by everending

Created on: December 19, 2008   Last Updated: December 16, 2010

Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom not found in many other activities. The blurred scenery, the screaming air, the beating sunmotorcyclists can achieve a sense of escape every time they start their engines. But all it takes is a moment for that sense of freedom and escape to shatter.

Motorcyclists are eight times more likely than drivers in passenger cars to be injured in crashes, and almost 35 times more likely to die. On one hand, motorcycles are innately more dangerous than passenger cars. They are not always very visible on the road, especially when other drivers are not expecting them. Motorcycles are also more susceptible to changing weather and road conditions. Motorcyclists are also only required to wear helmets in 20 states and the District of Columbia; without helmets, motorcyclists are completely unprotected to the dangers of the road.

On the other hand, motorcyclists are often not at fault for their injuries or deaths. Over half of the accidents involving motorcyclists included passenger cars as well. Motorcyclists are especially at risk when a passenger car is turning left across traffic. Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and are more difficult to see even on open roads; at intersections, where motorcycles can be lost in the midst of other traffic, the risk of a motorcyclist not being seen is drastically increased.

In the end, it is the responsibility of the passenger car driver, not the motorcyclist, to ensure that he is clear to turn left across traffic. Any motorist making a left-hand turn must always yield to oncoming traffic. Sadly, most motorcycle accidents do occur at intersections do to the lack of visibility, and accidents at intersections are very dangerous for motorcyclist due to the head-on nature of the crash.

When a motorcyclist is involved in an accident, especially at an intersection, he is entitled to a settlement of some kind. In order to ensure that the correct actions are taken, the police must be notified and an accurate report must be filed. If the motorcyclist is able to take photographs of the scene and any injuries, he should do so to supplement his claim. During the recovery process, all medical bills and expense receipts should be saved as well. In the end, motorcyclists have a right to be on the road as long as they obey all traffic laws. While helmets can reduce the risk of injury or death, a motorcyclist can still make a claim in states where they are not required, and the driver of the passenger car is still liable for the accident.

A motorcyclist involved in a collision with a passenger car, especially at an intersection, should immediately seek the help of an attorney. Insurance companies will always attempt to make a case that the motorcyclist is at least partially at fault for the accident, but once again, it is always the responsibility of the passenger car driver to yield when turning left across traffic. With the right attorney, a motorcyclist can ensure that he is compliant with all motor vehicle regulations and that his injuries are documented properly; most importantly, he can ensure that he obtains the compensation he is owed.

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