Motorcycle Road Hazards To Watch For

Road hazards can pose a danger to all motorists who share the road. However, some road hazards that have little impact on a car can be a serious threat to motorcyclist’s safety. Gravel and slick pavement could cause a motorcycle accident resulting in serious injuries or even death. Motorcyclists must know how to avoid these hazards. If you are a motorcycle rider in New York, we want to list some of the most common road hazards to be aware of.

If you think that road hazards played a role in your motorcycle accident, the experienced New York City motorcycle accident lawyers at Finz & Finz, P.C. are here to help. We can investigate the crash and determine if you have a case. If you want to pursue a compensation claim, we are here to help you every step of the way. Call now at 855-TOP-FIRM for a free and confidential consultation.

Some of the most common road hazards in New York motorcyclists need to watch for include:

Slick Surfaces

Rain and ice are common causes of slick roads. Oil spots and wet paint can cause motorcyclists to lose traction as well. Whenever you see a slick road, slow down and stay alert. Make use of both of your brakes. Overreliance on the front brake can make you lose control and flip over the handlebars. Try to avoid the slickest area if you can, and don’t swerve to avoid a hazard.

Gravel

Gravel can cause motorcycle wheels to lose traction. This may cause your motorcycle to slide out from under you. Gravel is especially dangerous on curves because you have to shift your body weight to navigate around the curve. Try to minimize the lean of your motorcycle and avoid quick braking, accelerating, or swerving. If you can, keep a steady speed as you pass through the gravel area. If you need to decelerate, let off the throttle and apply the brakes slowly.

Rough Roads

In New York, uneven road surfaces and potholes are a common sight. Rough roads and those that are being resurfaced can compromise the motorcycle’s stability. Watch out for the patches of hot tar used to fill pavement cracks. When it gets hot outside, these patches can get slippery and lead to an accident.

Objects or Debris

Objects like branches, rocks, and trash can throw you off your motorcyclist when you ride over them. If you see objects or debris in the road, try to avoid it, even if it’s small.

Expansion Joints and Open Bridge Joints

Joints connect sections of a road or bridge. These enable concrete to expand without cracking. However, they can create gaps in the road. The front tire of a motorcycle can get stuck in these gaps, potentially causing a crash.

Edge Breaks

Edge breaks occur when two adjacent traffic lanes are not the same height. Edge breaks can be dangerous for motorcyclists as they affect the operation of the vehicle.

Railroad Crossings

Motorcyclists need to be extra cautious when they approach railroad crossings as their tires can get stuck in the track. Some railroad tracks have wood and metal on the crossings between tracks. These can become slick when wet, creating a hazard for motorcyclists.

Animals

Hitting even a small animal like a squirrel or rabbit can cause a motorcyclist to be thrown from their bike. Swerving to avoid an animal could also cause an accident. Large animals are an even bigger threat to motorcyclists. Crashing into a deer or a dog could be fatal for the motorcyclist.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

While not all accidents are avoidable, you can reduce the risk of a crash by being aware of your surroundings at all times. Listed below are a few tips to help you avoid an accident:

• Avoid sudden maneuvers.
• Use both brakes to stop.
• Don’t tailgate.
• Don’t speed.
• Keep your distance from distracted and aggressive motorists.
• Wear protective gear, including helmets, leather jackets, heavy pants, motorcycle boots, and gloves.
• Look twice before turning and pulling into intersections and turning.
• Inspect the mechanics of your motorcycle before riding.
• Ride defensively and anticipate the actions of motorists.
• Never use a phone or text while riding.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide variety of injuries, such as:

• Brain injury
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck injuries
• Paralysis
• Broken bones
• Leg injuries
• Road Rash
• Burns
• Muscle Damage
• Abdominal trauma

Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident in New York, an experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to explain all the options that you have available for pursuing compensation. An attorney will get started right away in collecting all the evidence that supports your claim. At Finz & Finz, P.C., our motorcycle accident lawyers will be able to build a strong case in a variety of ways, including the following:

• Take photos of the accident scene
• Collect police reports
• Interview eyewitnesses
• Call on an accident reconstruction expert to recreate the crash
• Review and analyze your medical records
• Demonstrate the severity of your injuries
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
• If the insurance company refuses to pay a fair settlement, file a lawsuit

Contact a New York Motorcycle Accident Attorney

When road hazards lead to motorcycle accidents, victims could be able to file a claim against the company, city, county, or state responsible for keeping the roadways safe. The New York motorcycle accident attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C. are committed to fighting for your rights. We may be able to obtain fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses caused by the crash. Because our New York City injury attorneys work on a contingency-fee-basis, you won’t owe us a cent until you recover compensation. Call 855-TOP-FIRM for a free initial consultation.