Motorcycle accidents close to home and an American way to avoid them

In response to statistics demonstrating that a large proportion of motorcycle accidents occur near the rider's home, one American expert has suggested that there is a 'close-to-home' mentality that can contribute to road traffic accidents involving bikers.

The man, who offers services as an expert witness in motorbike injury cases, describes the way people have different mental models for different types of traffic. The hazards and risks of city riding, for example, are different from those of country roads, and darkness can also be a recognisable hazard.

But, he suggests, the roads around your own house have a dangerous sensation of comfort that can lead a biker to neglect risks.

He writes that, on nearing home, "you are more tired, more fatigued, than when you left. You probably have encountered and dealt with half a dozen 'close calls' or instances of crazy driver [behaviour] and survived them. And now the road is familiar and you have a tendency to unwind and settle into the familiar. And that leads to making mistakes when the unexpected happens."

He also mentions that this was originally his riding partner's idea; her solution is never to think 'only five miles to go' in the final stages of a journey, but 'only fifty miles to go', even when down to the last few yards. That is, she creates a mental model of vigilance for the 'close to home' stage that protects her from being involved in a motorbike crash - a model that the expert witness commends to all riders.

Finding a motorcycle accident specialist for your compensation claim
Whether it happens five minutes from your home, or five hundred miles away, a motorcycle crash can cause personal injury, inconvenience, and personal cost to the rider. If you have been in a crash, particularly where you do not believe it was not your fault, YouClaim can help you explore the possibility of making a compensation claim to cover those costs.

We will not make any charge in your claim, nor take any cut from any damages awarded. Furthermore, our no win, no fee lawyers are able to protect you from any other fees and charges that could arise in the course of the claim.

Our record of success in motorbike compensation cases is very high, and our professionalism is underpinned by only using personal injury solicitors who are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, a branch of the Law Society.

Call today, on 0800 10 757 95, or use our website to send us a claim form or chat online, and one of our UK-based advisors will be able to help you discover just how we can help you in your motorcycle accident claim.