Motorcycle Accidents And Injuries

Summer is here, and that means that it is time to break out the motorcycles, jet skis, ATVs, and other recreational vehicles that make being outdoors in the summer fun.

Before you get on your motorcycle for a ride, make sure you take the proper safety precautions to prevent an accident. Although you can never eliminate the possibility of being injured in a motorcycle accident, you can significantly lower your risk of an accident by taking the following steps:

• Always wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet can greatly reduce your chance of suffering a blow to your head, which could be dangerous or even fatal.
• Obey posted traffic signals. This includes speed limits. Speeding can increase your risk of being involved in an accident.
• Never drink and drive. Alcohol inhibits your judgement, your perception, and your reaction time. If you are found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher, you could be charged with a DWI.
• Take extra care around roadway hazards. Roadway hazards, such as potholes and uneven pavement, can be much more dangerous to a motorcycle rider than to an individual driving a car. This is because of the lesser amount of contact your tires have with the road. When you see a roadway hazard, slow down and try to drive around it if you can.
• Always be visible. Wearing reflective clothing at night and always having your lights on can prevent an accident in the dark. Remember, simply by being on a motorcycle, you are already less visible to other drivers than a car. Protect yourself by making yourself as visible as you can.

But Sometimes, Injuries Are Unavoidable

When this happens, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim against the party that caused your accident. Some examples of injuries that you could sustain in a motorcycle accident include:

• Broken bones
• Sprains
• Head trauma, which can lead to a concussion or another brain injury.
• Spinal cord trauma, which can lead to paralysis.
• Bruising
• Cuts
• Scarring

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, seek medical help as soon as you can. Even if you do not “feel” injured or appear to have suffered any injuries, it is crucial that you get a doctor’s diagnoses to be sure. If you want to file a personal injury claim, you will need to prove that you have received medical care. Likewise, an injury left untreated can become more serious, leading to further complications and significantly impacting your life.

Contact The Law Office of Eric B. Hannum Esq., LLC. today at (732) 365-3299 to discuss your situation with one of the experienced personal injury attorneys at our firm. We are here to guide you through the personal injury process and fight for the successful recovery of your damages.