How to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents in California

Motorcycle safety is of the highest importance. Riders are inherently vulnerable. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 80 percent of motorcycle accidents result in injuries to the rider. Although you cannot eliminate the risk, the best thing that you can do as a motorcyclist is practice safe, defensive riding strategies. Avoiding crashes means avoiding serious injuries. Here, our Riverside motorcycle accident lawyer provides a guide on how to avoid motorcycle accidents in California.

How to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident: The Top Motorcycle Safety Tips

Tip #1: Always Wear the Proper Motorcycle Safety Gear

Motorcycle safety gear matters. The proper gear could make a life and death difference. A DOT-approved helmet is essential. Wearing a properly-fitting motorcycle helmet significantly reduces the risk of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Notably, motorcycle helmets are required for all riders as a matter of California law. While you should wear a helmet every time that you ride, they are not necessarily sufficient. You should not overlook other safety gear like armored jackets, gloves, pants, and boots. It is always better to play it safe on a motorcycle.

Tip #2: Make Sure You Have Enough Practice and Training

Operating a motorcycle takes skill and experience. You need to make sure that you are capable of riding safely. It is often a good idea to take a class, even if you are already an experienced rider. A certified motorcycle safety course teaches essential skills—emergency braking, cornering, and hazard avoidance. Further, these courses also emphasize risk awareness and safe traffic navigation strategies. Even experienced riders benefit from refresher courses to stay sharp and updated on best practices.

Tip #3: Slow Down (Speed Kills on Motorcycles)

The faster you ride, the more likely you are to be involved in a crash. Further, the faster you ride, the more likely you are to be seriously injured in any accident that does happen. Speed can kill on a motorcycle. It can cause catastrophic, even life-changing, injuries. You should always obey posted speed limits. Beyond that, motorcyclists should be sure to adjust their speed to suit weather conditions and road conditions. Reduced visibility means you need to slow down.

Tip #4: Go Out of Your Way to Make Yourself Visible to Other Motorists

A significant number of motorcycle accidents happen because other motorists fail to take proper safety precautions. In too many cases, drivers simply fail to notice the presence of a motorcycle at all. Given that this is a serious risk that motorcyclists face on the roads in California, it is important to make a proactive effort to make yourself as visible as possible to other drivers. Do not assume that they can see you. Mistakes happen. You do not want to become the victim of one.

Tip #5: Beware of Road Hazards, Adverse Weather, and Other Poor Conditions 

Motorcycles are more vulnerable to poor road and weather conditions than cars. Potholes, gravel, slick pavement, uneven surfaces, and debris can all cause a serious crash. Avoid riding in heavy rain, high winds, or low visibility when possible. When the weather changes mid-ride, motorcyclists should always slow down and increase their following distance.

Tip #6: Check Your Motorcycle Before Every Ride

A quick pre-ride inspection can catch problems that could lead to a crash. Check your tires for wear and proper inflation, test your lights, brakes, and horn, and ensure mirrors are clean and correctly positioned. Make sure your chain is properly lubricated and that fluid levels are good. These simple checks take only a few minutes but ensure your motorcycle is mechanically sound and safe to ride.

Injured Riders Need Full and Fair Financial Compensation

In California, motorcycle accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their injuries, including both economic losses and non-economic damages. A big challenge comes from insurance companies. They fight hard to pay out as little as possible to victims and families.

Our Riverside, CA motorcycle accident attorneys fight aggressively to hold them accountable. We are proactive when it matters most. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Motorcycle repairs
• Ambulance costs
• Emergency room care
• Hospital bills
• Health care costs
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning power
• Pain and suffering
• Mental distress
• Long-term disability
• Reduced quality of life
• Wrongful death

Why Trust Our Riverside, CA Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accident claims are complicated. It is normal to have a ton of questions about your rights, your options, and what to do next after a bad accident. At The JLF Firm, we provide proactive, solutions-focused legal representation to injured motorcyclists and their families. With a proven record of case results, our firm is built by award-winning advocates. Injured motorcyclists are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation for their clients. Your initial consultation with our Riverside motorcycle accident lawyer is free and confidential.

Contact Our Riverside, CA Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

At The JLF Firm, our Riverside motorcycle accident lawyer provides aggressive, experienced guidance and support to victims and families.

If you were hurt in a bad motorcycle wreck, we are here to help. Give us a call now or contact our firm online to arrange a free, no-obligation initial consultation. With offices in Riverside, Pomona, Downey, San Bernardino, and El Monte, we handle motorcycle crash cases throughout the surrounding region in Southern California.