Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom and exhilaration that few other modes of transportation can match. However, it also comes with significant risks. As experienced personal injury attorneys at the Halperin Law Center, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of motorcycle accidents. These accidents often result in more severe injuries, or even death, due to the lack of physical protection offered by motorcycles compared to cars and trucks. That’s why motorcycle safety is so important—not just for preventing accidents but for minimizing the severity of injuries when accidents occur.
In this blog, we’ll discuss why motorcycle safety should always be a priority and outline the essential gear every rider should wear to stay safe on the road.
Why Motorcycle Safety Matters
Compared to drivers of cars and trucks, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury in the event of a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of passenger vehicles. These sobering statistics highlight the importance of taking every possible precaution when riding a motorcycle.
Motorcyclists are more vulnerable on the road for various reasons:
- Lack of Physical Protection: Unlike a car, which has seat belts, airbags, and a metal frame to absorb impact, motorcycles provide very little protection in the event of a collision.
- Visibility Issues: Motorcycles are smaller, have fewer lights, and are therefore less visible to other drivers on the road, making them more vulnerable to accidents. The smaller size of motorcycles makes them more likely to be hidden or obscured by other traffic, road conditions, or bad weather.
- Road Hazards: Minor road hazards like potholes, loose gravel, or wet roads can pose a much greater risk to motorcyclists than car or truck drivers.
The Legal Importance of Wearing Protective Gear
Wearing protective gear isn’t just about minimizing injuries—it’s also about showing that you were taking reasonable precautions to protect yourself on the road. In the unfortunate event of an accident, the gear you were wearing (or not wearing) might play a crucial role in determining the amount of compensation you may be eligible to receive.
For example, Virginia requires motorcyclists to wear helmets, and failing to comply with this law will negatively impact your case. Even if you weren’t at fault for causing the accident, an opposing lawyer might argue that your injuries were worsened because you weren’t wearing a helmet, therefore you failed to mitigate your damages and may not be entitled to as much compensation.
When you wear protective gear, it also provides clear evidence that your injuries were the result of the accident, not your lack of preparation or protection. For example, if you were wearing a high-quality DOT-approved helmet and still suffered a head injury, it’s a strong indicator that the accident was severe enough to cause serious bodily harm, even when you took appropriate precautions. This can support your claim for higher compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Who is Responsible for a Motorcycle Accident?
As with any negligence case, an attorney will assist you in determining who is responsible or “at fault” for the accident. As is the case with most car accident claims, fault in motorcycle cases is controlled by the general legal concept of negligence and the “rules of the road.” There may be more than one responsible party who caused the accident. Responsible parties who may be required to compensate you for your losses may include the driver of a car, a truck driver, another motorcyclist, or, in the case of defective parts or equipment, a repair shop, parts seller or manufacturer. Defective parts or equipment would fall under the category of a product liability claim, rather than a simple automobile negligence case.
Reach Out To The Halperin Law Center
Motorcycle safety is not something to take lightly. As personal injury attorneys at the Halperin Law Center, we’ve seen how devastating motorcycle accidents can be. By wearing the right protective gear and following safe riding practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of injury.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us today. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Stay safe, and always ride smart!
