Tips From A Motorcycle Lawyer: How To Share The Roads

9/17/2018 Motorcycle Accidents John Whitfield

Millions of people enjoy riding motorcycles. Whether it’s a joyride or a road trip, motorcycles give people an experience they can’t get inside passenger vehicles. Unfortunately, other drivers put motorcyclists at serious risk for accidents and injuries because they don’t share the roads safely. At Whitfield Bryson LLP, we don’t just represent motorcycle accident victims after accidents, we ride motorcycles in our free time. We understand the rider culture and the bias many people have against motorcycles, which makes us uniquely qualified to help promote road safety and defend the rights of motorcyclists.

Our firm has seen plenty of motorcycle accidents, and most of them are caused by carelessness. It takes less than a second for one negligent decision to change lives forever.

Some of the most common negligent actions that cause motorcycle accidents include:

• Turning or changing lanes – You might not think much about switching lanes or making a turn. For many drivers, this happens practically on autopilot. Drivers must always look for motorcycles when changing lanes or turning, because they are smaller, and drivers might not see them in their peripheral vision. It is important for drivers to look to their left and/or right before moving their vehicles.
• Passing too closely – Most drivers don’t realize how easily they can cause a motorcycle to lose control. When passenger vehicles pass motorcycles, they generate wind gusts behind them. These wind gusts can be strong enough to cause motorcycles to lose control. If you are passing a motorcycle, give them lots of space.
• Braking too quickly – Many things are outside of our control when we are driving. There are times when sudden braking is absolutely necessary to avoid a collision, but there are other times when braking too quickly isn’t necessary and actually causes an accident. Motorcycles brake at different speeds than passenger vehicles, so it is important to always be aware of changing road conditions so sudden braking isn’t needed.
• Rear-ending motorcycles – Driver distraction is a huge problem on the roads. Unfortunately, distracted drivers are at a higher risk of rear-ending motorcycles. While a rear-end accident may not be serious for two passenger vehicles, a rear-end accident with a motorcycle could be deadly. Always keep your eyes on the road to avoid distracted driving motorcycle accidents.

Motorcycle Riders Have Rights Like Any Other Driver

Many people wrongfully assume people who ride motorcycles have less rights than those who drive other types of vehicles. Motorcycles do come with their own unique risks, but sharing the roads with negligent drivers shouldn’t be one of them. There is no excuse for negligently causing a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle accident victims, just like all other drivers and passengers, have the right to seek justice after an accident.

At Whitfield Bryson LLP, we understand the inherent bias many insurance companies and juries have against motorcycle riders, and we won’t stand for it. We fight for total compensation because that’s what our clients deserve. If you were injured in a Nashville motorcycle accident, don’t wait to contact our motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free consultation to discuss your case.