Michigan is well-known for its scenic beauty, and for many riders, there’s no better way to enjoy it than on a motorcycle. Unfortunately, riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than riding in a car, and motorcyclists involved in an accident are more likely to suffer serious, even fatal injuries. Many times, these accidents are caused by other people who are driving negligently or recklessly.

Here, the motorcycle accident attorneys at Muth Law, P.C., offer advice on protecting yourself from being seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, and explain your rights and how you can protect yourself if you were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident.

How to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

Even the most experienced rider can be seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. While you cannot completely eliminate the risk of being injured in a motorcycle crash, you can protect yourself from many of the most serious motorcycle accident injuries.

Wear Proper Safety Gear

Choosing the right gear is crucial for every rider. Proper gear not only increases your comfort while riding but also provides essential protection in case of a crash. Consider wearing a motorcycle jacket, pants, gloves, body armor, eye protection, and reinforced boots.

Motorcycle Jacket and Pants

Choose a motorcycle jacket and pants made from sturdy material like nylon, denim, or leather. These materials withstand abrasion and shield the body during a fall from a moving bike. They provide protection from adverse weather and will minimize the severity of many injuries if you are involved in a crash. Choose brightly colored clothing to increase visibility and reduce the chances of being hit by another motorist.

Helmet and Eye Protection

Wearing a motorcycle helmet significantly reduces the risk of injuries and death caused by head trauma. A properly fitting motorcycle helmet fits comfortably and should not impair your hearing or vision.

Some motorcycle helmets include a built-in visor to protect your eyes. If your helmet does not have a visor, consider wearing protective eyewear like glasses, a shield, or goggles. If you have tinted lenses for riding in the sun, be sure you also have a clear set for riding at night.

Gloves and Boots

Armored gloves protect your hands if they slide across the pavement and can stabilize the wrist, minimizing the risk of a fracture. Wear a full-length boot that extends from the foot to the shin to protect the feet, ankles, and lower leg and prevent injuries that can occur if your leg is caught under the bike.

Obey Traffic Laws and Ride Defensively

Unsafe riding makes it more difficult for other drivers to see you and increases the risk of an accident. To ride safely, obey traffic laws and:

• Drive the speed limit;
• Use turn signals where appropriate;
• Avoid lane-splitting and other dangerous behaviors;
• Do not tailgate;
• Avoid other driver’s blind spots;
• Respect other drivers by not weaving in and out of traffic or driving on the shoulder of the road; and
• If riding in a group, ride single file and allow a proper following distance.

Ensure Your Bike Is Functioning Property

Before you take your motorcycle out, make sure it is functioning properly.

• Inspect tires for cracks, bulges, or other signs of wear and check the tire pressure
• Check for oil or fuel leaks
• Test the headlights, taillights, and signals to ensure they function properly
• Check the clutch and throttle
• Clean and adjust all mirrors

These quick and easy steps make it easier for you to see other motorists and for them to see you and ensure optimal performance to help you maneuver to avoid an accident.

Check the Weather and Avoid Riding in Dangerous Weather Conditions or at Night

The weather in Michigan can be fickle. Motorcycles can become unstable on wet roads, and rain can limit visibility. Before you ride, check the weather, be prepared, and if the weather might turn ugly, consider waiting and riding a different day.

Take a Motorcycle Education Course

A motorcycle education course teaches skills that can help you avoid a serious accident. You will learn safety awareness and defensive riding techniques, develop safe riding skills like balance, turning, backing, and maneuvering, and build confidence on your bike. You will also learn how to handle adverse conditions like wet roads, gravel, and heavy traffic.

Don’t Ride If You Are Tired or Have Been Drinking

Finally, don’t ride if you are tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Riding while tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs coordination and balance and delays reaction time. The ability to make split-second decisions is especially important when riding a bike, and even a slight delay can lead to a serious accident.

Know Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident

If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in Michigan, you need to understand your rights and the compensation that might be available.

Michigan is a no-fault insurance state, which means most Michigan drivers rely on their own insurance policy to provide coverage in the event of an accident. However, motorcycles are excluded under Michigan no-fault insurance laws, which means bikers do not have the same protections as other motorists. Fortunately, a rider injured in a motorcycle accident is entitled to no-fault benefits from the driver’s insurance carrier.

When a motorcycle accident causes serious injuries, you may be entitled to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) compensation for medical bills and lost wages. You may also be able to seek compensation for pain and suffering.

Recovering compensation after a Michigan motorcycle accident can be challenging. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Muth Law can evaluate your situation, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Muth Law Today

Muth Law has over 40 years of experience representing people injured in Michigan motorcycle accidents. Call Muth Law at 734-481-8800 or contact us online to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation.