Avoid These Common Motorcycle Accident Hazards This Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer for most. This is the day when families get together over BBQs and spend most of the weekend outdoors. It is also the day when motorcycle owners pull their motorcycles out of storage and get ready for a fun-filled summer. Before you pull your motorcycle out of storage, make sure you know the risks.

Increased Risk of Motorcycle Accidents

Before you hit the road to enjoy the fresh air on your face, it is important to consider a few safety factors. Memorial Day presents a risk to drivers, especially motorcyclists for the following reasons:

Drinking and driving: A lot of Memorial Day celebrations involve drinking, which can lead to decreased awareness.
Driver inattention: On Memorial Day weekend, drivers have not yet gotten in the habit of looking for motorcyclists. Motorcyclists have also not been on their bikes in many months.
Driver fatigue: Drivers who have long distances to travel may be tired when driving, leading to fatigue accidents.

All drivers are at risk of these factors. However, motorcyclists are at risk of being in a more severe accident. Motorcycles don’t have the same safety precautions. Also, the lack of a cabin can mean that the motorcyclist is at risk of experiencing head or neck injuries following a motorcycle accident.

Be Preventative This Memorial Day Holiday

Even with the risks, you can enjoy an uneventful Memorial Day weekend while riding your motorcycle. Keeping a few safety precautions in mind can help you avoid the costly and painful consequences of being in an accident.

Before taking your motorcycle on the road, it is important to ensure that it is in good shape. You may need to schedule a maintenance appointment to ensure nothing rusted out over the winter. It can also be a good idea to take your motorcycle for a short ride in your own neighborhood before getting on the freeway. Check that your brakes and lights work, as well as any safety features.

It can also be helpful to keep these risks in mind. Avoid driving when tired and pay closer attention to drivers who may be under the influence. If the weather turns and rain is likely, choose a different method of transportation. If your own Memorial Day celebrations will include drinking, consider calling a rideshare.

How to Handle a Memorial Day Motorcycle Accident

Even with the most careful precautions, motorcycle accidents are always a possibility. While the first thing that you should always do following a motorcycle accident is to receive medical care, the next steps may be important to your legal case. You should always take note of any important details immediately following the motorcycle accident. This includes collecting photographs or contact information of any witnesses.

Work closely with your insurance company and know when to call a lawyer. A lawyer can help you navigate your legal case, especially when you are dealing with costly injuries.

Contact a Hudson County Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Motorcycle Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Birkhold & Maider, LLC represent clients injured because of a motorcycle accident in Hudson County, Essex County, Mercer County, Union County, and throughout New Jersey. Call (973) 947-4670 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 189 Franklin Avenue, Suite 1, Nutley, NJ 07110, as well as a satellite office in Hamilton, NJ.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.