Motorcycle Accidents

When you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you’re likely feeling scared and uncertain. How will you provide financial support for you and your family while recovering from extensive injuries? How will you afford to pay medical bills for injuries that may require long-term treatment? Will life ever be normal again?

At Kelley & Canterbury LLC, we understand what you’re feeling. Your motorcycle accident has probably shaken you enough, and you shouldn’t have to go through it alone. The insurance process can be a maze of confusion and paperwork—we’re here to help you through it so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.

We want to help Alaskans seek fair compensation for their personal injuries. That’s why we bring our entire team to work on your case. We’ll guide you through each step of the process, keep you informed of your options, and listen to your needs and goals.

Here at Kelley & Canterbury LLC, we’re more than just your attorneys; we’re your justice-seeking advocates and compassionate allies.

You focus on recovery. We’ll handle the rest.

A Dangerous Ride

It is understandable why folks ride; not only beautiful weather we have but cost savings on gas in this economy and the dip in oil prices. Most motorcyclists are very good drivers, particularly if they have taken course that drivers safety offers. Motorcycles are much less stable and much less visible than other automobiles, making them more dangerous to operate. Not only that, but motorcycles lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle.

It’s no surprise, therefore, that motorcycle accidents are more common than car accidents. In fact, the federal government estimates that per mile traveled in 2013, the number of deaths on motorcycles was over 26 times higher than the number of deaths in car accidents. This makes it all the more important to safely maintain and operate your motorcycle.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents and How to Avoid Them

A motorcycle ride can be enjoyable on Anchorage’s warmer days, but a relaxing ride around town can leave you or a loved one with severe injuries. This does not mean you should avoid operating your motorcycle. Rather, you should be aware of the risks and practice safe driving techniques. This list is not exhaustive, but it identifies some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents.

Cause: A car turns in front of you at an intersection

How to avoid it: Pay attention to what’s happening around you. They may not see you coming, but you should always make sure that you see them. In any situation, slow down, cover your brakes, and prepare to take evasive action. Should you need to take evasive action, identify your routes of escape.

Cause: You hit gravel in a blind corner

How to avoid it: Don’t hit it in the first place by riding at a pace that gives you enough reaction time to avoid unsuspected objects. “Slow in, fast out” is an effective rule to remember.

Cause: You enter a corner too fast

How to avoid it: Only ride as fast as you can see. Use visual cues like telephone poles and signs to judge where a road is going even if the road is disappearing behind a blind crest.

Cause: A car changes lanes into you

How to avoid it: Be aware of where blind spots lie and avoid them as much as possible. If you can see a driver’s eyes in their mirrors, they are able to see you too.

Cause: A car hits you from behind

How to avoid it: If a single car is stopped at a multi-lane stoplight with more cars approaching quickly behind you, wave nicely and pull in front of the car in front of you to avoid impact. You could also pull between a line of cars. In other situations, you could stop to the side rather than the center of a lane and rapidly flash your brake light so cars approaching behind you can see you.

Choosing Motorcycle Safety Gear

By wearing the proper clothing and safety gear while riding a motorcycle, you are decreasing your chances of death or serious injury should you be in an accident.

It is critical that you NEVER ride without a certified motorcycle helmet and eye protection. A certified helmet will have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) label. These helmets are 67 percent effective in preventing brain injury according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

In addition to a certified motorcycle helmet, always wear the right shoes, gloves, and clothing. This means the fabric should be thick and protective. Not only does this garb provide comfort against wind, rain, and other elements, but it may also be all there is between you and the pavement in a crash.

What Do You Do if You’ve Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?

You may have worn the appropriate safety gear. You may have followed all the best practices for motorcycle safety. But the reality is, accidents happen. And when they do, it’s best to be prepared. In the event that you are injured in an accident, the following steps should be taken:

1. Be sure that a report of the accident is filed by the police or proper authorities.
2. Get checked out by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Your health is the first priority, especially if your injuries are severe or life-threatening.
3. Make sure the injuries and incident are documented. This usually means taking photos and saving receipts of any medical expenses or out-of-pocket costs.
4. Cooperate with your own insurer to provide them with all the information they need. You do not want to forfeit any potential coverage for failing to cooperate.
5. Contact an experienced Anchorage motorcycle accident lawyer for assistance. We can help ensure that everything is documented and reported properly.

We’re Here For You

It is our sincere hope that you are never involved in a motorcycle accident. But if you are, we here at Kelley & Canterbury LLC are ready to help you get your life back on track. We’ll answer all of your questions about the personal injury process and get you the compensation you deserve so you can take time to focus on healing. Contact us today.