Sanborn Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

In the event of a tragedy, motorcycle injury attorneys serve as dedicated supporters for riders. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they handle legal challenges to ensure justice and compensation for injured riders.

Tips to Avoid Some of the Most Common Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are often avoidable with proper riding techniques and safety measures. This comprehensive guide covers common motorcycle crashes and offers tips on how to prevent them, as well as advice on dealing with injuries like road rash and the importance of wearing appropriate motorcycle apparel.

Drinking and Driving

How to Avoid It:  
Alcohol is a factor in 50% of all motorcycle wrecks. Alcohol impairs balance and coordination, which are crucial for riding. Never drink and ride.

A Car Turns Left in Front of You

How to Avoid It:  
This is the most common motorcycle accident. Drivers often don't see motorcycles or misjudge their speed. Watch for cars at intersections waiting to turn, gaps in traffic, and other signs a car might turn in front of you. Slow down, cover your brakes, and be prepared to take evasive action.

You Hit Gravel in a Blind Corner

How to Avoid It:  
Ride at a pace that matches your reaction time to your range of vision. On winding roads, follow the “Slow In, Fast Out” rule: enter corners wide and at an easy pace, and pick up speed on the way out once you can see through the corner.

You Entered a Corner Too Fast

How to Avoid It:  
Ride only as fast as you can see and use visual clues to judge a road’s direction. If you find yourself going too fast in a corner, trust your bike and try to ride it out. Look where you want to go, be smooth on the controls, and avoid panicking.

A Car Changes Lanes into You

How to Avoid It:  
Stay out of drivers' blind spots and be aware of situations where lane changes are more likely. Watch for cars with turn signals on, wheels turning, or drivers checking their mirrors. 

A Car Hits You from Behind

How to Avoid It:  
Stop to the side of the lane at intersections and flash your brake light by tapping the brake lever. Keep your bike in gear and be prepared to move if you see a car approaching too fast from behind.

Your Riding Buddies are Careless

How to Avoid It:  
Ride in a staggered formation to increase visibility and reduce the risk of collisions. Ensure everyone in your group understands and follows proper riding etiquette.

You Locked Up the Front Brake

How to Avoid It:  
Learn to use your front brake properly. Practice braking in a controlled environment like an empty parking lot until you can reliably use the maximum braking ability of your motorcycle without locking up the front wheel.

Road Rash as a Result of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle road rash is a common injury resulting from the skin being scraped across the road surface during a crash. Road rash varies in severity and is categorized similarly to burns:

- First-Degree: Skin redness, treatable at home.
- Second-Degree: Skin breaks, causing more discomfort but typically treatable at home.
- Third-Degree: Severe injury affecting all skin layers and potentially damaging muscles, often requiring surgical intervention like skin grafting.

Skin Grafting:  
Performed under general anesthesia, this procedure involves transplanting skin to cover the wound. Recovery can be lengthy and require extended hospital stays.

Seeking Compensation:  
If another party is at fault for your motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Keep meticulous records of all treatments, bills, and lost time from work, and obtain a police report and witness statements.

What Motorcycle Apparel to Wear to Avoid Motorcycle Burn Injuries

Motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of head injuries, but other protective apparel is crucial for preventing burns and abrasions. Wearing the right gear can make a significant difference:

- Jackets, Pants, and Gloves: Heavy-duty materials like leather provide better protection.
- Motorcycle Boots: Offer superior protection compared to regular footwear.
- Specialized Clothing: Some apparel includes impact-resistant materials or armor.
- Eye Protection: Keeps debris out and may protect against chemical spills.

Consulting a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

The toll from severe motorcycle injuries can encompass substantial medical expenses and long-term care costs for victims and their families. Lost wages may compound matters, especially if employment becomes unrealistic for an extended period. Getting help from a motorcycle accident attorney allows the pursuit of comprehensive compensation, from financial damages and emotional distress such as pain and suffering.

Victims of these accidents should seek consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney, as damages may be extensive and recovery of compensation is important.

At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, our motorcycle accident attorneys can represent you in dealings with your insurance company, or when filing a personal injury claim. Set up your consultation now by calling 641-792-3595.