Your First Motorcycle Accident – Now What?!

No one is invincible, and odds are that you may one day find yourself red-faced and reeling after your first motorcycle accident. However, there is no reason to be too embarrassed, after all, it happens to the best of us. If you come out alive and in one piece, then you’ve already succeeded where many others have failed.

Next comes the “now what” part of handling a motorcycle accident. This part is simple if you follow this 7-step guide:

1. Remain calm. This is no time to pick a fight (even if you feel it’s called-for). Whether you’re a victim or at fault, freaking out will only make things worse.

2. Move the motorcycle (or pieces of motorcycle) to a safe area, such as the shoulder of the road.

3. Check to see if who is involved and if anyone is hurt. Immediately call 911 if somebody has been injured. Even seemingly minor aches and dizziness could be a sign of something more serious.

4. Call the police. This will provide an objective report to prove who, if anyone, is truly responsible for the crash. If the police can’t make it to the scene, then file an accident report through your state’s DMV.

5. Exchange Info. You will need to get all the information necessary to file a report with your insurance company. Likewise, the other driver will need to have all of your information for their insurance company. This includes:

  • Driver and passenger names

  • License plate numbers

  • Insurance info

  • Makes and models of all the vehicles involved

  • Contact info for any eyewitnesses

  • Location of the accident

  • Name and badge number of responding officers

6. Document the Scene. Snap some pictures with your phone or camera. They will come in handy during the claims process.

7. File your insurance claim.

 

Top Ten Tips for New Riders

So, you’ve fallen in love with the thrill of motorcycle riding and are ready to dive in. Well, before you begin riding around town on two wheels, there are a few essential tips all new riders should know. So, let us bring them to your attention here and now:

1. Take a motorcycle safety course. Not only will it make you a safer rider – and possibly prevent you from becoming road-ground hamburger meat – it could also make your insurance rates lower. Also, some dealerships offer motorcycle discounts when to take a safety class at their location.

2. Get the right gear. One of the first, and most-often repeated terms you will hear from motorcycle safety experts is wear All The Gear All The Time (ATGATT). Since two wheels are the only thing seperating you from the road, wearing the right equipment is extremely important. 3. Get some tough boots. Boots are shoes that are sturdy will provide better protection for you feet, as well as better balance and control.

4. Don’t get cocky. Never overestimate your skills, and never get overconfident. Riding within your skill level will prevent embarassing and possibly fatal rookie mistakes. If you want to push your limits, then consider taking a class at your local race track to learn the proper throttle, turning and stopping methods for expert riders.

5. Don’t tailgate. Motorcycles may have a shorter stopping distance than cars, however it is not as safe for motorcyclists to slam on the brakes during an emergency. Since they only have two wheels, and often don’t have antilock brakes, it’s easier for motorcycles to lose control when making an emergency stop. So always keep plenty of distance between yourself and other drivers.

6. Always have an escape route.  By leaving plenty of room between your motorcycle and other vehicles, you will have more time to react in an emergency situation. Buy yourself even more time by always having an escape route in case of a traffic accident.

7. Mind the weather. Rain, wind, snow and ice are much more dangerous on a motorcycle.

8. Avoid distraction. Part of the joy of motorcycle riding is the rush of a life-or-death state of hyper-alert thinking. Don’t risk your life and cheapen the experience by fiddling with your phone, day dreaming or sipping on a latte.

9. Look twice. Always, always double check before turning, changing lanes or even slowing down. Any changes in your current path may go unseen by other drivers.

10. WEAR A HELMET. This is the main defense in case of an accident, and the only way to keep your face from peeling off on the road if you fly off the motorcycle. Plus, it keeps the bugs and road debris from hitting you in the face while riding.

Now that you’ve heard the 10 essential tips, you’re ready to get started on the path to becoming a motorcycle rider! Enjoy!

 

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Motorcycle Insurance Discounts

As a motorcyclist, you are required by law to buy auto insurance. There are many factors that affect insurance rates, such as age, driving history and even your credit score. Unfortunately for the young, or those who were young once, these aren’t things you can do much about. However, there are a few things you can do today that will help lower those rates:

– Take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course or Military Safety Course

– Join a group such as the  American Motorcycle Association, BMW Motorcycle Owners of America, Gold Wing Road Riders Association, Gold Wing Touring Association, Harley Owners Group, Motorcycle Safety Foundation or Venture Touring Society

– If you haven’t already bought your ride, look for a small or midsize commuter-type motorcycle as opposed to a high-horsepower racer