Counter steering refers to pushing or pulling the grip of a motorcycle’s handlebar in the direction of a curve. With this technique, a rider can safely turn on a roadway or avoid hazards. Even if a motorcyclist masters counter steering, they may be involved in a crash caused by a negligent motorist and need help from a North Charleston motorcycle accident lawyer to pursue damages.
Over the past 10-plus years, the Shelly Leeke Law Firm has provided legal support and guidance to those who got hurt due to someone else’s negligence. If you want legal help with your motorcycle crash claim, we are here for you. To get started, reach out to us.
What Is Counter Steering for a Motorcycle
You may have no idea what is counter steering on a motorcycle, but you may actually be using this technique without realizing it. When you counter steer, you point the front tire of your motorcycle in the direction of a curve. From here, you lean while you are riding and are able to travel around a curve without having to slow down.
The principle of steering counter applies to motorcycles and bicycles. If you successfully steer the counter, you may be able to remain stable as you ride around a curve. You can also maintain control of the direction you want to travel, reducing your risk of an accident.
Of course, you may counter-steer perfectly but still be involved in a crash due to no fault of your own. If this happens, you may want to consult with a South Carolina motorcycle accident attorney from the Shelly Leeke Law Firm to discuss your legal options. For more information, get in touch with us.
How to Counter-Steer a Motorcycle
You may have concerns about how to counter-steer a motorcycle correctly. Yet, the more you practice, the better you will get at countersteering your motorcycle. Over time, you may have no trouble steering counter, which may help you avoid accidents.
To steer counter, lean your body into the direction of a curve as you approach it. When you ride through the curve, align your body with your motorcycle’s steering axis or position it just inside the curve. Keep your weight on both of your motorcycle’s pegs since this will help you smoothly travel through the curve and maintain control of your motorcycle.
As you come out of a curve, align your body with your motorcycle’s steering axis once again. When you do, straighten your motorcycle. You will eventually return to an upright position and continue to ride your motorcycle safely.
What Can Happen if You Do Not Counter-Steer
You probably will not have to steer counter when you are riding your motorcycle at a low speed. For instance, you may drive through a parking lot on your motorcycle. In this instance, you can directly steer your bike exactly where you want to go.
Alternatively, you may be traveling at a moderate or high speed and shift your weight or try steering your motorcycle directly as you travel around a curve or corner. This may lead to understeering, which causes the front tire to break away before the rear tire. At this point, you may lose control of your bike.
If you do not steer counter properly, you may also travel wide of a curve or struggle to stay on a road while curving. In either of these scenarios, you may get into an accident. If you crash, you may suffer injuries, damage to your bike, and other losses.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Counter Steering Accident
You may counter-steer your motorcycle but have a negligent motorist crash their vehicle into you and your bike. After your collision, call 911 so medical personnel and police officers can come to the scene. Medical professionals can treat your injuries and bring you to a hospital as needed, and police officers can collect information that they can use to put together a collision report.
It may be beneficial to meet with a motorcycle accident attorney in South Carolina to discuss your collision. A lawyer can explain how pain and suffering is calculated in a motorcycle accident case. They can help you decide if now is the right time to seek damages from the driver responsible for your crash.
In terms of how long you have to report a motorcycle accident, there is generally a three-year window for filing an injury claim. After three years, you may be ineligible to ask for damages relating to your accident. This also means you are solely responsible for your crash-related losses.
What to Expect with a Counter-Steering Crash Claim
You may submit a claim for compensation to a liable motorist’s auto insurance company. There are times when an at-fault driver does not have car insurance. At these times, you may have to pursue damages as part of a personal injury lawsuit.
With an insurance claim, you may have a clear-cut case to show you were counter-steering correctly and a motorist caused your accident. Regardless, the driver’s insurance company may do everything it can to dispute your claim. If the insurer is successful, you may give up on your claim, and the company will not have to pay you any damages.
A motorcycle accident lawyer in South Carolina can represent you throughout the claims process. If you are struggling to come to terms on a settlement with an at-fault motorist’s insurance company, your attorney can help you out. Or, if you want to file an injury lawsuit against a liable driver, your attorney can work with you to submit your request for damages before the statute of limitations for doing so expires.
Partner with a South Carolina Motorcycling Accident Lawyer
You do not necessarily have to cover all of the costs of a counter steering motorcycle accident. By working with the legal team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, you may be able to pursue damages from the driver responsible for your collision. To request a free case consultation, contact us today.
