Tampa lawyer auto accident checklist

Motorcycles can be fun to drive. And because of fuel costs have been going up, they are also increasingly popular as a way to save money on gas.  But unfortunately, most Tampa auto accident lawyers can share with you numerous stories involving the tragic consequences of motorcycle accidents. Tampa motorcycle accident law firms, because of the increasing popularity of motorcycles, have seen a significant increase in the number of Tampa motorcycle accident clients.  In 2008, over 5000 people lost their lives as a result of motorcycle accidents. That total is higher than in any other year since the federal government began collecting such data back in 1975.  It is important that you use every precaution and take advantage of every tip in order to reduce the chances that you will be involved in a Tampa motorcycle accident.

The following list provides useful ways to prevent Tampa motorcycle accidents:

-Buy a motorcycle with antilock brakes. The insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s March 31, 2010, news release states that motorcycles with antilock brakes are 7% less likely to be involved in fatal collisions than those without. In addition, motorcycles with antilock brakes file 22% fewer damage claims per insured vehicle then the same models with antilock brakes. Obviously from these statistics, you can see that antilock brakes make a huge difference in motorcycle safety.  So when you are purchasing your next motorcycle, make sure that you make having antilock brakes a priority if you want to help yourself avoid injuries from a Tampa motorcycle accident. At www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr033110.html you’ll find a list of 2010 motorcycle models that feature anti-lock brakes as a standard or optional feature.  And if your current motorcycle doesn’t have anti-lock brakes, you might consider adding the feature. 

-Wear the best and safest motorcycle helmet that you can afford. If you are renting a motorcycle, consider borrowing a helmet as often the rental company will not provide you the very best equipment because the better equipment is generally more expensive.  You should realize that head injuries account for the largest number of motorcycle accident fatalities. And just because you may not be required to wear a helmet in Tampa, it doesn’t mean that wearing a good quality helmet won't be the most important factor in saving your life if you’re involved in a Tampa motorcycle accident.

-Obtain proper training before applying for your motorcycle license and take courses regularly to refresh your motorcycle driving skills. Driving a motorcycle is very different than driving an automobile. Not only is there only two wheels rather than four, but because you're much smaller than the other vehicles around you it’s very easy for you not to be seen. Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers will often tell you that they hear from their clients that that is the primary reason that they were involved in a Tampa motorcycle accident, because the driver at fault did not see their motorcycles.  The more training you receive the more likely you will be able to avoid being involved in a Tampa motorcycle accident.
- Maintain regular maintenance of your motorcycle. It is important that you take your motorcycle in for regular tune ups and checkups so that any malfunctioning parts can be quickly fixed or replaced. Because motorcycles don't come with seatbelts and airbags, there's much less room for error.  A  motorcycle that malfunctions while driving it can cost you a lot more than the time and expense of making sure you’re your motorcycle is operating without any problems and with proper maintenance. So to help avoid Tampa motorcycle accidents you'll want to take your motorcycle to a reputable dealer or repair shop much more often than you might with a car that  you own.

-Do your research and thoroughly test drive a motorcycle before purchasing it.  There are a lot of different types of motorcycles and your decision about which to buy can make a huge difference in avoiding a Tampa motorcycle accident. Considerations include the size, the power of the motorcycle and style variations. You’ll want to make sure that the motorcycle feels comfortable to you. For example, driving a chopper is not for everybody. If you have a bad back, for example, a chopper may not be appropriate for you.  If driving the chopper causes you back pain, you’re likely to be distracted because of back pain and that can cause you to get into a motorcycle accident unnecessarily.   And if you have limited experience on a motorcycle, then purchasing a ninja or other very fast motorcycle may not be appropriate.  You may have a tendency on these high powered bikes to speed.  If you combine speed with limited experience you are much more likely to get into a Tampa motorcycle accident that otherwise could be avoided. Too many people realize that the motorcycle they purchased is not a good fit for them only after they drive off the lot.  That’s a problem since by that time the new motorcyclist can’t return the motorcycle generally without losing money.  This may cause them to continue driving the motorcycle knowing that it’s not the right motorcycle for them.  This type of short sighted thinking can lead to your being involved in a Tampa motorcycle accident.  This type of problem could be avoided if you’ll just do your research so that you know exactly the type of bike that is best for your skill level, size, temperament, etc.

-Never add more passengers than allowed for your particular model of motorcycle.

- Wear the very best protective gear you can afford when driving your motorcycle.  Tampa motorcycle accidents can cause significant injuries to your bones and other body parts, but a lot of problems also result from motorcycle skin rashes and burns.  These medical conditions can be very difficult to heal and can lead to difficult to treat infections.  These problems can be avoided if you wear good protective gear.

- Do not drive your motorcycle while drinking or taking prescription medication. This may seem obvious, but it's easy to forget this rule [and the law] especially as you become more familiar with motorcycle riding. Many motorcyclists like to travel in groups and it isn’t easy for one member of the group to turn down drinks when everyone else is ordering. Have the courage to say no thanks.  It is very important that you remain as alert as possible while driving your motorcycle if you hope to avoid being involved in Tampa motorcycle accidents. And of course, combining drinking and medications can seriously impair your coordination and reaction times.

-Don't drive a motorcycle beyond your own skill levels. If you're riding in a group that is more skillful than yourself, find a different group. Many Tampa motorcycle accidents result from motorcyclists continuing to drive even when weather conditions  are difficult to manage. They also happen when people are driving in motorcycle groups and the group is going faster than the skill level of a particular individual.  If you have concerns about the weather conditions or the speed that you’re traveling, it’s a sign that you should stop driving your motorcycle or you should slow down.  Don’t let your being in the group push you past your comfort zone.  Tampa injury law firms are very familiar with what happens when motorcyclists drive beyond  their comfort zone: motorcycle accidents.

-Don't speed or weave your motorcycle in between vehicles.

-Never tailgate other autos on the road, or even other motorcyclists.

-Slow down during a Tampa rainstorm. It might even be better to pull off until the weather passes. The Tampa area is notorious for its rainfalls and lightening storms, especially in the summer. Motorcyclists are particularly prone to hydroplaning since they have less surface space with their two wheels than a vehicle that has four. As a result, they have less traction than larger vehicles.  Less traction means less control.

-Be careful how you customize your motorcycle. Motorcyclists love to customize their bikes with all sorts of gadgets and pipes and chrome. It's important to know these aftermarket changes can compromise the safety and maneuverability of your motorcycle. If you wish to avoid Tampa motorcycle accidents you should stay aware of how aftermarket changes can impede your safe driving and choose your chrome, pipes and other accessories accordingly.

If you keep in mind all of these suggestions, you will be driving your motorcycle more safely on the road and have a better chance of avoiding a catastrophic Tampa motorcycle accident. If you have any questions about the recommendations made in this article, please feel free to contact one of our Tampa motorcycle accident attorneys who would be glad to speak with you. Our firm is dedicated to helping both Tampa auto accident and motorcycle accident victims.