Safety Tips For Nighttime Motorcycle Riding
Riding a motorcycle does not inherently carry a greater risk of getting into an accident than driving a car; every licensed motorcycle rider in South Carolina has demonstrated their ability to ride a motorcycle safely. The trouble with motorcycles is that, because of their structure, they offer little protection in the event of an accident. If a car hits your motorcycle at speeds that would merely cause a fender bender if both vehicles involved were cars, you can still suffer severe injuries. The risk is greater of a motorist not noticing you in time to avoid a collision when it is dark outside, but the good news is that there are additional safety measures you can take to avoid nighttime motorcycle accidents. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, whether it took place in the daytime or at night, contact a Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer.
How to Prevent Accidents When Riding a Motorcycle at Night
To reduce the risk of accidents when riding your motorcycle after dark, you should make it as easy as possible for you to see the road and for other drivers on the road to see you and your bike. It is legal for motorcycle riders above the age of 21 in South Carolina to ride without a helmet, but no matter your age, you are safer with a helmet than without one. When you ride at night, you should use a clear visor instead of a tinted one.
Before you ride your motorcycle at night, make sure that the bike’s lights and signals are functioning properly, and clean the lights or replace the bulbs if necessary. Adding reflective tape to your motorcycle and your clothing can make it more visible in the dark. The best places to put the reflective are the edges of the windscreen, saddlebags, and wheel rims, as well as on your helmet and the shoulder blades of your jacket. The tape that is visible from the front or side should reflect white or yellow, while the tape that is visible from behind should reflect red, to match a car’s brake lights.
How the Condition of Your Motorcycle Affects a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
South Carolina follows the rule of comparative negligence when assigning fault for traffic accidents and awarding damages in personal injury cases. This means that, if you get injured in a motorcycle accident, you can still win a motorcycle accident lawsuit even if the court determines that you were partially at fault for the accident. By wearing a helmet, properly maintaining your motorcycle, and adding reflecting tape, not only do you reduce the risk of accidents, but you also minimize your share of fault, making it easier to collect enough money to cover your medical expenses if you need to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit.
Contact Us Today for Help
The personal injury lawyers at the Stanley Law Group can help you seek damages if you suffered injuries in a nighttime motorcycle accident. Contact The Stanley Law Group in Columbia, South Carolina or call (803)799-4700 for a free initial consultation.
