Out of the whole driving population, motorcyclists are the group that is at most risk of road accidents and injuries. Ohio, as a matter of fact, is considered to be among the states where being a motorcyclist is most dangerous. As such, we thought it prudent to offer advice on seeking a good motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus.
The dangers of motorized vehicles are manyfold. Motorcycles are much less sturdy and protective than four-wheeled cars. If you’re riding a motorcycle when you suffer through a crash, your chance of an accident is roughly 26 times higher than if you were in a car as the lack of an encompassing chassis will have you flying off your motorcycle.
Practicing Motorcycle Safety
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents come from speeding or from inebriation. Many who choose motorcycles as their vehicle of choice do so for the thrill, enjoying the exhilarating feeling of cruising at high speeds. The adrenaline rush might be an attractive factor, but no amount of fun can make up for a life-changing accident.
Quite clearly, drinking and driving also apply to motorcycles. Even more, since you require a lot more range of mobility when on one, which, if drunk, you will be sorely lacking in. Motorcyclists have to take tight turns and maintain their balance in perfect perpetuity, two actions that are known to be of great difficulty to the inebriated.
The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) of the Department of Transportation reported that between 2004 and 2013, 31% of fatal vehicle traffic accidents were caused by speeding, 31% by alcohol consumption, and 18% by distracted driving. In short, about half of all motorcycle accidents are caused by either unnecessary speeding or inebriation.
Pay Attention to the Road
Not paying close attention to the road is one of the main reasons why motorcycle accidents happen so frequently. Motorcyclists are expected to have a split-second reaction time in order to avoid surprises in traffic, such as a car turning left without stopping or announcing, which accounts for roughly about 41% of accidents.
Always Wear a Helmet
The importance of wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is paramount to a safe and continued existence. The nature of motorcycle crashes makes it so the head is the part of the body that most frequently gets injured, which is why it cannot be underestimated how necessary it is to wear a helmet.
There’s a caveat, though. Any old helmet won’t do, and neither will a repurposed or scavenged one. You need to make sure that the helmet you use is made of high-quality materials and that it comes from a reputable manufacturer that has a proven track record of producing solid models.
We wouldn’t recommend trying to save money when buying a helmet, either. Cheaper models are usually not as protective as more expensive ones. Your wallet might take a beating, but your body and soul will thank you for it. Never, ever buy a used helmet. Once a helmet has gone through the impact of an accident, it is done for and can be discarded. It is not reusable.
Equip with Antilock Brakes
The wheels of your motorcycle can lock during braking, which is very likely to lead you into an unforeseen accident. Investing in an anti-lock braking system can make it significantly safer for you to ride around, since if you find yourself in an unpleasant predicament, you can trust in the performance of your brakes.
Pursuing Legal Action
If you have been on the receiving part of a motorcycle accident, then expecting compensation for applied damages, whether physical, mental, or emotional, is only to be expected. Our recommendation would be to find a team of highly skilled attorneys that can offer you thoroughly solid legal advice with which you can craft a powerful case to argue in court.
Recovering from an accident is difficult enough without having the threat of financial ruin looming over your head. Contacting a law firm would be in your best interest so that you can go back to having a normal life in as short a time as possible.
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Author:
With a law degree under his belt, Mark Scott understood very early that law communication was a relatively neglected area. He decided to help people +by “translating” the language and offering information and advice in a clear, useful, and actionable manner. For this reason, instead of finding him in court, you will most likely find his name online, where he is very active and thriving as a legal columnist. His part of making the world a better place is to make the law a less convoluted maze. He aims to make it easier for people to understand when and how to seek legal counsel, how to proceed in a significant number of legal matters, and to find the proper resources so they can stand up for their rights.
