Are you ready for motorcycle season?

Posted by David A. Weyrens | Mar 03, 2017 | 0 Comments

Although it's only February, it looks like spring is coming early this year. You can tell because the birds are coming back, mushrooms are popping up as quickly as the ground can thaw, and motorcycles are again sharing the roads.

If you're looking forward to getting your bike out of storage and hitting the streets in the upcoming weeks, you should take a few moments to ensure you're ready and safe. Often, when you're driving a motorcycle, the biggest risks come from other drivers. If you suffered injuries in an accident caused by a car driver, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Spring maintenance is important to biking safety

Since you haven't been on your motorcycle in a few months, it could use a little extra care to get it into running condition. Fluids need changing. Bearings need greasing and lubrication. You should also change any filters that weren't changed before storing the motorcycle. Any rust spots should be addresses as soon as possible.

If you aren't particularly mechanically included, you should take your bike into your trusted small engine mechanic for an inspection and tune-up. The better you maintain your motorcycle, the lower the risk of a mechanical issue causing a serious accident while you're driving.

Take it slow at first

After months of driving larger vehicles, you may be yearning for the feel of the cold spring air rushing around your helmet. Unfortunately, your skills may be a little rusty. Instead of starting out with a long drive or a trip on the interstate, you should start slow to refamiliarize yourself with safe handling of your motorcycle. Consider cruising slowly around your block or taking your bike for a slow drive around a nearby parking lot. Doing that will help ensure that you are handling your motorcycle as well as possible when you hit the streets.

Last year there were 16 motorcycle fatalities in Maine. Taking it slow and getting comfortable with your bike is a good way to reduce your risk of becoming a statistic. Of course, you can't prevent the negligent or dangerous driving of another person. If you've suffered injuries in amotorcycle accident caused by the driver of a larger vehicle, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

An attorney can help you after an accident

There is a cultural bias against people who drive motorcycles. Other citizens and even law enforcement may believe that you, as a motorcycle driver, are less responsible or more inclined to rash decision making than you actually are. As a result, a car driver who causes an accident with you may not be held accountable. Working with an attorney is the best way to ensure your rights and future are protected after an accident caused by a negligent driver.

About the Author

David A. Weyrens

David Weyrens is a trial attorney whose practice is devoted to litigation of both criminal and civil matters. In the civil arena, David has a robust practice in the area of personal injury law - helping those i...

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