Motorcycle Safety

An attorney helping injured motorcyclists

Motorcycles are a way for riders in the Fort Worth area to enjoy the open road. Weather permitting, motorcyclists take to the roads, highways and city streets for a fun day of riding. However, one negligent move can result in a devastating motorcycle accident.

Crashes involving motorcycles can cause catastrophic injuries. In the event of a crash, you need an experienced Fort Worth motorcycle accident attorney on your side. Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law knows that motorcyclists usually take safe and responsible precautions, despite all the negative biases. We are dedicated to helping injured motorcyclists seek justice.

Safety precautions for motorcyclists

There are several precautions you can take before riding a motorcycle. These tips can reduce the likelihood of being involved in a crash and save your life. They include:

• Motorcycle suitability: Always make sure the motorcycle you use is the right size. You should have no problem resting your feet flat on the ground, getting on and off, and reaching the handlebars. If the basic procedures of operating a motorcycle are too challenging, then the bike may not be the right size or weight for you. Riding a motorcycle that lacks suitability can increase your chances of a crash.
• Fix defects: Before taking your motorcycle on the road, always make sure your brakes are working properly. Tires should be in good condition and fully inflated without any worn-out spots. A poorly maintained motorcycle is too dangerous to ride.
• Gain riding skills: Before operating a motorcycle, always ensure that you have an adequate level of training and practice. If you’re inexperienced in performing a certain maneuver, don’t attempt it. Learn a new skill and practice in a safe area.
• Pay attention: Always keep your eyes on the road in front of you and check your mirrors when riding on multi-lane roadways. Any distractions that take your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can greatly increase your chances of being involved in a crash. You should also do your best to keep a safe distance between yourself and motor vehicle drivers.
• Wear protective gear: Always wear a helmet, protective eye gear, leather jacket, gloves and boots to prevent any serious injuries from occurring in the event of an accident. Wearing protective gear may not guarantee that you won’t be injured in a motorcycle crash, but it will lessen the severity of an injury and potentially save your life.
• Drive alert: Stay awake and alert. If you start to feel drowsy, don’t get on a motorcycle. Drowsy riding accidents can be very dangerous, as they tend to happen at full speed.
• Avoid aggressive riding or speeding: Speeding and aggressive riding are always dangerous, no matter how skilled you are. All it takes is one wrong move to cause a catastrophic accident. At high speeds, motorcycle crashes can be deadly.
• Don’t drive impaired: If you’ve been drinking, don’t even think about getting on a motorcycle. Driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol not only clouds your judgement but also hinders your ability to control your motorcycle and react to avoid a crash.

What you can do if you’ve been injured

While taking safety precautions when riding a motorcycle reduces your risk of an accident, it doesn’t eliminate it altogether. Passenger vehicle drivers don’t always act responsibly. They may drive impaired, distracted or aggressive. They may not even see your motorcycle, and with one wrong move, their negligent actions can result in your crash.

But holding negligent drivers accountable can be complicated. These drivers often deny doing anything wrong and refuse to accept responsibility for what happened. They may even blame you for causing the collision.

Insurance companies will try to pay you as little as possible. They still think that motorcyclists are somehow irresponsible and reckless. They’ll question the seriousness of your injuries or even try to argue that they were pre-existing. Or they’ll make you a settlement offer – one that falls far short of covering the damages you suffered.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident because of someone else’s negligence, you need an attorney who will fight to maximize your compensation. With more than three decades of experience and legal knowledge, Coby L. Wooten will work to hold the driver, and his or her insurance company, accountable for your injury.

It costs nothing to talk to us and there’s no obligation. We just want you to have the information you need to decide what to do next. If we do represent you, there are still no up-front costs. We don’t get paid unless we recover compensation for you. You can expect an attorney to personally handle every aspect of your case. We don’t use case managers here.

Don’t let the medical bills, loss of wages and suffering wreak havoc on your life. Contact Wooten today for a free case evaluation, or simply call our Fort Worth office at 817-632-8400.