Some of those that we see here at the offices of Escandon, Fernicola, Anderson, and Covelli who are dealing with the effects of a motorcycle crash aren’t motorcyclists at all. Rather, they were those who trusted a spouse, family member, or friend enough to hop on the back of their bikes and take a quick ride. Unfortunately, they often discover all too quickly just how little protection a motorcycle provides in a crash. Therefore, it may be important that one know his or rights as a passenger following a motorcycle collision.
The common assumption that’s often made regarding motorcycle passengers is that they know the risks inherent with riding on such vehicles. Thus, they accept them by agreeing to ride. Yet a passenger’s decision to ride may not necessarily absolve the motorcyclist of the responsibility to ensure the safety of them both. Quite the contrary; the passenger ends up relying on the motorcyclist for everything, including accident protection.
It may be a temptation for a motorcyclist to “show off” for his or passenger. Those riding along should be aware of this, as excess speed has been shown to have a strong impact on the probability of an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 36 percent of all motorcycle crashes in 2007 were due to a speeding driver.
Should an accident occur, a passenger may want to reach out to both his or her own insurance company as well as that of the motorcyclist to see through which any accident injury claims should be submitted. If one encounters difficulty getting the information he or she needs from the motorcyclist and/or his or her insurance carrier, legal assistance may be required.
For more information on dealing with motorcycle accidents, visit our Motorcycle Accident Archives.
