Whether you’re a fan of powerful, wide-bodied choppers or enjoy the unparalleled speed and acceleration of a sport bike, riding motorcycles is a popular part of a deeply-ingrained driving culture for Americans everywhere. There’s something inherently and romantically American about the notion of an open road, a setting sun and nothing but the roar of an engine beneath as you disappear into the distance.
Motorcycles are all about achieving a feeling of pure freedom, and legendary gonzo writer Hunter S. Thompson captured it best in his book that chronicled his short stint following around the Hell’s Angels:
“But with the throttle screwed on there is only the barest margin, and no room at all for mistakes. It has to be done right … and that’s when the strange music starts, when you stretch your luck so far that fear becomes exhilaration and vibrates along your arms. You can barely see at a hundred; the tears blow back so fast that they vaporize before they get to your ears. The only sounds are wind and a dull roar floating back from the mufflers.”
- Hunter S. Thompson, excerpt from “Hell’s Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga”
There is no doubt that such experiences can be rare, incredible and form long-lasting memories. But inescapably, when the luck runs out, the same experiences can result in permanent injuries or death for the riders and passengers.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,586 people died as a result of motorcycle accidents in 2014, which accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. Another 92,000 were injured. This means motorcyclists were 27 more times likely to die and more than five times likely to be injured that drivers of passenger vehicles. Fatalities also occur primarily in riders aged 40 or older. According to the NHTSA data, 54 percent of motorcycle fatalities occurred in riders aged 40 or older. Given the obvious factors of exposure to elements like traffic and the road itself, motorcyclists are at a far greater risk of bodily harm and death than drivers of automobiles. Other factors may include drunk driving (which was a factor in 29 percent of fatalities in 2014) and speeding (which was a factor in 33 percent of fatalities). Wearing a helmet was also reported to have saved 1,669 lives in 2014. However, only 19 states and Washington D.C. had laws requiring the use of helmets as of 2015.
After an accident, get legal representation to fight for you
Many accidents involving motorcyclists are the fault of the motorcyclist. Maybe they were speeding, weaving in between traffic or they overestimated their skill level in pulling off a dangerous maneuver. However, many accidents are also the fault of other motorists. If you or somebody you love has been injured while riding a motorcycle, the resulting injuries are likely life-altering; physically, mentally and financially.
You don’t need to suffer without compensation. The legal experts at Altman & Altman have over 40 years of experience filing claims, collecting settlements and, when necessary, battling in court for the recompense that you are legally entitled to. Whether you were harmed by another operator’s error, negligence or something more sinister like a drunk driver, we will find the correct avenue and fight for you relentlessly. Motorcycle crashes can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of expenses to repair your bike, medical expenses for your injuries and lost time from work. Don’t go it alone, contact somebody on our legal team for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless you do.
Call us today at 617-492-3000 or toll-free at 800-481-6199. We are available 24/7.