more dangerous—and not only because they lack the protection of a hard, exterior shell. Auto accident attorneys note that drivers of cars simply don’t pay as much attention to the presence of bikes on the road as they do to other cars.

Exercise some safety precautions to reduce your risk of suffering serious or fatal injuries.

In the event that you are involved in a crash, talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer serving Douglasville, GA right away to discuss your legal rights and options.

Take a Rider Education Course

All beginning riders should complete a motorcycle education course. Even if you’ve been riding a motorcycle for a while, it’s well worth your time to take a refresher course.

You’ll get some valuable advice for handling specific situations, such as going around tight corners and dealing with drivers’ blind spots.

Navigate Tight Turns Safely

One of the most dangerous situations for a motorcycle rider to be involved in is heading into a tight turn too quickly.

Prevention is key for these situations, as your motorcycle accident lawyer is likely to tell you.

Many accidents could have been avoided if only the rider slowed down a little.

If you’re going over a blind hill, keep your eye on telephone poles and other visual markers to determine the direction of the road. In the event that you do head into a corner too fast, it’s usually best to ride it out and avoid panicking.

Stay Out of Blind Spots

Far too many riders consult a motorcycle accident lawyer because they happened to be in a car’s blind spot when the driver decided to switch lanes. It isn’t always easy for a driver to spot a motorcycle. Instead of hoping that the driver will exercise caution before switching lanes, it’s best to avoid being in the blind spot in the first place. When riding near a car, make sure you can see the driver’s eyes in his or her mirror.

If so, the driver can see you, too.

What Potential Damages Can I Recover From a Motorcycle Wreck?

Unfortunately, following all the necessary safety rules may not be enough to avoid an accident. If you get into an accident with a negligent driver, you may be able to hold that driver legally responsible for the following damages.

• Property Damage: Whoever is responsible for your motorcycle accident should also be responsible for damage to your property. You can expect to be reimbursed for repairs to your motorcycle or the cost of replacing it.
• Medical Bills: If you suffer a major injury, you may have to pay thousands of dollars in medical care bills. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help estimate the cost of your initial recovery, rehabilitation, and ongoing expenses so you receive fair compensation.
• Lost Wages: A serious injury could leave you unable to work, and thus unable to earn a steady paycheck. Filing a personal injury claim can help you receive compensation for lost wages and pain and suffering.

How Long Do I Have To File An Injury Claim for My Motorcycle Accident?

The state of Georgia does have a time limit for you to file a personal injury lawsuit claim for your motorcycle accident. That time limit is known as the statute of limitations. For Georgia, that time limit is two years. Should you not file your lawsuit before those two years lapse, you will have effectively forfeited your opportunity to have your case heard in court. Do not delay. Contact our law firm today.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Douglasville Today

Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., has been helping motorcycle accident victims in Douglasville, Georgia and the surrounding areas receive ample compensation so they can get on with their lives. If you’re in need of a skilled motorcycle accident attorney in Douglasville, call 678-905-5478.

Visit Our Motorcycle Accident Injury Law Offices