For motorcycle enthusiasts, not much ranks higher in life than a cruise down the open road with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents can be utterly devastating, so it’s important to always stay on your toes and take precautions. Here are a few recommendations for avoiding bad situations that could lead to a motorcycle accident.
Attend a Quality Motorcycle Safety Program
In Arizona, you have to have a special motorcycle endorsement in order to drive a motorcycle, and in order to get that license, you need to take a motorcycle safety program. Other drivers can be careless or might not always notice motorcycles on the road, inadvertently putting you in danger. There are many fast track programs available to help you get your motorcycle endorsement sooner, but take the time to attend a quality program that will teach you valuable skills for keeping yourself safe on the road.
Wear a Helmet
In Arizona only minors are required to wear a helmet, whether they are driving the motorcycle or just riding along, but every adult should consider wearing one. In a motorcycle accident you will likely be thrown, possibly at high speeds, and a helmet will protect your head from potentially life-changing (or worse) injuries.
Shield Yourself From Harm
Arizona laws require a motorcycle operator to wear eye protection if there is no windshield on their bike. This could be goggles or protective glasses, or it could be a helmet with a transparent face shield. If you think about how often flying rocks take chips out of car windshields, it’s easy to see why this precaution is reasonable and necessary. No one wants to be blinded by a flying rock at highway speeds. Perhaps even more importantly, it could be a catalyst for an even more serious accident involving other drivers.
Pay Attention to Lane Laws
Arizona has very specific rules regarding how motorcycles can travel in lanes. For instance, lane sharing is allowed, but only two motorcycles may ride next to one another in a lane. Even though motorcycles aren’t as wide as cars, it’s important to leave room around each bike so that they don’t inadvertently collide with one another. Also, note that Arizona does allow limite lane splitting when traffic is stopped.where a motorcycle travels down the lines between the lanes to pass cars in both lanes.
Carry the Right Amount of Insurance Coverage
To drive a motorcycle on Arizona roads, you are required to carry liability insurance with a minimum of $25,000 per person or $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. However, it’s important to note that the state requirements may not be enough in the event of a serious accident. Even if it’s not your fault, the driver at fault may not carry enough insurance coverage either. To ensure you’re fully protected, all motorcyclists should consider carrying uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on their motorcycle or, if you have a vehicle it may be more cost efficient to carry these coverages on your vehicle which is portable to protect you on your motorcycle.
Sometimes, despite all of your best efforts, the worst happens. If you or a loved one have been in a motorcycle accident, you should know that the clock is already ticking. Arizona only gives you two years from the date of the accident (or the date of the death, if the accident resulted in your loved one passing away) to take your case to court, so it’s vital not to waste time. In certain circumstances if a government agency is at fault there is a 180 day notice requirement and one year limitation. Call Simon Law Group today for a free consultation with a lawyer who rides and understands the unique circumstances of motorcycling.
