If you ride a motorcycle, a motorcycle accident is the one thing that can most likely have an immediate and dramatic affect on your quality of life. Many people who ride don’t give it much thought, but you should. Know the facts in case you are put in a position of having to make a motorcycle accident claim.

Motorcycle accidents can vary in their nature and causes. Here are some common types of motorcycle accidents:

1. Single-Vehicle Accidents: These occur when a motorcycle crashes without any involvement from another vehicle. Factors such as slippery roads, debris, or rider error may contribute.
2. Car-Motorcycle Collisions: This is one of the most common types of accidents involving motorcycles. It often happens when a car fails to see the motorcycle or misjudges its speed.
3. Lane Splitting Accidents: Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rides between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. Accidents can happen if drivers are not aware of the motorcyclist or if the rider misjudges the space available.
4. Left-Turn Accidents: These occur when a motorcyclist is hit by a car making a left turn. The car may not see the motorcycle or misjudge its speed.
5. Intersection Accidents: Accidents at intersections can happen when a motorcycle is hit by a vehicle running a red light or stop sign.
6. Rear-End Collisions: Just like cars, motorcycles can be rear-ended by other vehicles. This can result from a driver not paying attention or following too closely.
7. Collisions with Fixed Objects: Motorcycles can crash into fixed objects such as guardrails, poles, or trees, often due to loss of control or excessive speed.
8. Road Hazards: Uneven road surfaces, potholes, gravel, or other road hazards can lead to motorcycle accidents. These can cause a rider to lose control.
9. Distracted Riding: Just as with drivers of other vehicles, distracted riding can lead to accidents. Using a phone or being otherwise distracted can impair a rider’s ability to react.
10. Impaired Riding: Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly increases the risk of accidents.

It’s important for motorcyclists to be aware of these potential risks and practice safe riding habits. Additionally, drivers of other vehicles should be attentive and share the road responsibly with motorcyclists.

You May Be One Of The Lucky Ones

Although your chances of having a motorcycle mishap statistically aren’t that great, they do happen. Injuries can happen from:

• Doing hotdog tricks to show off. Remember the rookie NFL player a few years back who blew out his knee just before the start of the football season doing crazy things on his bike? You have to be a very good rider to do any tricks without getting hurt and even professional stunt riders get hurt.
• Poor maintenance of the bike. You could blow a tire, or have mechanical problems from lack of maintenance that causes an accident.
• Lack of operator training. Many new riders find themselves in situations of their own making that they don’t know how to get out of because of lack of experience. Learn how to operate that powerful machine that you ride or it might kill you.
• Not having the proper protective gear such as helmet, gloves or other protective gear. Don’t skimp on protection.
• Malfunctions or design defects of the motorcycle. This is one that you can’t do much about. Just buy a bike that has been proven over a period of time.

Of all these things that can cause a crash, lack of driver skill is probably the most likely and deadly one. If you are new to riding, invest in yourself and get training.

Who Are You Up Against In A Motorcycle Accident Claim?

If the accident was not your fault, you will be dealing with the insurance company of the person that was at fault for the mishap. The insurance carriers have staff lawyers that negotiate these types of settlements every day. You will want to be protected and represented by someone who:

• Knows the personal injury law, especially as it pertains to motorcycle accidents.
• Knows the dollar value of your injuries, which could include rehabilitation costs and loss of income due to time off work to rehabilitate. Plus the obvious cost of putting your bile back into tip-top condition.
• Is not intimidated by the corporate lawyers and can negotiate toe-to-toe with them and do well.
• Someone who has been through this type of thing successfully before.

These qualities describe many successful personal injury attorneys. There are even personal injury law firms that specialize in just motorcycle accidents. Many of them ride themselves and know the dangers and rewards of riding. If you are put in a position through fate of being involved in a bike mishap, get professional representation  at Slepkow Law to help with your Rhode Island motorcycle accident lawsuit.