Arkansas Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

To minimize the risk of getting into a serious accident and suffering injury, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself. That’s why our team at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton has compiled the top safety tips for motorcyclists, both before you start riding and while you’re out on the road.

1. Be Prepared
2. Follow Traffic Rules
3. Ride Defensively
4. Be Alert
5. Stay in Your Comfort Zone
6. Know How to Drive in Inclement Weather
7. Know How to Ride in a Group
8. Understand What to Do if You’ve Been in an Accident

When it comes to motorcycle safety, wearing the right gear can change your life. Be sure you purchase bright and reflective clothing that can help you stand out on the road or in traffic. While black may look cool, it can make it even more difficult for drivers to notice bikers, increasing the chance of serious accidents. It may seem simple, but high visibility clothing and reflective tape can help save your life.

Before hitting the open road, be sure you’re dressed in the appropriate safety gear, including:

Motorcyclists should follow traffic rules, even if they seem mundane. Traffic laws are there to protect motorcyclists and others who share the road. Even if you’re in a hurry, follow the rules of the road in order to avoid serious and fatal accidents. Some of those rules include:

• Follow all posted speed limit signs
• Wear DOT-approved helmets if under the age of 18
• All riders must wear appropriate eye protection
• Lane-splitting is not allowed in Arkansas, even in traffic
• Lane sharing is allowed – only two bikers per lane
• All motorcyclists must have a motorcycle license endorsement
• All motorcyclists are required to carry liability insurance – minimums 15/30/10

Defensive riding is a strategy that allows the motorcyclist to remain in control while riding. Riding defensively means constantly observing, anticipating, and planning ahead. It means always being on the lookout for what other drivers might do so that you can stay one step ahead of them and avoid serious or even fatal injuries. Defensive riding focuses on three main areas:

• Observing – Defensive riding requires motorcyclists to stay alert and constantly observe what is going on around them. This means vigilantly checking mirrors and being aware of the drivers around you as well as your changing surroundings.
• Anticipating – While you’re busy making observations, you should also identify potential hazards and dangers that could pose a serious threat to you on the road. This could be a car that’s inching forward at an intersection or a texting driver next to you.
• Planning – Once you’ve identified the hazard, defensive riding teaches you how to put yourself in a better position to avoid an accident. This might mean changing lanes, slowing down through an intersection, or giving yourself more time to stop suddenly.

Motorcycle riding is exhilarating but also dangerous. Motorcycle riders need to ride within their comfort zones. If you’re not comfortable with something, don’t do it. Trust your gut and only ride on certain roads or under certain conditions when you’re ready. If corners or tight turns make you nervous, for example, respect that fear and reduce your speed. Going around corners or turns at a lower speed will give you more control and help you remain calm throughout.

One of the best ways to be comfortable on your bike is to make sure that your bike is the right size and weight for you. When purchasing your first bike, visit numerous dealers to get a feel for different sizes and models. If it feels too big or too heavy, it probably is. You’ll want to choose a bike that is the right height, weight, and engine size for your body and your riding experience.

• The Right Weight – You need to get a feel for the weight distribution from side to side. A good fit should allow you to control the bike with ease. This might mean choosing a bike that is lighter so you can control the bike when it begins to lean over.
• The Right Height – The right bike will also allow you to sit on the seat and still have both feet flat on the ground. Additionally, check to see how far from the seat your foot and hand controls are. Are you overreaching?
• The Right Engine Size – If you are a beginner, choose a lower powered engine because these are easier to control for less experienced riders.

Riding in bad weather can be risky for motorcyclists. Whenever possible, motorcyclists should avoid riding in poor weather. However, there are times when you may have no choice. Maybe a sudden rainstorm occurs while you’re already out on the open road or the wind picks up along a stretch of highway when you least expected it. When you’re forced to ride in bad weather, heighten your sense of awareness and follow these tips:

1. Wear a full-face helmet to improve vision
2. Go slower than the speed limit
3. Double the distance between yourself and other vehicles
4. Avoid road paint — it gets slick when wet
5. Ride staggered in bad weather
6. Don’t ride through puddles
7. Avoid shiny-looking surfaces, as they could be ice or an oil slick
8. Remain calm

Sometimes, even when you take all the necessary safety precautions, make all the necessary safety checks, and ride defensively and safely, accidents still occur. This is because the vast majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers who simply fail to recognize the motorcyclist on the road. They may turn left into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist, open a car door into their lane, or change lanes into their path.

An experienced and compassionate motorcycle accident lawyer can help you obtain the money you need to put your life back together again. You are entitled to financial compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. This includes medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earnings, bike repair costs, and pain and suffering.