The distance you should leave between your vehicle and a motorcycle is a gap of at least two seconds. Ideally, maintain a gap of three to four seconds between your car and a motorcycle. Otherwise, if you do not keep a safe distance from a motorcycle, you likely will not have enough time to bring your car to a complete stop if the rider hits the brakes suddenly.
Trust a car accident lawyer in Boston to help you if you are involved in a collision with a motorcyclist. Your attorney learns about your accident and finds out who is liable. If the rider is responsible, your lawyer requests compensation from them for your accident losses. They handle your legal matters while you recover from your accident.
How Much Following Distance Should You Leave Between Your Vehicle and a Motorcycle?
At a minimum, leave a two-second gap between your vehicle and a motorcycle. That way, your car comes to a full stop if a motorcyclist is riding in front of your vehicle and brakes quickly. This also minimizes the risk of an accident in which you, the rider, or others suffer injuries.
If possible, maintain a gap of three to four seconds between your car and a motorcycle. As the space between your car and a motorcycle increases, the probability that you are involved in an accident with a rider goes down.
Just because you are involved in an accident with a motorcyclist does not mean you are at fault. Speak with a car collision attorney in Boston, as they provide insights into the common causes of auto accidents and other topics relating to your case. If you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against a liable rider, your attorney serves as your legal representation.
How to Apply the Two-Second Rule to Determine the Distance to Keep Between Your Car and a Motorcycle
Start by looking for a stationary object on the side of the road. For example, you are traveling on Boylston Street in Boston. Use a stoplight near the Prudential Center or one of the many shops on Boylston Street as a fixed reference point.
As the motorcycle in front of you passes that reference point, begin counting “one-thousand-and-one, one-thousand-and-two.” If your vehicle reaches the same reference point before you are done counting, you are following too closely and need to increase your distance from the motorcycle.
If you maintain two seconds of distance between your car and a motorcycle and get into an accident, seek legal help. A Boston car accident lawyer teaches you about the basics of auto insurance in the Commonwealth. If a rider is liable for your accident, your attorney helps you recover compensation from this party or their insurer for your car repair costs and other losses.
Why You Need to Account for the Distance Between Your Car and a Motorcycle
Leaving a two- to four-second gap between your car and a motorcycle makes a difference for you and others. Below are reasons to consider how much space is between your vehicle and motorcycles when you drive on I-93, the Mass Turnpike, or anywhere else in Boston and its surrounding communities.
Visibility
Since motorcycles are smaller than cars, it is sometimes difficult to see riders as they move in and out of traffic and at night. If you have plenty of distance between your vehicle and a motorcycle traveling nearby, you are well-equipped to see a rider and respond to their movements.
Weather and Road Conditions
Snow, sleet, and other inclement weather make it tough to travel safely on roads. Meanwhile, potholes and other road hazards cause problems for drivers and motorcyclists alike. If you have ample space between your car and a motorcycle, you boost your chances of being able to stop your vehicle and avoid an accident in spite of poor weather or road conditions.
Reaction Time
You have no control over what motorcyclists do when they are riding near your car. With three to four seconds of distance between your car and a motorcycle, you have sufficient time to react if a rider veers into your lane without signaling or commits other careless or reckless actions.
Consult with a personal injury attorney if you are in doubt about whether you are responsible for an accident with a rider. Your lawyer evaluates your case and explains your legal options. They discuss the verdicts and settlements available to car accident victims and their families. If warranted, they file your lawsuit against a rider and help you get your desired case outcome.
Partner With a Car Accident Lawyer Who Gives Your Case Their Undivided Attention
When you are driving, you do everything within your power to keep space between your vehicle and motorcycles. However, even if you prioritize safe driving, it is still possible to get into an accident any time you are behind the wheel.
If you have been injured in an accident involving a motorcycle, Better Phone Stone®. The team at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers has obtained over $250 million in compensation for our clients.
Our personal injury lawyers find out who is at fault for your accident and pursue compensation accordingly. Call 24/7 to discuss your personal injury case with our team.
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