Tips for Seattle Motorists to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on October 17, 2015

Motorcyclists are much more likely to suffer serious and even fatal injuries in a crash than car or truck drivers. In fact, motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to be involved in a deadly accident than car drivers. It’s important for motorcyclists to be careful at all times, and for car drivers to look out for nearby motorcyclists.

Car drivers in Seattle can be held accountable for the injuries they cause to motorcyclists. Here are a few tips to keep in mind whenever you are driving to avoid causing a motorcycle accident:

• Check your mirrors and blind spots. Motorcycles are small enough to hide alongside vehicles. Before you change lanes, you must look for motorcyclists that may have pulled up near the side of your car.
• Use caution when entering traffic. Look for oncoming motorcycles when turning onto the road from a driveway, alley or parking lot. If you pull out in front of a motorcycle, it could result in a side-impact crash. T-bone collisions involving motorcyclists often result in serious and fatal injuries.
• Use your signals. Motorcyclists have a better chance to avoid a collision if they know what drivers around them are doing.
• Never turn right without looking over your shoulder. Some motorcyclists like to pull up alongside cars at stop signs and stop lights. Before turning right, you must look to see if motorcyclists are nearby.
• Leave plenty of space. Motorcycles are capable of quick accelerating and stopping. You can avoid a rear-end collision by leaving a couple car spaces between you and the motorcycle ahead of you.

If you are a motorcyclist in Seattle, it may be in your best interest to take a safety refresher course every few years. Remember to always wear a helmet, avoid dangerous riding habits and travel at a speed safe for the road, traffic and weather conditions.

Yet, as Seattle motorcycle lawyers, we know that no amount of safe riding habits can prevent every accident. If you’re injured in a Seattle motorcycle crash, please contact Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. for more information about pursuing your legal rights.