About 3 million people are injured every year in car accidents on U.S. roads, and motorcycle accidents make up a sizable portion of these incidents. Regardless of whether or not you’ve ever ridden a motorcycle, it’s up to you as a responsible motor vehicle driver to be aware of the facts about their safety. Motorcycle riders are at risk for injury if they have to share the road with drivers who aren’t clued in on the facts. With that in mind, here are just a few of the most common myths surrounding motorcycle accidents and general motorcycle safety.

Motorcycle riders are always at fault in an accident.

This myth is surprisingly common, but it doesn’t make any sense. While motorcycle riders do need to have a solid grasp of safety rules, it’s a huge exaggeration to say that all motorcycle accidents are the sole fault of the rider. It’s shockingly easy for motorcycle riders to go unnoticed when driving late at night, even if they’re wearing reflective clothing and their headlights are on. It’s up to anyone driving any type of motor vehicle to look at the road as thoroughly as possible to prevent a potentially fatal accident.

A helmet won’t make your motorcycle ride any safer.

This is another myth that just doesn’t make much sense. We’ve been taught since childhood to wear a helmet when riding a regular bicycle, and the same mentality applies when that bicycle has a powerful engine. A helmet is perhaps the single most important piece of equipment to wear when riding a motorcycle. Helmets have prevented countless motorcycle accident fatalities over the years. The bottom line: it always makes sense to wear one.

You don’t need a motorcycle accident lawyer if you get injured in a crash.

Finally, if you do happen to get involved in a motorcycle accident, understanding your legal rights is essential. Calling a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate your case properly and get the legal advice you need.

Ultimately, auto and motorcycle accidents account for more than 35% of new spinal cord injuries each year, and understanding the facts can help make you a better and more safety-conscious driver. For more information about hiring a motorcycle accident attorney, contact us.