Knowing how to safely drive a motorcycle can help lower the chances of an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 16% of traffic fatalities in 2024 involved motorcyclists. Of that 16%, 30% of the motorcyclists did not have a valid license.
While it’s not a high number on paper, it’s easy to forget that motorcycle accidents are more likely to cause severe injuries. Compared to the average vehicle, a motorcycle lacks the standard protective metal frame. This makes motorcyclists and their passengers more susceptible to severe injury.
If you find yourself in an accident while on a motorcycle, speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles to learn about your rights and how you can be compensated for your injuries.
Get a Motorcycle License
Before getting on the road, get your motorcycle license. The state needs to be sure that all drivers on the road know how to operate a motorcycle before getting on the road. To get a motorcycle license, all applicants must pass a written knowledge test, get a permit, and complete a riding test or approved safety course.
Making potential motorcyclists pass these tests makes the roads safer for everyone.
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How to do a T-CLOCS Inspection
When learning how to ride a motorcycle, ensuring your safety is a must. This starts with a pre-ride inspection. Performing a T-CLOCS inspection before every ride can help you catch potential dangers before they cause a mishap on the road.
- Tires and Wheels – Check your tires for tread depth, embedded objects, wear and tear, and air pressure before every ride. Check your hand and foot brakes to ensure that they’re fully functional as well.
- Controls – Make sure your handlebars are straight and function properly. Then look at your levers and pedals for any breaks, cracks, and other problems with your handlebars. Check your cables, hoses, and throttles for any cracks, bulges, and improper placements.
- Lights and Electrics – After starting your motorcycle, check to see if all your lights, signals, reflectors, and mirrors are all functional.
- Oil and Other Fluids – After starting the motorcycle, examine your bike’s oil, gas, and fluid levels. Check for any leaks before riding off.
- Chassis – Checking the chassis, or motorcycle frame, is an important part of the inspection process as it protects various parts and absorbs shocks during rides. Check for any cracks, dents, damaged welds, and alignment.
- Stands – Check your stands for any cracks, bents, and springiness before and after taking them off. A damaged stand can topple your bike onto the floor.
Accident Prevention Tips
Motorcycles are tiny compared to the average car. While a motorcycle can be heard from a distance, other drivers can’t spot a motorcycle like they would a car or truck. Putting reflective decals on your clothing and motorcycle is a keyway to stay visible throughout the day.
At night, it’s important that your headlights and brake lights are fully functional, or else you run the risk of being hit by an unsuspecting vehicle.
Headgear is a Must
Wearing a full-face helmet is a necessity. They prevent damage to a rider’s face, head, and jaw. Not sure what helmet to wear? Look for a helmet with the DOT label for ease of mind. A DOT label means they meet the U.S Department of Transportation’s safety standards.
Make sure the helmet fits your head perfectly before walking out of the store with one.
Traffic Safety
All drivers must follow traffic laws. This includes obeying traffic lights, signs, and speed limits. It also means not operating a vehicle when impaired or under the influence.
However, motorcyclists do not have the protection of the average vehicle. Here are some additional safety tips for motorcyclists. If you need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles, the team at Vaziri Law, LLP, is here to help you.
Watch a Car’s Tires for Movement
Not every driver uses their turn signals or safely merges onto traffic. Instead of watching a car, focus on the tires. Before someone switches lanes, the tires will always alert motorcyclists to their movement before they do it.
Use Larger Vehicles as Shields
Passing through intersections and making unprotected left turns can be risky, even for typical cars. Distracted and/or speeding drivers can ram into you because they want to beat a red light or are in a rush. A bigger vehicle like a large truck can be a great shield if that happens.
While you may still receive a bit of damage, the chances of them being severe are significantly lower than they would be if you took the full force of the car head-on.
Stay Alert
Teach yourself to stay hyper vigilant on the road. It’s a way to be aware of potential upcoming hazards and gives you time to maneuver around them.
Some common hazards on the road include:
- Uneven roads/pavement
- Blind sports
- Oil, debris, sand, and slick surfaces
- Side roads
- Intersections
- Animals
- Pedestrians
- Railroad crossings
Staying alert can also mean deciding when to make the proper maneuvers on your bike, such as lane splitting, making a safe left turn, easing out of blind spots, etc.
How to Adapt to the Weather
Motorcycles weigh less than cars or trucks. This makes them more susceptible to being influenced by weather conditions. For example, when it’s very windy, motorcyclists can be shifted in the direction of the wind. The following are some driving tips based on weather conditions:
- Rain – Avoid rainbow oil patches, metal surfaces, and painted lines.
- Wind – Lean into gusts and grip the tank with knees.
- Fog – Use low beams and follow lane markers.
- Heat – Hydrate and wear moisture-wicking base layers.
- Cold – Warm tires before driving.
Night Driving
Driving at night can be the most dangerous time for motorcyclists due to the lack of visibility on many roads. Data shows that the majority of motorcyclist deaths occurred between 6pm and midnight. To stay safe on the road at night, increase following distance, turn off high-beams, and try not to pass vehicles on the road.
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FAQ
If I Get into an Accident, What Can I Do?
If you find yourself in an accident, get as much information as you can at the scene. This includes car information (model, make, license plate, any other identifying features), the other driver(s) insurance and license information, witness testimonies, photos/videos of the accident scene, and a police report.
Gather as much information as possible at the scene before going to the doctor to get medical attention. Be sure to receive a record of your visit if you plan to see a motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles.
What If I Wake Up in the Hospital?
If you wake up in the hospital, it’s highly likely that a police officer has made an accident report for you with all the information they could gather at the scene. This also means you have a clear medical record that states the injuries you sustained because of an accident.
This information should be enough for you to file a case. Consult a motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles to be certain.
What If I had a Passenger?
If you had a passenger at the time of the accident, they are entitled to file their own case. Have them speak to a motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles to learn more.
What Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do for Me?
After collecting all the information you can from an accident and visiting the doctor, it’s a good idea to visit a motorcycle accident lawyer. They can help you recover compensation for any physical and psychological damage from an accident. This can be a great help to you as it helps you avoid negotiating with the insurance company while you recover from your injuries.
What Damages Can I Be Compensated For?
You can recover physical and psychological damages in a lawsuit, such as medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability, property damage, loss of enjoyment, and loss of companionship.
How Long Do I Have to File a Case?
In California, the statute of limitations is 2 years. In certain circumstances, you have six months to file a case. To learn more, speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles to learn more about your case.
What Happens If I Wait Too Long?
If you wait too long to file a case, you may not have enough evidence to have a case. Evidence can be erased over time, and it can make your claim weaker. A motorcycle lawyer cannot confidently file a case on your behalf without enough evidence to defend you with.
How Much is a Lawyer?
Most motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee. This means they will not charge you until they win your case. In California, the standard is about 40 percent. However, it’s best to confirm the number with your attorney before finalizing your agreement.
What If I Wasn’t Wearing Safety Gear?
If you weren’t wearing safety gear at the time of the accident, you could be held liable for the damage incurred from not wearing a helmet and see your compensation reduced under the comparative negligence doctrine.
What if I Got into an Accident Outside of California as a California Driver?
If you got into an accident in another state, you would have to see a motorcycle lawyer in that state. Traffic laws sometimes differ from state to state, so you will have to adhere to those state’s laws and regulations.
Contact a Motorcycle Lawyer in Los Angeles Today!
Our team of lawyers at Vaziri Law, LLP, are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. With over 100 years of combined legal expertise, our team is well versed in the legal procedure to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!
