Freedom Beckons to Motorcyclists

Fall is the quintessential season of Virginia, and many fresh air enthusiasts can be found motorcycling the Blue Ridge Parkway. The parkway is special because it changes in elevation and has east and west facing slopes. Especially at this time of year, this variety creates a multi-color foliage experience for leaf peepers.

Myth: Streets are safer than interstates

Here are some ways to make sure your outing is safe and enjoyable:

•  Slow down – Don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty. The falling leaves may make the road slippery for cars, bikes, and motorcycles. The serpentine roads, low temperatures, and wet foliage can be a dangerous combination. Driving the speed limit gives you more time to react to road debris.
•  Slow In, Fast Out to help navigate twisting roads. Once you have entered the turn, you can speed up as needed. If you find you’ve entered a turn and cannot slow down, don’t slam on the brakes. A sharp break will cause the bike to lose traction, and can cause much more injury.
• Wear a helmet – Virginia Law requires all riders to wear a helmet.  Make sure your helmet fits correctly to lower the risk of traumatic brain injury.

Myth: Helmets limit visibility

• Wear protective clothing.  The Virginia DMV recommends leather jackets and pants, plus durable gloves and “proper footwear.”

Myth: Riders wear all leather to look cool

• Get a vision check-up. Not only will a vision check-up improve the autumn experience, it will help to prevent injury.
• Make sure your motorcycle insurance is up-to-date and comprehensive – In addition to having the minimum insurance required, make sure the insurance fits your family’s needs. If something were to happen, it is better to be prepared.
• See and be seen – Make sure you are visible to the other drivers. Try to make eye-contact when appropriate. Enjoy the bright fall colors while rocking some as well.
• Ride with a club. There are several motorcycle clubs in Virginia, and you can find one that is right for you.  We particularly like the Winchester Chapter of HOG  because they are so active in the community, and the US Military Veterans clubs in Leesburg and Richmond.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident due to a driver, you may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, future medical expenses, past and future lost wages, future lessened earning capacity, disfigurement, inconvenience, pain and suffering.

Our law firm handles accident injury cases in Virginia from our six locations, allowing us to serve the residents of Virginia including Richmond, Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Reston, Purcellville, Middleburg, Herndon, Chantilly, Centerville and Winchester, our Tri-Cities offices cover Midlothian and Hopewell as well as Mechanicsville, Henrico, Ashland, Powhatan, Petersburg and surrounding communities.

If your injuries prevent you from traveling to our office, we will come to you.