Motorcycle Safety Tips for Riders in Erie, PA
It is Springtime in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Many riders are preparing for long rides through the Pennsylvania countryside. Also, with nicer weather, many riders use their motorcycles for everyday travel. An increase in the number of motorcycles on the road could lead to an increase in the number of motorcycle accidents in Erie. With that in mind, it is a good idea to review motorcycle safety tips that can reduce the risk of a motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle Safety Tips That Can Keep Riders Safe
Keep these motorcycle safety tips in mind as you ride throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania:
- Don’t drink and drive. If you consume alcohol, find another way home.
- When driving, avoid distractions. You need to focus entirely on the road ahead to avoid a motorcycle accident. Drivers don’t pay attention to you, so you need to pay closer attention to them.
- Wear a motorcycle helmet and protective gear to reduce the risk of head injuries and other serious trauma during a motorcycle accident.
- Maintain your motorcycle. Motorcycles that are in good running condition are safer.
- Be as visible as possible. Wear brightly colored clothing and motorcycle helmets. Add lights and other elements to your motorcycle that makes it more visible.
- Always keep a safe distance between you and other vehicles on the road.
- Check the weather before heading out for a ride. Be prepared for all weather conditions.
You can find more safety tips for motorcyclists on the PennDOT and Pennsylvania DMV websites.
What Should I Do If I Am In a Motorcycle Accident?
Many insurance companies automatically blame a motorcyclist for causing a traffic accident. The steps that you take after a motorcycle accident can help or hurt your chance of recovering fair compensation for motorcycle accident injuries.
- DON’T admit fault for the collision. Even if you are unsure whether you could have contributed to the cause of the crash, don’t apologize, say you are sorry, or otherwise admit fault.
- ALWAYS report the crash to the police. If another driver tries to talk you into exchanging information to avoid an accident report, call 911 to report the accident.
- DO seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many riders sustain severe injuries after a crash. However, you may not notice symptoms of some injuries for hours or days after the motorcycle accident. It is best to see a doctor as soon as possible. Delays in medical care could hurt your case.
- DON’T accept the first settlement offer from an insurance provider. Most first offers are lower than the value of the claim. Check with an Erie motorcycle accident attorney to make sure the claim offer is fair and reasonable, given the facts in your case.
- DON’T provide statements or talk to an insurance adjuster without first consulting with a motorcycle accident lawyer near you. Adjusters are looking for information the insurance company can use to deny or lower your claim. Something you say may be twisted by the insurance company to blame you for the accident, so it can deny your claim.
Contact an Erie Motorcycle Accident Attorney for More Information
If you are injured in a motorcycle crash, contact our office to discuss your accident with an attorney. Our law firm has extensive experience handling motorcycle accident claims. We aggressively fight for the rights of motorcyclists throughout Pennsylvania.
Call The Travis Law Firm at (800) 401-2066 to schedule your free legal consultation with our Erie motorcycle accident attorney.