A motorcycle can be the perfect way to explore all the beauty Port St. Lucie, FL, has to offer. But as much fun as riding around town can be, being on a motorcycle comes with some risk. In 2021, more than 500 motorcyclists died on Florida’s roads.
The good news is that there are some things you can do to make your motorcycle riding experience safer. If you were in an accident, our Port St. Lucie motorcycle accident lawyers at Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact us online or call us at (772) 247-3374 today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. Read on to discover our top Port St. Lucie, Florida motorcycle safety tips.
How Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Port St. Lucie
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Port St. Lucie, our lawyers want to help. Our attorneys have more than four decades of experience fighting for Florida residents, and we’ve recovered more than $60 million for our clients. We’ll fight for your rights and make sure you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
When you hire Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart, we’ll work tirelessly to get justice in your case. We may
- Investigate your claim to make sure it’s viable
- Gather evidence in your case, including pulling police reports and medical records
- Talk to witnesses, including expert witnesses who can support your case
- Meticulously calculate every dollar you’re owed
- Negotiate with insurance companies to get you a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit if that’s what it takes to get you the money you deserve
From sending demand letters to defending you in court, our lawyers will fight for your rights. Schedule a free consultation with us today to discuss your case.
Here are some tips to keep you safe while you are riding your motorcycle.
Check the Weather
Rain, snow, and ice can be unpleasant enough to drive in, let alone ride a motorcycle through. But beyond being unpleasant, riding in bad weather can be dangerous. Friction and visibility are reduced, and cars may have a hard time seeing you in time to get stopped before they hit you.
It’s a good idea to always check the weather in Port St. Lucie before you go out for a ride. If it’s supposed to rain or snow, try to avoid riding until the weather clears up.
And if you do have to ride in bad weather, make sure to use extra caution and (as we’ll discuss more later) take extra steps to increase your visibility.
Gear Up
One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself when riding a motorcycle is to wear a helmet. If you’re involved in a motorcycle crash, your helmet can protect you from a traumatic brain injury or even from death. Always wear a helmet that’s DOT-approved and that fits you well.
There are also a few other pieces of gear that can protect you out on the roads of Port St. Lucie.
Goggles will protect your eyes from flying debris on the road, and gloves will keep your hands from getting cut. It’s also best to wear boots that cover your ankles and enough layers to keep you warm and protect you in the event of a crash.
Check Your Bike
Each time before you take your motorcycle out on the road, it’s a good idea to give it a once-over. Even small problems can turn into disastrous injuries if they cause a crash. And with no car frame to protect you, margins for error are much smaller when you’re riding a motorcycle.
Check to make sure your headlights and taillights are both working, and ensure your turn signals are functioning properly.
Give your brakes, oil levels, handlebars, and horns a once-over to make sure they look good.
And, of course, always make sure you have enough fuel and your tires are inflated before you head out.
Follow Traffic Rules
Although most of us tend to take them more as suggestions, traffic rules are there to keep road users safe. From speed limits to passing rules, these regulations can help to prevent a crash.
It’s important to follow the Port St. Lucie traffic rules – especially the speed limit – when riding your motorcycle.
About a third of all motorcycle deaths involve speeding. Make sure you always stick to the speed limit, and slow down a little more when you’re riding in bad weather.
Always make sure to follow stop signs and red lights, and use your turn signals, especially when you’re changing lanes.
Prioritize Visibility
One of the biggest risks for motorcyclists is that other drivers on the road may not see you. It’s easier for motorcycles to get lost in blind spots or to blend in with the scenery at night.
Improving your visibility can help you avoid collisions with cars.
Always make sure your headlights and taillights are working, and keep them on even during the day. Try to stay out of cars’ blind spots, and always use your turn signals, especially when you’re changing lanes. Also try to wear brightly colored or reflective clothing, especially when you’re riding at night.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled
As important as it is to make yourself visible to other cars, it’s also good to practice defensive driving as a motorcyclist. You need to keep an eye out for danger and watch what the cars around you are doing. Always have an exit strategy planned if a car veers toward you.
It’s also important to look for other risks on the road, such as sand, gravel, or debris in the road.
Make sure to stop at railroad crossings to check for trains, and drive over the track at the appropriate angle.
Avoid bumps and potholes when possible, and watch for anything else that could throw you off balance or cause you to lose traction.
Take a Safety Course
It will come as no surprise that one of the best things you can do to stay safe on the roads of Port St. Lucie is to take a motorcycle safety course. A safety course can help you brush up on the road rules that will protect you from a crash. It can also teach you what you should do if you do find yourself in a dangerous situation.
You can also take an advanced riding course to learn even more collision avoidance maneuvers. You’ll get practice maneuvering around tight turns, practicing precision braking, and gaining better control of your motorcycle.
This muscle memory can come in handy if you find yourself in a dangerous situation.
Seek Qualified Legal Representation After a Crash
Riding a motorcycle can be risky, but with the right safety precautions, you can help to avoid a crash. Always check the weather and give your bike a quick once-over before you head out on the road. Wear a helmet, follow the appropriate traffic rules, and make yourself as visible as possible to other drivers.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Port St. Lucie, you need a personal injury lawyer on your side. Our attorneys will stand up to the insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with us today to start getting the representation you deserve.
