Motorcycle Safety Tips In Charlotte
Motorcyclists are, somewhat unfairly, often stereotyped as reckless. In actuality, many motorcycle accidents result from drivers who operate carelessly around riders. With that in mind, in some situations, motorcycle operators can reduce their risk of a collision with a negligent driver by following a few motorcycle safety tips.
Additionally, in the event that a collision occurs in Charlotte, NC, riders have the right to pursue injury compensation from the negligent driver responsible for causing the crash. A Charlotte motorcycle accident lawyer from Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers can help you pursue damages.
Call (704) 980-9999 or contact our law office to schedule a free consultation.
How Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After A Motorcycle Accident In Charlotte, NC
If you have suffered an injury in a crash caused by another driver’s negligent or wrongful actions, our Charlotte personal injury lawyers are here for you.
Our legal team in Charlotte, North Carolina, can offer the following legal services to you:
- An evaluation of your case
- A thorough investigation of your motorcycle crash
- Gathering evidence
- Filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer
- Settlement discussions
- Taking your case to court if a fair settlement can’t be reached
A motorcycle accident can cause serious (even permanent) injuries to your limbs, head, and spine. With that in mind, do not hesitate to contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Charlotte motorcycle accident attorney after your accident. We can discuss your injuries and the compensation we can seek for your resulting losses.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
In North Carolina, only motorcycle learner’s permit applicants between the ages of 16 and 18 must complete a motorcycle safety course; the state does not require adult applicants to complete one to attain a motorcycle endorsement on their license, but they must pass a written test.
The unfortunate result of these differing prerequisites is that many riders in the state have no formal training and might not know how to reduce their crash risk. To that end, some tips for improving motorcycle safety in a city like Charlotte include the following:
Take A Motorcycle Safety Course
An approved motorcycle safety course offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (or the North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Education Program) can help rookie and experienced riders alike hone their knowledge and skills.
Some topics covered in these courses include the following:
- Starting and braking
- Emergency maneuvers
- Cornering
- Shifting gears and accelerating
Perhaps most importantly, these courses include hands-on training and practice sessions that allow the rider to gain the necessary experience of handling a motorcycle, all while in a controlled environment.
Wear A Helmet
North Carolina has a universal helmet law, which means that all riders and passengers, regardless of age or experience, must wear a helmet.
The state’s intention in requiring helmets is not to infringe on riders’ freedom; instead, it is a precautionary measure to protect riders in crashes. Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by up to 69%. They reduce fatality risk by 37% for operators and 41% for passengers.
Make Yourself Visible
Motorcyclists should avoid riding in a vehicle’s blind spots, whether by staying ahead of or directly behind other cars.
Many drivers do not check their blind spots before changing lanes, instead choosing to glance at their mirrors. As a result, a smaller vehicle, like a motorcycle, might not be visible. When the driver changes lanes, they might sideswipe the bike or run it off the road.
Anticipate Bad Driving
A common cause of collisions between motorcycles and automobiles is inattentional blindness, a kind of cognitive bias that causes drivers to fail to see motorcycles in plain sight simply because they are not looking for them.
The burden of overcoming inattentional blindness falls on drivers, but motorcyclists can anticipate drivers not seeing them and take steps to avoid a collision.
For instance, when approaching an intersection, expect that drivers making left turns might not see you and cross your path as a result, causing you to strike them. By slowing down, you’ll give yourself valuable braking time and distance should that anticipated outcome occur.
Similarly, as you ride on a highway, consider the possibility that drivers may crowd you in your lane, potentially tailgating you or cutting you off. Leave yourself an escape route if a vehicle gets too close, so you can maneuver to avoid it.
Contact Our Charlotte Motorcycle Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
A motorcycle accident can cause severe mental, physical, and financial trauma. Contact Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to learn how we can pursue compensation for your injury-related expenses and income losses. Our Charlotte motorcycle accident attorneys are here to provide you with comprehensive legal support.