Those who ride motorcycles are at a significantly higher risk of serious injury or death. In fact, a motorcycle rider is 28 times more likely to be killed than an occupant of a car. This also extends to passengers of a motorcycle.
In fact, studies show that the passenger is at greater risk than the motorcycle operator for serious injury. There are many reasons for this, but the primary factor is that the operator of the bike has a bit more protection with the handlebars and the windshield, and the operator often has a bit more time to react and prepare for the impact.
It is important to understand the liability requirements in Spokane if you are injured as a passenger in a motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle Passengers and Risks
According to research conducted by the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, passengers have a higher rate of traumatic brain injuries. Part of this is because often times a passenger doesn’t have a helmet because most motorcycle operators don’t carry two helmets. However, even when the passenger is wearing a helmet, he or she is at a higher risk of a traumatic brain injury.
Types of Injuries Common to Passenger of Motorcycles
A passenger is at greater risk of injury in the same crash than the operator. Some of the common injuries to passengers are:
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Broken bones (facial, wrists, legs and ribs)
- Road Rash
- Deep Bruises
- Thoracic Neck Injury (less significant risk for passenger, but still common)
Passenger Injuries and Liability in Spokane
In 60 percent of motorcycle accidents (including those with passengers) versus passenger vehicles and trucks, the fault is with the vehicle driver and not the motorcycle rider, according to a study by the Florida Department of Transportation. In these crashes, the at-fault driver of the car will pay for injuries, and the driver’s auto insurance company will pay for those injuries.
The rest of the time, the fault will be with the motorcycle operator. In this case, if a passenger on the bike was injured, then the victim will have to get compensation for his or her injuries from the bike operator’s insurance policy.
There are times when the motorcycle rider isn’t covered for some reason. When this happens, the passenger can use their own insurance policy if they have uninsured or underinsured coverage.
What if I’m Injured as a Motorcycle Passenger?
The insurance companies have their highly-paid lawyers and are good at paying as little as possible. Don’t go it alone, rather talk to a Spokane Motorcycle Accident Lawyer today who knows traffic law and personal injury law and has a track record of standing up to the insurance companies. Contact us today to start getting the compensation you deserve. Call them at (509) 926 4900 or send them a message.
Established in Spokane in 1948, Crary, Clark, Domanico, & Chuang, P.S. is committed to providing our clients with the absolute highest quality legal representation. If our Spokane Motorcycle Accident Lawyers represent you for your accident case, you have our assurance that we will use our absolute best efforts to win your case. Contact us after any accident resulting in a serious injury for a free, confidential consultation and case evaluation. We will only offer you advice which is in your best interest.
