6 Beginner Motorcyclist Mistakes to Avoid

Obtaining a new motorcycle license can be thrilling. Motorcycles offer an experience wholly different from driving any other type of motor vehicle. Many riders are drawn by the therapeutic effects of riding through long stretches of fresh air and beautiful scenery.

Newly licensed motorcyclists should be extra cautious when taking their new ride on the open road. Everyone who has earned their motorcycle license was a beginner at some point, and everyone makes mistakes. But some mistakes can be fatal or result in dire injuries. These mistakes may also factor into recovering compensation for injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents. 

If you have been injured in a California motorcycle accident, speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. for an assessment of your claim. We are passionate about fighting for your legal rights. We have extensive resources that can help to determine liability in your accident and recover compensation for the losses you have sustained. 

6 Beginner Motorcyclist Mistakes to Avoid in California 

Getting your motorcycle license is an accomplishment, as it takes time and effort to study and prepare to get behind the handlebars. However, once you have your license, the learning doesn’t end. Some novice motorcyclists forget that they are not experts yet, and may make the following beginner mistakes: 

1. Not Wearing Proper Motorcycle Riding Gear Every Time You Ride 

Wearing the proper motorcycle gear on every trip is one of the most essential things you can do to potentially save your life in a catastrophic accident. In order to ride legally in California, you must wear a DOT-compliant safety helmet every time you ride. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cites that between 2002 and 2017, around 25,000 lives were saved due to the use of motorcycle helmets. With the exposed nature of motorcycles, gear such as motorcycle riding jackets, gloves, boots, and glasses can reduce the risk of severe injuries.

In order to obtain compensation for injuries you have sustained in a motorcycle accident, you must prove that the injuries you endured were not your fault. This can mean that opting to not wear safety gear, especially a helmet, could prevent you from recovering the fair compensation you are owed, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. 

2. Not Riding a Motorcycle Suitable for You 

When choosing a motorcycle, there are a lot of factors to consider. A good rule of thumb for beginners is to prioritize buying a safe and dependable starter model. Often, beginners will  purchase the fastest model possible, which can ultimately cause severe injuries if they lose control of the bike. After you have learned the intricacies of a basic model, you can begin to ride more complex models that are more difficult to handle.  

3. Taking Unfamiliar Roads as a Novice 

Whether you’re a seasoned motorcyclist or a beginner, there will always be roads that are more complex to handle than others. As a newly licensed motorcyclist, it may be beneficial to avoid unfamiliar roads when you are just starting out. To avoid accidents, it may also help to avoid long trips or rides during inclement weather. 

4. Neglecting Routine Motorcycle Maintenance 

Neglecting routine motorcycle maintenance is a novice mistake new motorcyclists make. Routinely checking your bike for tire pressure, oil levels, and other standard maintenance practices can prevent you from experiencing preventable accidents down the road. 

5. Riding With a Passenger 

Riding with a passenger can change the way a beginner motorcyclist is able to handle the bike while in motion. This is due to the additional weight on the back of the bike that can throw off your ability to balance, turn, and brake effectively. When you are a beginner, it may seem fun to enjoy a motorcycle ride with friends or family, but you may not be prepared to react properly with a passenger if something goes wrong.  

6. Inadvertently Violating Traffic Laws 

It may be difficult to get used to riding a motorcycle when you have only been behind the wheel of a car. It’s important to consider that it’s much easier to speed on a motorcycle because of the weight, size, and design of the bike. Beginners often violate the speed limit or other traffic laws as they are learning to ride a motorcycle. 

Common Causes of California Motorcycle Accidents 

Causes of California motorcycle accidents can vary substantially depending on the actions performed before the accident took place, the positioning of the collision, and the impact of the accident. The following are causes of motorcycle accidents in California: 

  • Distracted driving 
  • Riding drunk 
  • Following too closely 
  • Speeding 
  • Maintenance defects or faulty parts 

If you have been injured in a California motorcycle accident due to negligence, speak to a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer to help you fight for the fair compensation you deserve. At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., we will conduct a skillful investigation into your accident and obtain persuasive evidence in order to find out who is responsible for the losses you have endured.  

Speak to an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp 

If you have been severely injured in a California motorcycle accident, our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. have almost 30 years of experience litigating accident claims, recovering millions of dollars in compensation for motorcycle accident victims who have suffered greatly due to negligence in motor vehicle collisions. 

The Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. offer outstanding legal representation you can rely on. We are well-versed in motorcycle accident liability and will handle every aspect of your claim so that you may focus on your full recovery. If you are looking for dependable representation for your motorcycle accident claim, call (916) 970-9100 or fill out our contact form for a complimentary consultation today.