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California is seemingly built for road trips. Our scenic highways and beautiful weather make for fantastic driving conditions which only enhance the experience.
Motorcycles unsurprisingly can also be dangerous. Whether from an inexperienced rider or just plain negligence, motorcycles have the potential to cause life-altering injuries if you're involved in an accident. The following are the most common mistakes riders make, which lead to motorcycle accidents.
1. Inexperienced Riders
Just like inexperienced car drivers are more likely to cause an accident, so too are inexperienced motorcycle riders. With the lack of experience and awareness compared to older riders, new riders can find themselves in an unsafe situation in a moment's notice. A motorcyclist must be able to respond quickly to incidents in the road and not panic. Motorcyclists also need to make decisions faster and anticipate the actions of other vehicles.
Riding a motorcycle is not easy. The machine is heavy and generates lots of power, which allows it to travel at fast speeds. Without the right experience, new riders could find themselves injured as a result of their inexperience.
2. Reckless Driving
If you're looking to get into an accident, driving recklessly or carelessly is a great way to do it. Swerving between cars at high speeds, riding on the shoulder, or overtaking other vehicles around bends are all ways to find yourself in a motorcycle accident.
You can still have fun on your motorcycle and be safe. You don't have to drive erratically or overly fast to enjoy riding.
3. Mechanical Failure
Through no fault of your own, you may find yourself injured in a motorcycle accident. Sometimes, the mechanical components of the motorcycle fail, which causes an accident.
While it's essential to check your motorcycle before every ride, not every part can be checked effectively or efficiently. But, scheduling regular maintenance can help prevent accidents.
4. Poor Road Conditions
Cars have four or more wheels and are more stable on the road in heavy rain or icy conditions. Motorcycles don't have that luxury. You may not intend to be out riding in a rainstorm, but it can happen.
When the weather doesn't cooperate, make sure you're safe by driving cautiously. Don't try to get to your destination faster. Slick roads are treacherous for motorcycles, and you could quickly find yourself in a tragic accident. Driving slowly or taking cover will help ensure your safety.
Steps to Take if You are Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
If you do find yourself injured in a motorcycle accident in California, follow these steps if possible.
- Seek medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor.
- File a police report.
- Get any contact information of possible witnesses, camera footage, or pictures of the accident scene.
- Take photos and document your immediate injuries.
- Take photos of your damaged protective gear, including your helmet, jacket, pants, boots, gloves, etc.
- When notifying the insurance company of the accident, do not provide a recorded statement until you've spoken with a personal injury lawyer.
Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, you need the experience of a personal injury lawyer to negotiate the true value of your claim.
Steinberg Injury Lawyers is the motorcycle accident representation you deserve in Los Angeles. We've been helping victims of motorcycle accidents for 37 years.
While you make a full and complete recovery, we focus on getting you paid for your medical bills and additional costs you've encountered as a result of a motorcycle accident.
Contact us 1-800-350-8888 today for a free, no obligation evaluation of your case to see who we can help you move forward.
