- Always check your blind spots! – Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and can be even more difficult to spot while merging or changing lanes. The shape of motorcycle and rider is also more likely to blend into the images you see in your rear-view and side-view mirrors than that of a large automobile.
- Be extra cautious when passing. – Make sure to signal your intention to pass a slower motorcyclist by using your left turn signal. Always make sure you are several car lengths ahead of the motorcycle before returning to your lane.
- Remember that motorcycles react more quickly than cars. – Make sure that you maintain an adequate following distance behind motorcycles.
- Weather warning. – Weather warning: bad weather has more drastic affects on motorcycle riders than it does on automobile drivers. Rain and winter weather in particular can make it almost impossible for motorcyclist to continue to travel.
- Night-riding can be treacherous for motorcyclists. – Help riders stay safe after dark by increasing your following distance, ensuring that your high-beams are turned off when you notice an approaching motorcycle, and refraining from passing.
- Stay in your lane. – Motorcycles are legally entitled to their own lane of traffic. In no situation are you allowed to drive your automobile in the same lane and in close proximity to a motorcycle.
- Inform motorcyclists of your intention to turn. – Initiate your turn signal sooner than you normally would when you know there is a motorcycle driving behind you.
- Intersections are danger zones. – Always follow the safety protocol for intersections every single time that you approach one: come to a complete halt, view and obey posted traffic signs and signals, look both ways for approaching traffic, and proceed slowly.
- Watch for turning motorcycles. – If you notice that a motorcycle is driving with an activated turn signal for a abnormal distance, increase your following distance so that you have time to react whenever the rider does decide to turn.
- Take a second look at left-turns. – Before you cross a lane or lanes of traffic to turn left, take a second look for approaching motorcycles.
Finding the Right Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Legally, motorcycle accidents are different from auto accidents. There are specific legal issues that need to be addressed to make sure that the injured party has his or her rights protected. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, make sure that the attorney who represents you has the background and the experience needed to understand these issues. For the best outcome possible, you should select a Milwaukee personal injury attorney to represent you that is familiar with the art and intricacies of motorcycle riding.
The attorneys at Jacobson, Schrinsky & Houck are not only committed to motorcycle riders in Wisconsin, they are motorcycle riders themselves, so you can trust that they understand the complexities of your case.
If you are dealing with a motorcycle accident, contact the experienced lawyers at Jacobson, Schrinsky & Houck today at: 414-223-4444 or online at: www.jsh-law.com/contact-us
Personal Injury Attorneys – Jacobson, Schrinsky & Houck – Experience – Compassion – Results