Gaithersburg, MD Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Gaithersburg, MD motorcycle accident lawyers know that riding a motorcycle can be a fun and thrilling experience. You can hit the open road and ride for hours blasting your favorite song and basking in the warm sunlight. While there are many benefits to owning a motorcycle, there are also a lot of responsibilities. If you’re in an accident while on a motorcycle, you could be severely injured. It’s important that you know the proper safety protocols when riding a motorcycle so you can enjoy your ride and get home safely.
Take a safety course
In order to obtain your motorcycle license you will need to pass a driving test. However, once you’ve taken the course, Gaithersburg, MD motorcycle accident lawyers will strongly suggest that it is important to continue to refresh your safety skills. Continuing motorcycle safety education is always a great idea – no matter how many years you’ve been riding – to make sure your skills are sharp and protect you and the other people on the road.
Be seen
Motorcyclists are sometimes hard for motorists to see when they are on the road as they take up significantly less space than automobiles. Gaithersburg, MD motorcycle accident lawyers will recommend that you make sure to make yourself known to the other cars on the road. Wear bright colors, keep your headlights on at all times, include reflectors on your bike to get motorists’ attention. You should also ride in the part of the lane that is most visible to other cars – generally, right in the middle of the lane. And if a car does not see you, make sure you honk to get their attention.
Don’t ride drunk or tired
While everyone operating some sort of motor vehicle should not drive drunk or tired, it’s particularly important for a motorcyclist to not drive tired or drunk. As motorcycles are more likely to not be seen by drivers, if a motorcyclists suddenly swerves or misses a hazard, there is a higher risk of causing an accident. Experienced Gaithersburg, MD motorcycle accident lawyers can tell you that, unfortunately, motorcycles are less forgiving when it comes to road hazards or tired driving. Make sure that you are always alert when riding your motorcycle.
Be alert
It’s important to be alert at all times when riding a motorcycle as you may have less time to respond to an incident on the road. You shouldn’t drive near semi trucks for an extended period of time. When approaching a semi truck, pass quickly and safely. Trucks have large blind spots and could easily not see you riding next to them. A great rule of thumb is that if you can’t see the truck driver in their side mirror, they can’t see you, and you should pass quickly.
Always be on the lookout for erratic behaviors by motorists. Gaithersburg, MD motorcycle accident lawyers will likely tell you that most accidents are caused by the non-motorcycle driver so it’s important that all motorcycle drivers stay extremely alert. Drivers who text and drive may swerve suddenly and not see you in the next lane. Be aware of your surroundings and ride defensively.
It’s not just other motorists you need to be looking for. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and check for any road hazards. Check for puddles, black ice, potholes, debris, and other hazards on the road that would be more dangerous to a motorcycle.
It’s important to take motorcycle safety seriously as you could risk your own life and the life of others if it’s not. By taking the proper safety measures, you can enjoy the many benefits of owning a motorcycle.
Do not hesitate to call Cohen & Cohen today to set up your free consultation with Gaithersburg, MD motorcycle accident lawyers who can fight for your fair compensation.
