Even if you walk away unharmed, being involved in a motorcycle accident in Elmira or elsewhere in the Southern Tier of New York state can be serious. It is not uncommon for riders to think they have been relatively unscathed only to develop serious medical issues long after the incident.
Statistics have shown that motorcycle riders have a much higher fatality rate per mile travelled than occupants of passenger cars. There are some steps that you as the rider can take to prevent such events.
Wear the Proper Equipment
Since motorcycles offer you no protection from outside elements like a car does, you need to wear appropriate gear. Riding in your regular clothes is not recommended. Instead, you need to have gloves, boots, and pants that are made of a thick material such as leather.
You also need to wear a motorcycle helmet, specifically one that is approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. These helmets come with such features as a face shield and soft padding in the interior, and they weigh at least 3 pounds, giving more protection to your head.
Remain Alert
Protective gear is only part of the equation. It is also important to know how to stay safe on a motorcycle while riding it. If you are a new rider, you should know that you must always focus on your surroundings and never take your eyes off the road. This is especially true if you drive on busy streets or a highway. It only takes a split second for an accident to occur. You also need to pay attention to the vehicles around you as well, including those that are oncoming or next to you.
Do Not Speed
While it may be tempting and exhilarating to ride fast, speeding is never a good idea. Going too fast for prevailing road or weather conditions is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. In fact, the faster you go, the more severe the accident can be as well as the injuries you may sustain.
Speeding also makes it harder for you and other drivers to react, which, in turn, makes an accident more likely to happen. Protect yourself by obeying the posted speed limit. It may even serve you well to go slightly under it to minimize the risk, especially on a highway with multiple lanes.
If You Have Been Involved in a Motorcycle Accident
Even if you have taken all of these precautions, you might not have been able to avoid an accident that was the fault of another motorist, such as a passenger car driver abruptly changing lanes or making a left turn directly in front of your path. If you have been harmed in such an incident, feel free to reach out to Jim or another one of the experienced professionals at Ziff Law so that you can learn what alternatives you may have for seeking compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
