Motorcyclists enjoy a freedom on the road like no other, but with that freedom comes a vulnerability like no other. Motorcyclists have a duty to ride safely and carefully, but the rider’s own level of care is not always enough to prevent being struck by a careless, negligent, or aggressive driver. Motorcycle accidents are tragic and almost always result in disaster.
When a motorcycle is in a traffic collision with a larger passenger vehicle or truck, the motorcyclist and any passengers will generally be the ones to suffer the most. Many drivers simply don’t watch out for motorcyclists like they should, and there’s no denying the fact that motorcycles don’t offer the same protection other vehicles do. Motorcycle accident injuries are often extremely serious and extensive in nature and may even result in death.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in the state of Mississippi and feel the accident was caused due to the negligent or reckless actions of another driver, Biloxi, MS motorcycle accident lawyer Corban Gunn is here to help. Our law office is dedicated to helping accident victims recover the maximum allowable compensation when they have been hurt by the negligence of others in Mississippi motorcycle accidents.
Examining the Risks of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
There are many aspects of motorcycle riding that raise the risks for serious personal injury or wrongful death in the event of a motorcycle accident. These include:
Vulnerability – The rider is exposed to being hit by a vehicle or thrown to the ground with little protection beyond perhaps a helmet, some riding leathers, and the bike itself. Traumatic brain injury, other serious injury, or death can result.
Visibility – Many drivers do not look out for the presence of a motorcycle before making a turn or lane change. Being much smaller than an automobile, the motorcycle is less visible to the driver who does not check mirrors and blind spots before beginning a maneuver.
Maneuverability – The bike’s own maneuverability means that the biker may be making quick lane changes or moving faster than the surrounding flow of traffic. Riders must exercise reasonable care and caution when making these maneuvers, but drivers must be equally careful and aware of motorcycles in their vicinity.
Distraction – Distracted driving is becoming an increasing problem as more devices take our attention away from the road. An inattentive or distracted driver simply will not see a motorcycle until it is too late to avoid a collision.
In 2015, over 4,500 motorcyclists died in crashes throughout the United States. Over 88,000 motorcyclists were injured during that same year. According to statistics from the previous year, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in an accident. This statistic should come as no surprise given the inherent dangers of riding a motorcycle.
Tips for Biloxi Motorcyclists and Safe Motorcycle Riding
Given the extra dangers motorcyclists must face every time they are on Mississippi streets and highways, a smart motorcyclist will head out on the open road with extra caution and follow these tips:
- Obey traffic laws and ride safely when the current weather, road, or traffic conditions dictate you must do so
- Ride defensively; look out for others
- Maintain your bike in good condition
- Keep your headlights on, even in the daytime
- Stay in your lane and signal lane changes well in advance
- Ride in the center of the lane
- Dress for visibility and safety
- Keep a safe distance between yourself and the traffic ahead
- Ride in the outward lanes whenever possible—this gives you a quick exit route should you need to quickly avoid a collision
Get Help from an Experienced Mississippi Motorcycle Accident Attorney
All the care in the world may not protect a motorcyclist from a negligent, reckless, or aggressive driver. Some drivers may simply not see you while others may not respect your right to be on the road or understand the limitations of your bike. If you were struck or forced off the road by the negligent or wrongful conduct of another driver or if you have a family member who was seriously injured or killed in a Mississippi motorcycle accident, you deserve to know that legal help is available.
Filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit against a negligent or reckless driver can help your family recover from a tragedy that shouldn’t have occurred. Additionally, it may help the guilty driver understand the implications of driving carelessly. Motorcycles may be smaller than passenger vehicles, but motorcyclists share the same pavement that all vehicles do and adhere to the same right-of-way laws. Motorcycles deserve respect just as any other vehicle on the road.
To find out if filing a lawsuit is in your best interest, contact Corban Gunn, Biloxi, MS motorcycle accident lawyer, for a free consultation to find out how you can obtain compensation to help with your care and recovery. Corban Gunn is committed to obtaining justice for Mississippi motorcyclists and can obtain justice on the behalf of you and your family.
