According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), for each vehicle mile they travel, motorcyclists are four times more likely to be injured in a crash than those traveling in cars and other enclosed vehicles.
With that in mind, reading up on some motorcycle safety tips in Albuquerque, NM, can help you protect yourself on the road. If you end up in a motorcycle accident, one of the most important things you can do is reach out to Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers as soon as possible.
We offer a free consultation and can review your legal rights and options at that time. Call (505) 594-3621 today to get started.
HowCuriel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You Get Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident in Albuquerque, NM
A motorcycle accident can result in severe injuries that go on to affect your whole life, leading to mounting medical bills, property loss, and immense pain and suffering.
However, if the accident was someone else’s fault, you should not have to face those hurdles without any help. By turning to an experienced Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyer, you’ll be given the chance to obtain the compensation you deserve.
At Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we have more than 55 years of combined experience helping people who’ve suffered because of others’ negligence. When you turn to us, you’ll be provided with services that include the following:
- Case assessment during a free consultation
- Evidence-gathering
- Negotiations with insurance companies
- Representation in court, if necessary
Through our work, we’ve helped recover more than $50 million for our clients. And we’re confident in our ability to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact our motorcycle accident lawyers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and discuss your case with us today.
Tips for Staying Safe While Riding a Motorcycle in Albuquerque, NM
New Mexico may be a beautiful place with sweeping landscapes and wide-open roads, but it’s also a dangerous place for bikers. On average, motorcycles are involved in 13.1% of all fatal crashes each year in the state, so it’s vital to focus on the following safety tips while riding:
Wear Protective Gear
New Mexico only requires bike riders under 18 to wear helmets, but it’s still an option that everyone should consider, as it can go a long way in preventing traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) during an accident.
You’ll also want to consider wearing a strong motorcycle jacket, tough gloves, and long and thick pants, which can protect you against abrasions and more if you’re in a crash. Don’t forget to wear comfortable boots as well.
Your gear should also include high-visibility pieces that you can put on if it’s nighttime or if there are visibility issues during the day.
Get Regular Maintenance Checks
Whether you use your bike the entire year or only do so occasionally, you still need to maintain it regularly. A bike that doesn’t function at its best can’t keep you safe, so check its brakes, tires, throttle, and anything else that could impact your ride. Before taking longer trips, have a professional give the bike a once-over as well.
Never Drink and Ride
Even though the legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.08%, you shouldn’t drink at all if you’re getting ready to ride your bike. Nor should you use any drugs. Any substance impacting your concentration, reflexes, and coordination can put you and others on the road at serious risk.
Don’t Speed
Speeding not only makes you less able to respond quickly to hazards on the road but can also add force to a collision, leading to more severe injuries. It’s also important to remember that speeding doesn’t only mean driving faster than the posted limit, either. It also means driving too fast for the current road and weather conditions.
Stay Focused on Riding
Distracted driving is a serious concern for any driver, but it can be deadly for those riding bikes and motorcycles. Trying to use your phone while riding can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can result in life-threatening accidents. Always stay focused on the road ahead to respond appropriately to oncoming hazards.
Watch for Road Hazards
Uneven pavement, railroad tracks, potholes, and other similar issues can be dangerous for any motorist, especially motorcyclists. They can make you skid and cause you to lose control of the bike, which poses a danger to you and everyone else on the road.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Albuquerque, NM
Riding a motorcycle can give you a sense of freedom that other modes of transport may not, but you need to understand that these are inherently riskier vehicles. You don’t have airbags you can depend on or even a metal armature to absorb some of the force of a collision.
With that in mind, if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident that someone else caused, reaching out to a personal injury lawyer is the best move you can make to get help through the process of filing a claim.
Get in touch with our experienced Albuquerque motorcycle accident attorneys today for a free consultation.