Motorcycles are amazing machines that offer a sense of freedom and adventure. Being on the road, enjoying the scenery, and cruising along are incredibly enjoyable, making motorcycle riding one of America?s favorite pastimes. However, it?s also quite dangerous, especially with the increasing rate of accidents due to distracted driving. Data gathered three years ago, when there were a reported 8.4 million motorcycles in use, showed that over 3,000 people were killed, and over 400,000 injured, in motor vehicle accidents involving distracted drivers. The unfortunate statistic is that in the United States, at any given daylight moment, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving. Since motorcycles are harder to see than full size motor vehicles, they are more likely to be on the receiving end of a distracted driver?s mistake.
Motorcycle accidents happen every day. Many of them produce conditions in which a legal claim is likely. This is where motorcycle injury lawyers come in. A motorcycle accident lawsuit is a type of personal injury case, in which the victim is required to show that the defendant was acting negligently. So how does one prove negligence? First, with the help of a motorcycle accident attorney, the injured party establishes that the other driver breached their duty of care. Next, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant?s breach was the direct cause of the sustained injuries. Motorcycle injury lawyers know the ins and outs of this type of case and will help build a solid body of evidence to present the required proof.
When a case is successful, it usually provides some monetary personal injury settlements to offset the damages suffered. Some of the injuries often sustained from motorcycle accidents include brain trauma, spinal damage, broken bones and contusions. In the worst cases, victims are unable to work or live in the same way they did before. Some examples of the types of damages that motorcycle accident victims may be able to recover include medical expenses, physical therapy, future medical treatment, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Because every situation is different, there are no average personal injury settlement amounts, but with savvy motorcycle injury lawyers, it?s possible to negotiate a reasonable settlement. Remember that only four to five percent of the personal injury cases in the United States go to trial; the other 96 percent are usually settled pretrial, so be sure to discuss the pros and cons with your motorcycle injury lawyers.
In spite of the knowledge of increased risk, millions of people choose to ride a motorcycle. There are some basic tips to follow in order to make motorcycle riding safer for all.
1. Take a motorcycle safety course, and refresh your knowledge often. Most states have requirements for courses before you are licensed, and offer annual refreshers.
2. Wear a helmet, even if it?s not required by law. According to government studies, riders who don?t wear a helmet are 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury. While you may love the feeling of the wind through your hair, it?s better to be safe than sorry.
3. Wear the right gear. Shorts and flip flops may be comfortable in the summer, but they are not safe to wear on motorcycles. Get gear protects you from wind burn, flying bugs and debris, and painful road rash if you fall. Look for full coverage, leather or other reinforced material, and wear long pants, a jacket, and gloves, even if the weather is warm. In addition, to add to your visibility to other motorists, wear bright colors rather than the ubiquitous biker black.
4. Pay attention to the weather. If a motorcycle is your only vehicle, keep a taxi fund for inclement weather. It?s not save to ride in heavy rain, sleet or snow. If you absolutely cannot avoid riding in the rain, take extra precautionary measures: avoid making sudden turns, and anticipate gusty winds by moving to the side of the lane that the wind is coming from, to give yourself room to waver
Enjoy yourself, but be careful. Motorcycles are more likely to be involved in crashes than other vehicles, and it?s better to be safe than to need a motorcycle injury attorney.
