Leveling the Field between Injured Iowans and Insurance Companies.

Important Safety Tips for Beginning Motorcyclists

With today's economy, many people are finding that motorcycles are a very useful and economical alternative to a car.  In Iowa, the weather affects when people can ride, but in nice years like 2011, there can be many months of motorcycle riding. 

People choose motorcycle riding for different reasons.  There are many benefits to riding a motorcycle, including less impact on the environment, but there are also many risks associated with getting on a bike.  If you or a loved one has just purchased a motorcycle or is considering buying one, you should take into account the risks involved. 

Motorcycles do not provide the same level of protection that an automobile does.  There is no outward shell to protect the rider if they are hit.  To reduce your risk when riding, consider taking the following safety measures:

• Ride with your lights on at all times
• Wear protective clothing and gear, including a helmet, clothing that covers your skin, and fully enclosed shoes.
• Follow all traffic laws
• Be aware of your surroundings and the drivers around you
• Never ride when you have been drinking or are extremely tired.

A motorcycle is similar to a car in that you need to make sure it is in good condition before you ride.  Make sure to check all your lights, tire pressure and brakes before taking off on a long ride.  Most importantly, enjoy yourself, but always be safe.

Des Moines personal injury attorneys Corey Walker and Erik Bair make up the accident and injury team at Walker, Billingsley and Bair. They've seen too many good motorcycle accident cases damaged because Iowa victims didn't have the right information. Also, whether you hire us or not, our mission is to educate Iowans about Iowa's motorcycle laws because we have seen firsthand how sometimes good people are treated badly by insurance companies.  If you want to learn more about motorcycle safety and how to deal with an accident claim if you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, order a copy of our FREE book.  You can learn more in the privacy of your own home.