Motorcyclists are at greater risk than other types of drivers to suffer serious injuries in an accident. In fact, motorcyclists are approximately 28 times more likely to die in an accident than those in other types of vehicles. In celebration of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, this article discusses motorcycle safety tips and compensation for injured motorcyclists.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
If you are going to operate a motorcycle, it’s important to take extra precautions. As discussed above, motorcyclists often suffer catastrophic injuries in accidents. Below are some motorcycle safety tips to keep you safe on the road.
Wear Proper Safety Gear
The first thing that all bikers should do is wear the proper safety gear. At a minimum, motorcyclists should wear a high-quality helmet, protective jacket and pants, gloves, and boots. Protective gear can help prevent or diminish the seriousness of injuries in an accident.
Follow the Rules of the Road
In addition to the common rules of the road, there are additional laws that apply specifically to motorcyclists. Not only is it important to follow these to remain compliant with the law, but doing so can also reduce your odds of being hurt in an accident.
Don’t Ride Under the Influence
Although this should go without saying—intoxicating substances and motorcycles don’t mix. Drugs and alcohol negatively affect judgment, reaction times, and other cognitive functions. In fact, this can apply even if you are under the legal blood alcohol concentration limit. Operating a motorcycle is dangerous enough without adding drugs and alcohol to the mix.
Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents
If you’ve been hurt in a Missouri motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation for your injuries. Several factors can affect the compensation you receive after a motorcycle accident, including:
Severity of your injuries: The severity of your injuries is one of the primary factors used to determine the compensation to which you may be entitled. Severe injuries that require medical care often result in higher settlements.
Liability: Establishing fault in a motorcycle accident case is essential. If you are found to be partially at fault, your settlement amount can be reduced pursuant to Missouri’s comparative fault rule.
Insurance: The at-fault party’s insurance coverage can have a major effect on compensation in a motorcycle accident case. In the state of Missouri, the minimum required amounts of insurance coverage are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Damages: Settlements in motorcycle cases take economic damages and non-economic damages into account. Economic damages are tangible losses, such as lost wages, medical expenses, and property damage. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are non-tangible losses, such as loss of enjoyment of life and pain and suffering.
Contact a Missouri Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident in the state of Missouri, you need a personal injury attorney in your corner. At Privette Law Office, we understand the difficulties involved in being involved in a motorcycle accident. Therefore, when you come to us for help with your motorcycle accident case, we will work hard to obtain financial compensation on your behalf. Please contact us to schedule a consultation with a talented motorcycle accident attorney.