TerjemahanMotorcycling may be an activity you greatly enjoy and Houston’s weather means you have plenty of time to spend on your motorcycle.
However, riding your motorcycle on Houston’s busy roads can sometimes make you nervous and worried about an accident. You probably know that the size of your motorcycle compared to cars and trucks means that you will likely be the one most seriously injured in an accident.
Here are several safety tips that can help you stay safe on your motorcycle.
Wear a helmet
Always wear a helmet, preferably a full-face helmet. Texas law requires helmets for all riders under the age of 21, riders with no medical insurance or riders who have not completed a motorcycle safety course.
Although you might be legally allowed to ride helmet-free, doing so increases your chance of being seriously injured in an accident.
Along with a helmet, wear other protective gear, such as boots that cover your ankles, long pants and gloves.
Maintain your bike
Keep your motorcycle in good condition. Perform regular maintenance checks and never take it out on the road if you believe something is off with it.
When you are out on the road, remember that you are essentially invisible to other divers. Drivers are not used to looking for motorcycles on the road and many motorcycle accidents occur because the driver simply did not see the motorcyclist, especially if they were in the driver’s blind spot.
Stay alert when driving and assume other drivers cannot see you. Do not drive drowsy and never get on your bike while intoxicated.
Avoid aggressive drivers
Sometimes drivers become annoyed with motorcyclists, believing that they do not have the same rights to the road. Avoid aggressive drivers and do not engage in reckless behavior in response to an aggressive driver.
Pay attention to weather conditions. Even a minor change in the weather can create dangerous conditions for motorcyclists. Rain and snow can develop quickly and turn roads hazardous.
Be flexible and willing to change your plans if the weather turns bad. Do not take your bike out or plan an alternate route.
Texas negligence laws
No matter how safe you are, you could find yourself the victim of a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver. It is important that you treat your injuries and see a doctor immediately after an accident even if you believe you are not seriously injured.
Some motorcycle accident injuries do not appear until much later after the accident, such as traumatic brain injuries or back injuries.
Additionally, if you file a personal injury claim against the driver, they could defend themselves by claiming you were negligent. Texas law compares the percentage of negligence of each party in an accident and awards compensation based on these percentages.
Therefore, if you are found to be 50% negligent, your compensation would be reduced to 50% of what you asked for. Always following these safety tips can help reduce your chance of being found negligent and allow you to hold the other party responsible.
