If you are hurt in a motorcycle accident, your first thought may not be to hire an attorney who handles motorcycle accident cases. Unfortunately, you may be at a disadvantage if you are injured in an accident and hire an attorney who does not know all the ins and outs of motorcycle law. An expert in these sorts of cases can ensure that you are protected throughout the entire case.

Frequency of Accidents on Motorcycles

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, accidents with motorcycles are 35 times more likely to involve a fatality than accidents involving passenger cars alone. Safety features with motorcycles are more common than they were even a few years ago, but there is still the risk that motorists in a car may not notice the motorcyclist, increasing the risk of an accident significantly. Variables such as weather and road conditions can also contribute to a greater likelihood that an accident involving a motorcycle might occur.

Avoiding a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycles are much easier to overlook than another car for most drivers in a car, and up to two thirds of accidents involving motorcycles occur because the other vehicle failed to acknowledge the motorcycle’s right of way. Safety equipment, such as a helmet, is non-negotiable, and riders must always pay attention to changing road conditions around them. Another important factor in avoiding an accident is for the motorcyclist to make themselves as visible as possible, with working lights and reflective materials on the motorcycle and the rider. While this cannot prevent all accidents, it is certainly a step in the right direction.

Hiring a Motorcycle Attorney

Should the worst happen, hiring an attorney to help if you are injured in an accident while operating a motorcycle is a serious issue. Select an attorney who has experience with motorcycle cases. Ask how many cases they have handled of a similar nature to yours. Motorcycle laws are not too different from the laws governing automobiles, but you need someone handling your case that has experience with those small differences.

Riding a motorcycle may be fun, but you have to be alert, especially as other drivers may not be as attentive to your whereabouts. Knowing how to avoid an accident is only part of the solution. If you do need to hire a lawyer who can help you with your personal injury case, be sure to ask questions and make sure you understand how the law affects your situation.