Motorcycles are extremely popular. Millions of Americans own and operate them, and unfortunately thousands of those Americans get into motorcycle accidents each year. Much of the advice applicable to automobile accidents applies to motorcycle accidents as well, but motorcycle accidents have their own specific set of concerns that we will outline here. Safety Riding a motorcycle is a uniquely enjoyable and uniquely dangerous way to travel. Statistics show motorcycle riders are sixteen times more likely to die and three times more likely to be injured as automobile occupants. Knowing about common motorcycle injuries can help you make sure that they do not happen to you, which in the long run can save you from the cost of medical treatment, legal fees, and psychological stress.
What to do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident People involved in a motorcycle accident should follow the same steps concerning what to do following an automobile accident, including remaining on the scene, calling for help, and making as accurate a record as possible of what happened. In addition, motorcyclists should be wary of getting any repairs made to their motorcycles in advance of litigation, since dents to the motorcycle can be important in convincing a court of what occurred during the accident. Motorcyclists should preserve all damage to their clothing for the same reason. Helmets Although research shows that wearing a helmet reduces injury in motorcycle accidents, not all states require it. Twenty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico required the use of helmets by all motorcycle operators and passengers. Another 27 states make it mandatory only for those under a certain age, usually 18. Colorado, Illinois, and Iowa do not have any laws requiring the use of helmets. These laws have been known to change fairly frequently, and there are advocates on both sides of the issue.
Motorcycle Insurance Except for Washington, all states and the District of Columbia require that motorcyclists have minimal comprehensive insurance coverage. Obtaining insurance and filing a claim under a policy work just as they do when an ordinary automobile is involved, but motorcycle insurance has a few unique features.
For more information on motorcycle accidents and motorcycle safety, please take a look at the following article How to Avoid the Top 10 Most Common Motorcycle Accidents.
3 Comments
|
Archives
January 2022
|