Riding a motorcycle on an Illinois highway may be an exciting way to spend an afternoon, but there are many hazards that you’ll need to be aware of while on your bike. It’s important to pay attention to your surroundings in order to avoid an accident.
Why debris in the road can be so dangerous
As motorcycles only have two wheels, they are more likely to lose traction when they encounter imperfections in the road. This is why your risk of getting into an accident may increase if you ride over surfaces covered in gravel, dirt or loose pebbles. You may also be at a higher risk of crashing if you ride on surfaces covered in leaves, water or oil.
The problem with applying the brake too hard
Your front brake is generally what allows your motorcycle to slow down in a timely manner. However, if you grip it too hard, there is a chance that you will lose control of your bike. If you lose control and crash, you might experience significant injuries such as broken bones, lacerations or head trauma. It’s also possible to cause significant damage to your bike in a motorcycle accident.
You’ll need to pay attention to what other motorists are doing
There is no guarantee that every driver is aware of your presence. Therefore, it is critical that you constantly scan the road for clues of a distracted motorist. These clues might include an inability to maintain a lane, braking irregularly or failing to use a turn signal when changing lanes.
If you are hurt in a motorcycle accident, it may be possible to obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages. An attorney may be able to help you obtain a financial award through a settlement or by taking your case to court. You generally have two years from the date of your crash to file a lawsuit.