Motorcycle accidents can occur anywhere at any time, but typically more motorcycle accident occur on highways or bigger roads with a faster posted speed limit. If you are riding a motorcycle and you're going way faster than the posted speed limit, there are many factors that could contribute to an accident. If you are speeding, another vehicle could merge into your lane not realizing how fast you are going and cause you to slam into the rear of their vehicle. It is also very had to stop a motorcycle that is going extremely fast.
Highways pose a threat to all drivers, no matter the type of vehicle they are driving. Motorcycles are especially vulnerable on the highway as they are the smallest vehicle on the road and the hardest vehicle to see. If a motorcycle rider is traveling next to a very large semi truck, it could be next to impossible for the driver of the semi truck to see the extremely small motorcycle next to them. If the driver of the semi truck merges into the same lane as the motorcycle, an accident would be next to impossible to avoid which could result in a fatality or catastrophic injuries to the motorcycle rider. Unlike in a car or truck, a motorcycle rider has no protection from impact. If you are struck by another vehicle, especially a very large semi truck, you will likely be thrown from the motorcycle. If you are in this situation on a highway where there are numerous other vehicles traveling sixty plus miles and you are thrown from the motorcycle, you will probably end up being run over by one or more of those other vehicles. If this happens, it will probably be fatal. The best way to at least try to reduce your chances of a fatal motorcycle accident on the highway is to always drive the speed limit, stay out of peoples blind spots and wear your protective clothing at all times. Protective clothing can be purchased in order to try to protect motorcycle riders in case they fall off their motorcycle or are thrown off due to an accident. Although this does not always protect you from severe injury, it can reduce the risk of road rash or a head injury. if you choose not to wear protective clothing, you should at least wear a helmet. A helmet can protect your head form any damage when slammed against the ground or into a hard object.
Highways can also pose a threat to motorcycle riders in inclement weather. When it is raining, it can be difficult to see even driving on road ways with a low speed limit. When you are traveling at a rate of sixty plus miles per hour in the pouring rain on a motorcycle, you are at a great risk of causing an accident or being hit by another fast traveling vehicle. Rain also makes the roads very slippery. Slippery roads and motorcycles are not a great mix because if you apply your brakes while driving a motorcycle, there is a chance that you can skid or not be able to come to a stop quickly enough, causing you to slam into the rear of the vehicle in front of you or skid into the vehicle next to you. The State of Florida has many sudden downpours, especially during the summer months where there are more motorcycles on the road. If you are caught in a sudden downpour, the best thing to do is to pull off to the side of the highway or exit the highway and wait out the storm. It is never advised to ride your motorcycle in the rain, especially on the highway.
Driving on the highway at night can be daunting even to the most experienced motorcycle rider. There is lower visibility at night for both the motorcycle rider and other vehicle drivers, especially on the highway where there are not may street lights to light the road. Motorcycles are small and can be hard to see in the best of times. Some drivers have a hard time seeing at night as it is and driving at night on the highway can cause an array of obstacles. If you have no other choice but to ride your motorcycle on the highway at night, you should always remember to wear reflective clothing and make sure that your headlight is in proper working order. This is the only way other drivers will see you coming. Reflective clothing is illuminated by other vehicles headlights which can help the other drivers see you in the dark.
If you are driving on the highway and you see a motorcycle, the best thing to do is to maintain a safe distance from them. If the motorcycle rider applies their brakes, you will be able to stop in time if you are not too close to them, avoiding an accident. The same applies for a motorcycle rider. If you are traveling too close to another vehicle, you may not have time to stop your motorcycle if the vehicle in front of you comes to a sudden stop. Highway traffic can sometimes be stop and go, especially in rush hour traffic. This causes a threat to motorcycles as vehicles sometimes brake suddenly and if the vehicle behind you rear ends you while you are on a motorcycle, you could be pushed into the rear of the vehicle in front of you causing significant injuries.
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, the best thing you can do is hire an experienced personal injury attorney who can fight for your rights and help you proceed with your claim against the insurance company. The number one goal of all insurance companies is to save themselves as much money as possible by paying out the least amount of money. If you find yourself arguing with the insurance company after an accident about reimbursement for your damages, the best call you can make is to an attorney who can work with you to obtain the best settlement you deserve for your pain and suffering.