Few motorcycle enthusiasts would dispute the unique dangers associated with riding a motorcycle. Motorcycles are less visible and stable and lack structural protection as well as safety equipment. When a car, pickup truck, SUV or tractor-trailer collides with a motorcycle, the weight differential also contributes to the typically poor outcome for a motorcycle accident victim. Even if a motorcycle enthusiast drivers extremely careful and is attentive regarding potential road hazards, this does not eliminate the increased danger associated with traveling by motorcycle. When the driver of a passenger vehicle moves into your lane without checking the driver’s blind spot, even an experienced vigilant motorcycle rider may lay the motorcycle down and suffer serious injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractured or broken bones, severe road rash and even wrongful death.
Motorcycle enthusiasts are more likely to be involved in a collision because a bike is less stable and responsive. While rider inexperience contributes to many motorcycle accidents, even experienced riders are vulnerable to the actions of negligent drivers. Not only are motorcycle enthusiast more likely to be involved in a motorcycle accident, but they also face a much higher risk of suffering catastrophic injuries because they do not have the protection of a metal enclosure, air bags, seat belts and other safety equipment that is standard to other vehicles.
There are many types of negligent driving practices that put motorcycle riders as risk of being involved in a Mississippi motorcycle accident including:
- Driver impaired by drugs or alcohol (DUI/DWI)
- Fatigued or drowsy drivers
- Drivers using a cell phone or otherwise distracted
- Failure to check blind spots and mirrors when changing lanes
- Unsafe turns
- Failure to comply with traffic signals or stop signs
While there are no counter-measures that can completely overcome these dangers, new technology offers some hope. Honda was the first to offer a motorcycle that was equipped with an air bag like a car that was placed in front of the rider and inflated in the event of a collision. While this was an interesting innovation, it provides fairly limited protection against ejection and no protection if a rider actually is ejected from a motorcycle in a collision. However, new types of motorcycle air bags are being designed in the form of a jacket that the rider wears and inflates in the event of a collision or motorcycle ejection. These jackets are being widely used by those involved in motorcycle racing. While the jackets are still cost prohibitive for most consumers, less expensive models designed for the consumer market are expected soon.
The experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Barrett Law applaud these efforts to make motorcycle enthusiasts safer in a Mississippi motorcycle accident. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Barrett Law have been providing tenacious representation to accident victims for over 75 years. We provide diligent legal representation and impassioned advocacy for our clients’ best interest so we invite you to call us today at 662-834-2376 to learn how we can help.