Numerous motorcyclists traverse Dallas for transportation and recreation. While most reach their destinations without incident, some aren’t so fortunate. A report provided by the Governors Highway Safety Association indicates that in the first nine months of 2012, 358 riders lost their lives on Texas highways, with nearly 4,000 motorcyclists dying in traffic fatalities across the country.
In many cases though, a motorcycle accident may result in minor or even serious injuries. The following guide provides information on how you can recover compensation for any injuries suffered in a motorcycle crash, as well as motorcycle accident claim evidence that you may need.
Riding in a motorcycle group can be a lot of fun. You get to share the experience of an open road adventure. But there are also dangers that motorcyclists can face. Consider the following group motorcycle riding safety tips compiled from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the American Motorcyclist Foundation.
The first person you should be in touch with after being involved in a motorcycle accident is undoubtedly medical personnel. Get medical help for your injuries before you decide to take any action.
If you had a passenger on your motorcycle, make sure he or she gets medical attention too. After all emergency injuries have been taken care of, contact your local police department and file a report about the motorcycle accident.
If your injuries are not serious, and if you are able to do so, get the contact information of all the witnesses at the scene of the accident, take down the:
- Names;
- Telephone numbers; and
- Addresses of other people at the scene of the collision, including pedestrians, bicyclists and other motorists.
Also, take down the insurance and contact information of the other motorist or motorcyclist involved in the accident. This lets you contact the other motorist’s insurance company if you’re filing a liability claim against it, and allows you to contact witnesses if you need statements later.
Also, get in touch with a lawyer. Contact a lawyer even if your injuries are not life-threatening. Even moderate injuries can have long-term consequences of which you may not immediately be aware. For instance, a neck injury may seem minor, or simply painful or annoying. However, it can result in long-term pain or restricted motion which is not only painful but can also prevent you from going about your daily activities or reduce your capacity to work.
A lawyer can advise you about your options for compensation for:
- Medical expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Reduced earnings; and
- Other damages.
Texas statutes include rules and regulations for all types of motor vehicles on the road, including motorcycles. If you ride a motorcycle, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with Texas motorcycle laws to avoid legal repercussions.
Below, we discuss three important motorcycle laws in Texas. For more in-depth information on Texas motorcycle rules and regulations and for detailed information about safety, skills, and training, download and read the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (TDPS) free Motorcycle Operator’s Manual.
Motorcycle blind spots are the places through which Dallas motorcycles travel on roadways where the other drivers cannot see the motorcyclists. The motorcycle blind spots are different for different vehicles. For instance, is located directly behind a tractor-trailer is considered a motorcycle blind spot but not for a car. Read on to learn the locations for safer Dallas motorcycle driving.
Anything from a quick jolt to a strong blow can create a motorcycle head injury. It’s important to understand one’s rights when suffering a traumatic brain injury after a motorcycle accident, especially when the head injury after the motorcycle accident was caused by somebody other than the driver.
The motorcycle helmet law depends on the rider’s age and whether the rider meets one of the requirements for exemption from the law. It’s a good idea to check with the Texas Department of Public Safety or the Department of Transportation for the most current laws.
Texas helmet laws require use for motorcycle riders under 21 and only allow exemptions for adult riders if they have passed a safety course or have proof of health insurance. It’s definitely an important piece of motorcycle safety gear, but it’s just one of many types of equipment that can help protect you from serious injury in a motorcycle crash.
Your bike is your first line of defense in avoiding an accident. Recent advances in motorcycle safety have resulted in enhanced features and equipment for your bike.
A recent Esurance blog pointed out some of these recent advancements in motorcycle safety, such as:
Airbags: The Honda Gold Wing has an onboard airbag, but most airbag systems attach to the rider and are activated by the bike. Special airbag suits activate when the suit detaches abruptly from the bike; the added cushion helps protect against road rash and blunt trauma.
High-Tech Lights: Many newer bikes have special adaptive headlights that follow the bike’s lean angle to illuminate a better path. Brake lights have also gotten smarter and are becoming quicker to respond to the sudden stops motorcycles can make.
Anti-Lock Brakes: A standard on cars, they’re now becoming popular on motorcycles. Studies have shown that an anti-lock braking system can help reduce fatal motorcycle collisions by 31 percent, and preventing collisions is the first step in preventing injury!
While these features are more readily available for new bikes, owners of older motorcycles should still pay attention to their current safety gear to make sure it’s working properly. Before riding, always check your lights and perform a test ride around the block to make sure everything is in working order. If something doesn’t look or feel right, get it inspected before riding for any distance.
There’s more to motorcycle safety than just your bike – personal safety gear like helmets, jackets, and boots help protect you from injury in the event of a crash. Of course, defensive driving is also a big part of safe riding, especially when drivers are negligent in watching for motorcyclists.
You can’t always avoid the hazards of negligent drivers, but there are some ways you can improve your chances for a safe motorcycle ride. By following these common motorcycle safety tips, you may prevent an accident or reduce the severity of damages and injuries.