You Won’t Believe the Number of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in the U.S. – Facts from an Omaha Personal-Injury Lawyer
Riding a motorcycle may be a thrilling way to commute, but it comes with certain risks. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motorcycles are less stable and less visible, making them particularly vulnerable to crashes. In fact, more than 4,000 motorcyclists died in 2013 alone.
The majority of these accidents involved driver error. If you were injured due to another motorist’s negligence, then you may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical expenses and other damages.
If your crash happened in Nebraska, then contact Rensch & Rensch Law. An Omaha motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm can evaluate your case to determine if filing a lawsuit would be in your best interests. Call us today at 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a consultation.
Although nobody can control the actions of negligent motorists, there are steps that bikers can take to avoid accidents. Read on to learn four of them:
- Practice Your Braking
According to RideApart.com, brakes are the most powerful safety components on your motorcycle, but it takes practice to use them correctly. You should take time to practice braking in a safe environment – especially if you are a novice rider.
Find an empty parking lot and practice braking gently at low speeds. Brake until your front tire is about to lock up, or until the back tire lifts off the ground. Build up to maximum braking force at 15 miles per hour, and then slowly increase your speed.
If you are an experienced motorcyclist, you should still learn how to use your motorcycle’s maximum braking force. You never know when you might need to use it.
- Learn How to Overtake Properly
Overtaking is one of the most dangerous maneuvers you can make as a motorcyclist. VisorDown.com recommends that you approach cars with caution, and avoid riding too close behind them.
When you are ready to overtake the vehicle, move out laterally so you can see ahead. Only accelerate into the gap when you can see that it is safe to do so.
- Know When to Brake
If you are riding in town or on fast back-roads, keep one finger constantly on the brake lever. This will allow you to use the throttle and hold onto the bars, and it will also give you an advantage if you need to brake suddenly.
- Control Your Speed
If you are merging onto a busy highway, then control your speed to fit into a safe gap. Accelerate hard into that space. Once you are in the flow of traffic, slow down to match the speed of the vehicles around you.
If you were in a motorcycle accident in Nebraska, then contact Rensch & Rensch Law. An Omaha personal-injury lawyer can evaluate your crash, talk to witnesses, structure your claim and handle settlement negotiations. Call us today at 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a consultation.
