Summer motorcycle accidents are different from other accidents. Often the driver of the motorcycle is severely injured, and sometimes, the accident is even fatal because of the small amount of protection they have compared to someone driving a car or larger vehicle.
When the other driver is at fault for the accident, you, as the victim, should pursue legal remedies. You should not be paying for all the expenses and damages done on your own. Let’s look at some of the legal remedies that can take place after summer motorcycle accidents.
The Risks of Motorcycle Riding
Driving or riding a motorcycle on the roads these days can be risky! You are on a much smaller mode of transportation than those around you. In addition, you have little to no protection if someone were to hit you or you were to fall. Some other risks of motorcycle riding that other drivers don’t have include:
- no seat belts
- no protection between the rider and the road
- no airbags
- motorcycles are harder to see
- less stable than a car
- more concentration and skills are required
- small things like debris in the road or even potholes or uneven road surfaces can cause a crash
In 2021 alone, 5,932 motorcyclists were killed. That’s 14% of all traffic fatalities. Looking at that number, you quickly realize the hazards of a motorcycle are real and something to be carefully considered.
Safety Measures to Avoid Summer Motorcycle Accidents
There’s nothing quite like cruising down the road on a motorcycle. The wind blowing through your hair makes you feel almost invincible. Unfortunately, the open road can be quite dangerous, but there are a few things you can do as a motorcycle driver to keep everyone safe.
- ALWAYS Wear Safety Equipment- The most important piece of safety equipment is a helmet. A helmet will do more to protect your brain if you were to have an accident than anything else. Make sure there is a DOT symbol on the back of the helmet, showing that it meets the requirements of the US Department of Transportation (DOT).
Wearing protective gear on your arms and legs as well as your body is vital as well. This gear should be made of heavy leather, denim, or other highly protective material. Boots that go up high enough to keep your ankles and feet safe and wearing gloves to protect your hands are the safest ways to protect yourself. Don’t forget to wear gear that is bright and easily seen by other drivers too.
- Don’t Drink and Drive- Just like operating any other kind of vehicle, drugs and alcohol can impair the way you drive and react to situations on the road. Just don’t do it.
- Obey All Traffic Laws- You may be driving a different kind of vehicle, but you are still on the road and must obey traffic laws to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Speed limits, traffic lights, and signs apply to you. Make sure to signal before changing lanes. Be extra cautious when you’re around other vehicles as well as when you are approaching intersections. Do all you can to be visible to other drivers and always drive defensively.
- Get Licensed- Get a license, or at least endorsed, to ride your motorcycle. Depending on where you live, you may need to take a rider education course and a written test. This is a great way to educate yourself on motorcycle laws and safety.
Follow these safety tips to increase your chances of experiencing a motorcycle accident and its consequences.
Pursuing Legal Remedies for an Accident
If you become a victim of one of the many summer motorcycle accidents, there are legal remedies you can and should pursue. An accident has financial ramifications, and non-financial damages are left for you to deal with. These are all things that you can seek compensation for. Economic and noneconomic damages may include:
- Emergency medical care (including ambulance costs)
- Surgeries as well as hospitalization afterward
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Follow-up doctor visits
- Medications
- Medical equipment like crutches, braces, and more
- Hired assistance, such as a nurse or someone to do yard work or clean your home
- Lost wages from not being able to work during recovery (or permanently)
- Damage to the motorcycle itself
- Damage done to property at the scene of the accident
- Pain and suffering
- Behavioral therapy
This list is not conclusive, and your accident lawyer will be able to help you sort out exactly what kinds of compensation should be sought in your case.
Be Cautious of Early Settlement Offers
If you’ve recently been involved in a motorcycle accident, the last thing you want to do is get involved in a long and drawn-out lawsuit. Insurance companies jump on these emotions and will almost always try to give you a quick settlement offer in hopes that your emotions and recovery are all you can handle. At the time you receive an early settlement offer, you’ll probably be receiving a stack of medical bills as well. All these things make you want to accept that settlement offer and move on.
Don’t fall for it before speaking with a legal team. Insurance companies know that if you accept their lowball offer quickly that you probably need more time to seek legal counsel and realize how much your case is actually worth. Once you accept that offer, there is no turning back and no way to try to get more compensation in the future. An experienced attorney can help you sort out what kind of compensation you can expect in your situation.
Ready to Help with Summer Motorcycle Accidents
It doesn’t matter whether your injuries are severe or not, your legal team at Wormington & Bollinger can help you obtain the compensation you need to cover your expenses and suffering. We are experienced in handling summer motorcycle accidents and know how to guide you through the process as well as take the burden off your shoulders. To learn more, contact us today.