Question 1

What Are The Dangers To Avoid?

Accepted Answer

Motorcycles provide a sense of freedom. They also come with risks. The average motorcycle accident is far more serious than the average car crash. Studies have consistently shown that motorcycle accidents lead to a higher rate of serious injury and even death—as much as 35 times higher. Motorcyclists should be aware of the hazards, weigh the risks carefully, and practice good safety habits.
Types Of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents come in many varieties. Collisions with other vehicles, particularly head-on collisions, are the most common type of motorcycle accident. They’re also the deadliest. Given the lack of protection, any type of accident is more severe when it involves a motorcycle.
Types of motorcycle accidents include:

Head-on collisions
Collisions with stationary objects
Collisions with pedestrians/bicyclists
Side or rear collision
Loss of control

Top Motorcycle Dangers
In order to minimize the risk of injury, motorcyclists should follow basic safety practices. This means knowing what mistakes to avoid. It also means learning how to deal with a range of potential hazards:

Left-Hand Turns: Cars making left-hand turns are among the biggest threats to motorcycles. Whether passing by on one side or proceeding through the intersection, beware of left-turning vehicles.
Lane Splitting: Lane splitting—driving between two rows of slow or stopped cars—is a common practice among motorcyclists. It can also be a dangerous maneuver. Lane splitting is not only dangerous, but it’s also illegal in Illinois, and violators can face the prospect of fines if the police catch them maneuvering between traffic.
Road Hazards: Road hazards include potholes, animals, and slick, oily, or icy roads. They are particularly perilous for motorcyclists who can easily lose control when they come into contact with such hazards.
Speeding: As with all vehicles, speeding is a leading cause of crashes.
Alcohol: Drinking while driving always poses a danger, to the drunk driver as well as everyone else on the road. The stakes are higher for the driver if he or she is riding a motorcycle.

Question 2

What To Do If You're Injured In A Motorcycle Crash

Accepted Answer

Thousands of Americans receive injuries in motorcycle crashes each year. The precious minutes after a wreck are crucial to ensuring a full recovery. If you’re injured in an accident, maintaining the presence of mind to safeguard yourself from further injury could mean the difference between life and death.
After an accident, one of the most important things you can do is to get off the roadway and away from your bike, especially if it’s leaking fluids. Your next step is to examine yourself for injuries. Make sure you can move all the muscles in your arms, legs, hands, and feet. Also, check for scrapes and cuts.
Even if you feel fine, be sure that you consult with medical professionals, as some injuries resulting from motorcycle crashes are not immediately apparent. Once you’ve ensured your safety, you should immediately contact your attorney to ensure your rights are protected. Do not admit fault and be sure to collect any witness contact information if you can.
Check out this infographic from the Law Office of Shuman Legal to learn more about protecting yourself and your legal rights after a motorcycle accident.

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