As thrilling and freeing as it may be, let’s face it: Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous. Especially in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, where road rage seems to be at an all-time high. As a motorcyclist, you probably are aware that bikes also offer great tools to avoid crashing — incredibly powerful brakes, obstruction-free vision, excellent handling and tires that “grip”. Here’s how to use those tools to avoid one of these common motorcycle accidents.
A Car Turns Left In Front Of You
This is the most common motorcycle accident. Either the automobile fails to see you or misjudges your speed, turning in front of you at an intersection. Avoid it by being extra alert. Look for signs that could indicate someone may turn in front of you; i.e. a car is at an intersection waiting to turn, there’s a gap in traffic near an intersection, driveway or parking lot. In either situation, slow down, cover your brakes and get ready to take evasive action.
You Hit Gravel In A Blind Corner
You’re out riding a thrilling, windy road when without warning, you round a corner to find a patch of sand/gravel/leaves/whatever in your path. You put your front tire in it and wipe out. Avoid it by not hitting it in the first place. It is important to ride at a pace where your reaction time and ability to take action fit within your range of vision.
You Entered A Corner Too Fast
And now you’re just not going to make it around. Avoid it by only riding as fast as you can see and using visual clues (like telephone polls and signs) to judge a road’s direction, even if that road is disappearing over a blind crest.
A Car Changes Lane Into You
You’re riding in traffic on the 101 or 405 when a car in another lane suddenly veers into you. Motorcycles can easily fit into blind spots so avoid this type of accident by being aware of where blind spots lie and avoiding them as often as possible. If you can see a driver’s eyes in their mirrors, then they have the ability to see you, too.
A Car Hits You From Behind
Also known as the “fender bender” in car accident lingo. You’re stopped at a stop sign or pedestrian walkway when the driver behind you doesn’t see you and plows into you at high speed. A fender bender can kill a motorcyclist. Avoid this type of accident by pulling in between a line of cars.
Motorcycle accidents in the San Fernando Valley are serious. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or motorcycle accident, contact experienced personal injury attorney Barry P. Goldberg to discuss your legal rights and potential for financial recovery.
