7 Ways to Look Out for Bikers During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May

Lever & Ecker, PLLC April 24, 2023 Personal injury

Whether you drive a car, truck, or other motor vehicle, you hold a duty of care to operate your vehicle in a reasonably safe manner to protect yourself and others. Motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable groups of motorists on the roads due to the lack of protection that motorcycles provide them in the event of an accident.

Lever & Ecker, PLLC, has over 65 years of combined experience working with clients injured in motorcycle accidents in New York. We have seen first-hand the losses that motorcycle accidents can cause. That is why we are dedicated to providing useful tips to help other drivers be aware and avoid causing motorcycle accidents during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month all year long.

7 Safety Tips for Drivers to Help Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is an opportunity for all motorists to learn tips for sharing the road more safely with bikers. Motorcycle accidents are often caused by driver negligence, and while it may not always be the fault of the other driver, there are many cases where an accident could have been prevented if they had been looking out for bikers sharing the roadways with them. Some of the top ways that drivers can help look out for bikers and prevent motorcycle accidents include:

• Be alert when driving: It is essential to be alert whenever you are behind the wheel, but especially to ensure you are aware of any motorcycles around you on the road.
• Be extra careful when making left turns: With any turns, be aware of bikers on the road and how fast they are going if you are turning. Left turns can be particularly dangerous due to blind spots, so it is imperative that you check them before completing the turn.
• Beware of your blind spots: Because motorcycles are smaller than most other motor vehicles, they can be easy to miss in blind spots. Be sure to be diligent in checking blind spots before switching lanes.
• Dim your headlights at night: High beams can be more blinding for bikers, so it is essential to dim them when you pass them on the roads at night.
• Do not tailgate: Tailgating is one of the most common causes of rear-end accidents. These accidents can be especially dangerous for bikers as they are often thrown from their motorcycle as a result.
• Slow down when driving behind bikers: While you should never speed, drivers should take extra care to slow down when driving behind bikers to ensure that they have ample time to react if the biker makes a quick stop.
• Use turn signals: You should always use turn signals, but it is especially important so that bikers can clearly understand what lane you will be switching to or in what direction you will turn.

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important that you contact a personal injury lawyer to file a claim.

Can You Collect Damages After a Motorcycle Accident in New York?

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for damages when you file a personal injury claim. The damages you may be eligible to collect include:

• Pain and suffering (past and future)
• Emergency transportation fees
• Hospital and treatment bills
• Lost wages or income (past and future)
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses
• Prescription medication
• Other out-of-pocket expenses
• Short or long-term disability

For more information on what damages you may be entitled to, contact a New York motorcycle accident lawyer today.

Contact a Trusted Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in New York

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, our award-winning personal injury lawyers at Lever & Ecker, PLLC, can gather the evidence for your case and secure for you the compensation that you deserve. We have a 99% success rate and over 65 years of combined experience in New York representing motorcycle accident victims. We will develop a solid case and go to trial if necessary to recover the compensation you deserve.

Speak with one of our experienced legal representatives about your case by calling (914) 288-9191 or (718) 933-3632. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.