Riding a motorcycle can be an exciting and liberating experience, especially in St. Louis. However, motorcyclists do face higher risks on the road compared to other vehicles. Suppose you ride a motorcycle in St. Louis or the surrounding areas and get into an accident. In that case, speaking with motorcycle accident lawyers in St. Louis can get you excellent guidance tailored to your situation.
Statistics show that per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are over 25 times more likely to be killed in a crash compared to people in passenger cars. That’s why all riders need to take proper precautions to avoid accidents.
If you ride a motorcycle in St. Louis or the surrounding areas, here are six key defensive riding tips to help you steer clear of crashes:
- Practice Defensive Riding: The chances of a motorcycle accident increase when the rider engages in speeding or reckless riding. Sticking to speed limits and road rules will greatly lower the chances of a motorcycle accident.
- Understand Common Accident Causes: According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the common causes of motorcycle crashes include speeding, improper turning, distracted driving, and driving under the influence. Being aware of these common errors and riding defensively with them in mind is key. Always limit distractions, never ride impaired, and observe intersections.
- Enroll in a Motorcycle Safety Course: A hands-on safety training course teaches critical skills from hazard avoidance to emergency braking. Riders who complete motorcycle safety courses have a 50% lower chance of getting into an accident. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers beginner and advanced classes in Missouri.
- Check Your Bike Before Each Ride: Do a quick inspection, checking essential components like tires, lights, oil, and chains before hitting the road. Catching minor issues early on can prevent accidents and mechanical failures while riding. Always keep your motorcycle well-maintained.
- Be Aware of Risks and Hazards: Make a habit of scanning for hazards like potholes, debris, blind spots, and dangerously merging vehicles. Motorcyclists must ride extra defensively, watching farther ahead, checking mirrors often, and assuming other drivers won’t see them. Make sure your focus is only on riding and avoid risks like distracted or impaired driving altogether.
- Check the Weather: The weather has a role to play in some motorcycle accidents. Riding at normal speeds on wet roads is a recipe for disaster. Additionally, riding in fog can make it hard to spot other vehicles or hazards on the road. Make sure to check the weather before heading out and make the necessary arrangements.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in St. Louis
Even the most safety-conscious riders can end up in accidents due to no fault of theirs. If you do end up in an accident on the streets of St. Louis, it is critical to follow key steps immediately.
- Seek medical attention must be the priority immediately after an accident.
- Contact the police to file an official report documenting the accident
- Gather evidence like photos of the damage, witness statements, contact/insurance details, etc.
- Get in touch with experienced St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyers for guidance on legal rights and options
- Follow the doctor’s orders closely during recovery
- Notify insurance providers and track all expenses incurred
- Hire a lawyer to get help recovering damages in cases where the other parties were at fault
Following key safety precautions, inspecting your bike regularly, and understanding the common causes of accidents can help riders stay accident-free on St. Louis roads. However, sometimes accidents happen even when taking proper precautions. If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, experienced St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyers are there to help.