Motorcycle Accidents

If you have ridden in Maine for any length of time, you know the trade. The rural stretches, coastal routes, and mountain roads offer some of the best riding in the country, and they are unforgiving when something goes wrong. A motorcycle puts far less between you and the road than a car does.

Why So Many Riders Get Hurt: The Real Causes Behind Motorcycle Crashes How do motorcycle crashes happen is one of the most important questions any rider — or injured rider’s family — can ask. Here’s a quick answer: The most common causes of motorcycle crashes: Left-turning vehicles at intersections (nearly half of all motorcycle-vehicle collisions).

Blog Summary Blind spots are a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. Drivers often fail to check mirrors or properly scan before changing lanes. Riders can reduce risk with positioning, visibility, and defensive riding. After an accident, knowing your legal rights is critical.

Is there a helmet law in Maine? The short answer is, yes. In fact, there are Maine helmet law requirements for riders and passengers of motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles, and electric bikes. Though the helmet laws are not universal, in that they are age-related, they are nonetheless strictly enforced.

At Hardy Wolf and Downing, we encourage all drivers to follow general road safety tips like observing the posted speed limits, whether in town or on the highways, avoiding distracted driving and driving under the influence, and being sure all passengers wear their seat belts.

The Maine motorcycle accident lawyers at the law offices of Hardy, Wolf & Downing ensure that those motorcycle crash victims receive the monetary compensation they deserve for injuries and damages they’ve received due to someone else’s negligence. It’s no secret that motorcyclists must be extra cautious while on the road.

Blog Summary Motorcycle crash injuries often begin with leg, arm, and spine damage. Even “minor” crashes can cause serious long-term effects like brain injury or paralysis. Knowing typical injury patterns helps you get proper care and legal help. If you’re hurt, gathering evidence and getting the right attorney is essential.

Q: What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents? A: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are about 37 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash and 9 times more likely to be injured.

Over the years, Maine state motorcycle laws have gone through numerous revisions. Though any resident can obtain a permit or license to operate their motorcycle on Maine roadways, the license holder must stay up-to-date on current state laws pertaining to motorcycles and their operation.

With the weather warming, motorcycle season is fast upon us. With the coming season, it’s a good time to remind all to practice motorcycle safety when on the road. For motorcyclists in particular, after a long Maine winter behind the wheel of a car, it’s important to refocus and reacquaint themselves with the “do’s and don’ts” of riding a motorcycle.