Need Help After a Motorcycle Accident?

Especially in warm and sunny West Palm Beach, Florida, motorcycles have become very popular modes of transportation in the U.S. In fact, the U.S. is home to more than 4 million licensed motorcyclists. Motorcycles provide a more cost efficient and exhilarating alternative to cars, but also, most unfortunately, less protection from impact in the event of a crash.

Highway accidents alone resulted in the injury of 88,000 motorcyclists in 2006. For those injured in motorcycle accidents, it is critical to gain basic personal injury protection from a quality West Palm Beach personal injury attorney. Personal injury lawyers represent the victims and families of those who have been involved in a wide range of motorcycle accidents including hit and runs, rear end crashes, failure to yield, limited visibility accidents, stop sign collisions, DUIs, and even defective products and parts, although vehicle failure accounts for less than three percent of motorcycle accidents. In this article, we will review the specialties of those providing basic personal injury protection to motorcyclists and a few tips for safer riding.

What Does a Motorcycle Personal Injury Attorney Do?

Many are under the impression that accident lawyers for motorized vehicles are all the same. Though motorcycles are similar to cars in many general ways, they have unique characteristics that can make them faster and more difficult to handle. For example, most lack anti lock brakes. A quality West Palm beach personal injury lawyer specializing in motorcycle accidents understands the technical differences between motorcycles and automobiles and can appropriately represent a motorcyclist.

Often, the injuries sustained in motorcycles are more severe than those sustained in comparable car accidents. a quality motorcycle accident attorney understands this difference and the importance of basic personal injury protection. He or she knows that lost wages, medical bills, lasting disabilities, and rehab often come along with time, money, and pain in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident and can help accident victims through a difficult time by preparing documents, calling insurance companies, and fighting for the damages owed.

Avoiding Motorcycle Injury

The best basic personal injury protection start with the rider. Because motorcycle accidents lead to double the amount of severe injuries and fatalities than any other type of motor vehicle accident, it is critically important for riders to know the risks and minimize them. Common injuries associated with motorcycle accidents include,

• Brain damage
• Road rash
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injury
• Disfigurement
• Head injury
• Pelvic damage
• Severe internal and external bruising

The highest injury and fatality rates among motorcyclists are in young adults aged between 20 and 24.

The best way to avoid injury in a motorcycle is to ride safely. Here are a few things to keep in mind each time you hop on a bike.

• Before the first ride of the season, check your bike thoroughly for wear and damage.
• A helmet reduces your risk of death in a crash by 37%. Wear one that fits and has a face shield, or pair it with goggles or glasses.
• Invest in a leather jacket and pants in a bright color, durable non slip gloves, and boots or sneakers that cover your ankles.
• Drive smart. Know your bike’s limits, stick to the speed limit, give yourself space, use your signals, and make sure you can be seen.

Reducing the risk of injury and fatality starts with you. Though West Palm Beach accident attorneys are ready to help you if necessary, they’d rather you didn’t need them in the first place. Stay safe and ride smart. Learn more.