Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
Motorcycle riding can be fun and liberating. But it also has risks. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash data from 2014, motorcyclist fatalities occurred at a rate 27 times that of deaths in other vehicles. Motorcycle riders are also six times as likely to suffer injury in an accident.
Motorcyclists face unique safety issues
Motorcyclists face unique safety issues that can make riding quite hazardous. Unlike automobiles that provide some protective barrier, motorcycles are completely exposed to vehicles around them, resulting in greater risk of serious injury in an accident. Motorcycles are easily obscured and quite frequently, other drivers do not see them. Motorcyclists also have to contend with the following road conditions:
- Objects in the roadway, including debris
- Oil slicks
- Pot holes and puddles
- Uneven pavement
Tips for driving with motorcyclists
Many drivers feel uncomfortable sharing the road with motorcycles. To learn to safely share the rode with motorcyclists, follow these tips:
- Check rear and side mirrors frequently; motorcycles are smaller than vehicles and can easily be hidden from view
- Keep a safe driving distance behind motorcycles
- Be aware of road conditions which present increased hazards for motorcyclists
- Be cautious on turns and be on the lookout for motorcyclists at intersections
Suffering injury in a motorcycle accident
When a motorcyclist is injured in an accident, depending upon the circumstances, several parties can be held liable for the accident. There may be more than one driver involved, faulty equipment may have played a role, or roadway conditions may have contributed to the accident. As such, the motorcyclist may be able to file a lawsuit against any of those parties, including other drivers, the motorcycle manufacturer, or the entity responsible for maintaining the road.
Timeframe for filing a lawsuit
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident and are considering filing a lawsuit against those responsible for the accident, pay attention to the calendar. The statute of limitations in North Dakota – the amount of time an individual has to file a lawsuit – is six years from the date of the accident in personal injury cases, and two years from the date of a wrongful death. Missing this deadline has serious consequences – the court may refuse to hear your case at any time in the future and any hope of recovering compensation for damages will be lost.
Our Minot motorcycle accident attorneys are here to help
The accomplished legal team at Larson Law in Minot, North Dakota, specializes in personal injury law and has been serving the North Dakota community for more than 45 years. If your motorcycle accident has left you with injuries and piling medical bills, take action to seek compensation from those responsible for your injuries. Attorney Mark Larson, a certified Civil Trial Specialist, is skilled and knowledgeable, and aggressively fights for the compensation you deserve. Not sure if you have a personal injury claim? Schedule a free consultation with a member of our team to discuss your case. Contact our office at 701-484-4878 or online; appointments available at our Minot office, your home, or the hospital.