As the weather warms up, motorcyclists get the itch to dust off their ride and hit the open road, but this can also be a particularly dangerous time on the road for motorcyclists. We always notice an uptick in the number of calls we get about personal injury claims from motorcyclists in the spring, so we thought it would be a good idea to dive into why this spike happens and discuss your options if you are injured in a motorcycle accident.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Increase In The Spring
A number of different factors contribute to an increased number of motorcycle accidents in Minnesota during the springtime. The most obvious reason for the increase is the warmer weather. Since you can’t ride your motorcycle year-round in Minnesota, the spring season is often the first time people can get back on their ride, so there is inherently an increase from winter to spring. However, a number of other factors contribute to a sizable spike in accidents compared to other times of the riding season:
Inexperience – Even if you’re an experienced rider, if you haven’t been on your motorcycle in five months, it can take a little bit to get back up to speed and feeling comfortable on your ride. The first few rides of the season are typically more dangerous than most.
Cars Aren’t Looking – Many car drivers haven’t been looking for motorcyclists on the road for the last few months, so they may not check their blind spot as thoroughly as they should as motorcycle season begins. Motorcyclists should always assume car drivers can’t see them, but this is especially true in the spring.
Poor Road Conditions – Potholes created by the wet winter season may not have been fixed yet, and that can cause problems for motorcyclists. Roads can also be slick from spring rain, so mind your speed and surroundings.
Speed – There can be an urge to open up the throttle and really let loose on the road when you get back on your bike after an absence, and that can cause problems. Speed is a consistent factor in motorcycle accidents in all seasons, but there tends to be fewer cars on the road in the spring compared to the summer and fall, and this can make it easier for motorcyclists to hit the gas and get in trouble excessive speeds.
If you are injured on a motorcycle and another party contributed to your accident, make sure that you contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. We can take a look at all the factors, review police reports, contact witnesses and ensure we put together the strongest case for a large injury claim. Don’t leave your claim up to chance or jump at the first offer, because you could be leaving tens of thousands of dollars or more on the table. Let us handle your case while you focus on your health.
Stay safe out there this spring and throughout the entire riding season, and if you need help or just want to talk about your legal options with a motorcycle injury attorney, reach out to the experienced team at Hey Workers today.
