What Motorcycle Riders Need to Know About Laid Down Motorcycle Accidents

Many years ago, motorcycles lacked the technology and capabilities seen on modern bikes. Some older motorcycles had brakes that were so bad that it was safer to slide and tumble off the bike than to attempt sudden braking.

Motorcycle riders were advised that the safest way to avoid a motorcycle accident was to lay down the motorcycle. Unfortunately, laying down a motorcycle to avoid a motorcycle accident can almost guarantee the rider's injuries.

Three Alternatives to Laying Down Your Motorcycle

The alternative to laying down a motorcycle is to learn how to avoid a crash properly. Some of the techniques that are useful in preventing a motorcycle crash include:

• Staying upright. The rubber on the tires provides a great deal of traction. By contrast, the motorcycle's metal and chrome provide virtually no traction or maneuverability when the bike slides out of control during a lay-down.
• Brake quickly. Newer motorcycles now have exceptional braking capabilities. Both brakes should be applied at the same time if you want to stop quickly. If the front wheel locks up, release both brakes and reapply the rear brake. If the rear brake becomes locked, it is best to keep it locked until you have stopped.
• Swerve. A rider should learn how to quickly swerve the motorcycle around objects and vehicles to avoid a possible collision. It is important to be aware of other vehicles and not veer into them.

Laid Down Motorcycle Accidents Still Happen

Sometimes you can't brake or swerve to avoid a motorcycle crash. Your only choice may be to lay down your bike or collide with another vehicle. While lay down motorcycle accidents often result in injuries, they may still be the safest option when:

• You don't have enough time to brake
• You risk tumbling over the side of a cliff or hill if you swerve to the side of the road
• There is an object in the road, such as a large truck, that is too big to swerve around
• There is a mechanical issue with your bike that causes you to lose control

If you lay down your bike, you may suffer significant injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries
• Neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Road rash
• Internal bleeding
• Cuts and lacerations

Additionally, your motorcycle may be damaged beyond repair.

Protect Your Recovery After Any Motorcycle Crash

You don't have any time to think in the instant immediately preceding an accident. When someone else's negligence created an imminent danger, you had to make a split-second decision. Whether you laid down your bike, braked, swerved, or tried to avoid the accident in another way, someone else caused your accident injuries.

You have the right to pursue a motorcycle accident case, but you need to take the first step by contacting an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. Our lawyers have helped thousands of riders recover fair damages for their injuries. These damages include past and future:

• Medical expenses including hospitalizations, surgeries, doctors' appointments, medications, and rehabilitation therapies
• Lost income including wages, bonuses, raises, and income from self-employment
• Physical pain and emotional suffering
• Out-of-pocket costs and other accident-related expenses

The insurance company or court may argue that you were partly at fault for your accident injuries. For example, they may argue that if you were traveling the speed limit and paying attention to driving safely, you would have options other than laying down your motorcycle.

Our lawyers understand the games insurers play and the bias often shown against motorcyclists. We will find out precisely what happened to you and fight for your full and fair recovery.

Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys are also experienced riders, and we are committed to helping other riders protect their rights.