Cartersville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Bartow County is home to a large number of motorcyclists who ride to work and just for pleasure. Unfortunately, Cartersville has seen its share of motorcycle accidents that have resulted in catastrophic injuries, including death.
Motorcyclists face a grave health threat with the lack of adequate protection in the form of airbags or seat belts. The helmet, the biker’s only protection, can also fail to protect against head injuries that result in death.
A motorcyclist who has been through the harrowing experience of an accident can suffer from post-traumatic stress and physical impairments that can impact their quality of life. The financial cost of recovering both, physically and emotionally, coupled with daily household expenses, is unfathomable.
The motorcycle accident lawyers at Scholle Law have over two decades of experience helping crash victims recover the compensation they deserve for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Call us at (866) 592-1296 or contact us online today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Cartersville motorcycle accident lawyer.
Preventing Injuries with Proper Riding Gear
The majority of motorcycle accidents happen because of another driver’s actions or negligence. When collisions occur, the injuries can be severe – and even fatal.
While bikers cannot always prevent accidents, they can lessen the risk of severe injuries by wearing the proper riding gear. This attire is the only barrier between the rider and the road, so T-shirts and shorts are not advised.
Instead, make sure you always dress for the ride, not the destination. The right gear includes:
Helmet
Georgia code § 40-6-315 requires all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet, regardless of age. This helmet must be approved by the Department of Transportation. Luckily, these helmets are easy to identify, since they are required to have a sticker marking it as approved.
The style of helmet you buy is largely based on personal preference, but unless your motorcycle has a windshield, you must also have protective eye gear. You should replace your helmet after any wreck or after five years, since that is when the adhesive holding the helmet together starts to deteriorate.
Jacket
As we mentioned earlier, the only thing protecting bikers from the road in the event of a wreck is their attire. One of the most important pieces of gear is a riding jacket. These jackets come in two main varieties: leather and textile. Leather is arguably more protective, but it is heavier – and hotter. Textile jackets, on the other hand, are lighter and still offer plenty of protection.
Beyond these two categories, there are specialized jackets to consider. Armored jackets use light, thin plastics that are woven into the fabric. This armor offers stronger protection after a wreck. Airbag jackets are also a good option. They have a built-in airbag that deploys when a crash is detected.
Pants
Though it goes without saying that shorts should never be worn while riding a motorcycle, it is not uncommon for motorcyclists to wear jeans while they ride. But even the thickest denim will tear if the biker slides on the asphalt if that denim is not designed for the ride. Without proper gear, you could suffer from road rash and other injuries that can become severe, especially if it goes untreated.
Instead, invest in pants made with abrasion-resistant materials. Many companies do make denim riding pants, but they are designed with stronger materials than regular jeans and often include armor. There are also riding pants made from leather that provide highly effective protection.
Boots
In a motorcycle wreck, your legs and feet are highly likely to get injured. With proper footgear, the risk of serious injury is reduced.
Riding boots come in all types of styles, though most resemble work boots.
Some boots are designed for heavy and all-terrain riding. Others are designed for both riding and walking in comfort. The type of boots you choose largely depends on your own personal style and preferences, but they should offer ankle support and should have short laces so they do not get tangled up.
Accessories
There are also some accessories that will make riding safer and more comfortable. First, consider a pair of riding gloves. After a wreck, your natural reaction will likely be to try to catch yourself. Riding gloves have reinforced palms and knuckles to minimize injuries.
Many bikers also find value in wearing earplugs. On the highway, the sounds of other vehicles can be deafening. Even if you are riding on an empty road, the sound of your own bike and the rushing wind can damage your hearing. Earplugs can prevent hearing damage, and ones designed for riding still allow certain sounds through for safe riding.
Speak to a Cartersville Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
The motorcycle accident lawyers at Scholle Law have over two decades of experience helping crash victims recover the compensation they deserve for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Call us at (866) 592-1296 or contact us online today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Cartersville motorcycle accident lawyer.