Your safety is always our priority. We want you to keep doing what you love.

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating for all parties involved. Without the safety equipment that is typically involved in truck and car accidents, motorcycle drivers have little to no protection. Motorcycle accident cases can be severe and injuries can be extensive. That is why it’s important to have the skilled legal knowledge of a top-rated Connecticut motorcycle injury attorney by your side. When hitting the roads this fall, ensure you gear up and abide by the speed limit. Your priority should always be to get to your destination safely. Although our team of skilled injury attorneys is ready to fight for you, we want to ensure you stay on the roads doing what you love. Facing injuries after a motorcycle accident can be a long and daunting process, we don’t want you to go through it.

Dangers on the road coupled with no secure metal frame around a motorcyclist means drivers must be more cautious when hitting the road.

According to the national safety council, in 2017 alone, 5,172 motorcycle riders and passengers died in crashes. Since 1997 the amount of motorcycle-related accidents has nearly doubled. Here are some stats;

• Motorcycles only account for .6% of the miles driven each year and only 3% of registered vehicles are motorcycles.
• About 14% of all traffic-related fatalities are from motorcyclists.
• Nearly 90% were male and 28% of those who died were alcohol-impaired.

As a driver, you may be negligent or completely unaware of motorcycles on the road. Drivers often violate the right of way of motorcyclists without even knowing it. Often, drivers of trucks and cars think motorcyclists are violating their right of way, this couldn’t be further from the truth. When driving, it is your obligation to be aware of what’s happening on the road.

Some of the most common reasons why drivers violate the right of way for motorcyclist include

• Motorcycles are extremely small and can easily fall in a drivers’ blind spot when on the road. Without continuously checking your vehicle mirrors, you may never know they are there.
• Drivers may miss the turn signals on motorcycles as maneuvers are made much quicker.
• The operators of motorcycles are more focused on the road, as they are unable to text and drive. This works in their benefit when making swift changes.

A large portion of fatalities related to motorcycles are due to the operator not wearing a helmet. Our firm can’t stress enough the importance of wearing a helmet. We understand
that riding is your passion, but your safety should be a priority. Just like you, our team members are active motorcyclists, and Connecticut offers scenic roads. With proper helmet gear, operators can reduce their chances of death by nearly 37%. Here is a fact sheet on motorcycle helmet use from NHTSA.

Here are some tips that we have compiled for motorcyclists this fall. When driving this fall, we want you to think about the impacts your injury can have on you and your loved ones. As much as we love advocating for the rights of injured Connecticut residents, we want you to be safe.

Wear Proper Safety Equipment

• Wear a full-face helmet and proper eyewear.
• Wear gloves, boots, pants, and a heavy jacket to protect your body.
• If possible, get a reflective helmet that will make you more visible to other drivers.
• The way you dress is important for your safety.

Staying Visible to Other Drivers

• As stated above, motorcyclists can often fall in the blindspot of other motor vehicle operators. Stay alert and proceed with caution when making maneuvers on the road.
• Ensure your motorcycles headlights are operational and on at all times when in operation. By using proper turn signals and keeping a safe distance, your chances of falling victim to an accident are reduced.
• Give other motor vehicle operators space and always have an alternate route in place.
• Ride as if you’re invisible.

Driving under the influence

• Nearly 40% of all fatalities are alcohol-induced for motorcyclists.
• Ensure you don’t drive when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Although contacting a friend, family, or uber can be tedious you can save yourself from an unwanted accident or DUI.
• Follow the rules of the road.

Stay Safe, and Drive On!

When operating any vehicle, you have a duty to be mindful of your own driving and others. Always proceed with caution when changing lanes or changing speeds. Following the state laws will ensure you stay safe and reduce your chances of injury or fatality.

Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident due to no fault of your own? Rest assured you are not alone and we are prepared to fight for your best interests. At the Law Offices of James A. Welcome, our trusted legal team is led by an insatiable need to ensure justice is served, no matter what it takes. With over 15 years of experience in successfully advocating on behalf of the injured, our top-rated firm has the exact qualities you deserve in your time of need.