Summer and Serious Motorcycle Accidents

For many people in Michigan, warm days and summer breezes mean motorcycle season. While the thrill of riding a motorcycle is exciting, it comes with additional risks. Motorcycles have fewer safety features than cars and are harder to see on the road, which makes for a dangerous combination. The smaller profile of a motorcycle is a significant factor in many motorcycle accidents. And because motorcyclists are exposed and minimally protected, accidents involving motorcycles have a higher chance of being fatal. Families who have suffered the loss of loved ones due to a motorcycle accident could benefit from discussing their situation with an experienced motorcycle accident injury lawyer. A successful lawsuit may result in monetary damages that will help families with end-of-life expenses and other financial losses.

Seasonal Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

There are various reasons summer is the most dangerous time for motorcycles. More people are out driving during the summer. School is out, meaning more young and inexperienced teen drivers are driving. Good weather and the opportunity for day trips also means more drivers driving in areas they may not be accustomed to.

Unfortunately, more drivers on the road does not mean more diligence.

As a motorcyclist, you deserve the same respect as any other vehicle. Unfortunately, many vehicles won’t give it to you, or drivers may not be used to looking out for motorcycles. And because of their smaller size, a motorcycle is easier to overlook than a car or a semi-truck.

In addition, many drivers have negative perceptions of motorcycle riders. Some believe motorcycles are more dangerous than cars. They put the responsibility for rider safety on the motorcyclist, even though the car has a greater chance of causing a catastrophic injury if a crash happens.

Protect Yourself from Motorcycle Accidents

Even though you cannot completely eliminate the risks associated with riding a motorcycle, there are things you can do to protect yourself from a serious motorcycle injury.

Wear Protective Gear

You should always wear appropriate protective gear, even on a hot summer day. Protective apparel should include:

• Helmet
• Jacket
• Pants
• Boots
• Gloves
• Elbow and knee pads
• Body armor
• Eye protection
• Hearing protection

Follow Traffic Laws

As a motorcyclist, set a good example. Follow all applicable traffic laws. Avoid lane-splitting and other dangerous behaviors. Unsafe riding makes it harder for other drivers to see you, which increases the risk of an accident.

Ride Defensively

When you ride, you should be aware of your surroundings and engage in defensive driving practices, just like you would in a car. Anticipate that other drivers may not see you and approach each situation with a plan. If the driver doesn’t see you, you won’t be caught off guard and can avoid an injury.

Common Motorcycle Injuries

Injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can be severe. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - even with a helmet, a motorcyclist can still suffer traumatic brain injuries in a crash
• Broken Bones - when a motorcyclist is thrown through the air and hits other objects, the rider can suffer multiple broken bones and fractures
• Neck, Back, and Spinal Cord Injuries - damage to the spine and spinal cord from the impact of a collision can result in whiplash, herniated discs, muscular injuries, or paralysis
• Facial Injuries - the rider’s head can strike the pavement resulting in severe facial injuries
• Road Rash - cuts and lacerations caused by sliding across pavement, dirt, gravel, and other road surfaces

Contact A Muth Law, P.C., Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in or around Ann Arbor, Michigan, you need the best motorcycle accident lawyer you can find. The motorcycle accident lawyers at Muth Law can help.

With over 40 years of experience helping people who were injured in motorcycle accidents, we know that a motorcycle accident can be devastating. While we cannot heal your injuries, we can seek compensation from the people responsible and take the burden off of your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most: your health and your family.

We handle motorcycle accident injuries on a contingency fee, which means you will never pay us a fee unless we recover money for you. Learn more about us, then contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case.

Muth Law proudly represents people in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and throughout Michigan.

Call 734-481-8800 anytime or email us at info@muthlawpc.com to schedule a free consultation.