Motorcycle Passenger Safety - How to Protect Yourself

The passenger riding on the back of a motorcycle is subject to catastrophic injury just as much as the driver if they are involved in a motorcycle accident.

The presence of a passenger may increase the odds of an accident occurring. A passenger has a certain amount of control of a motorcycle. If not experienced, a passenger's movements could cause the driver to lose control and crash. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident while riding as a passenger, you may have a right to seek compensation. Ask a motorcycle accident attorney to look over the details of your accident to see what your legal options are.

Motorcycle Accidents Involving Passengers

Passengers are injured in motorcycle accidents more frequently than you may think. Just this December, a woman in Texas was ejected from the back of a bike when the driver failed to control the motorcycle's speed. Control was lost and the motorcycle spun out, leaving both the driver and passenger with serious injuries. There are extra precautions a driver must take when riding with a passenger. If unused to the shift in the center of gravity, the driver may easily lose control.

How a Motorcyclist Can Keep a Passenger Safe

To keep a passenger safe, a motorcyclist should always keep a few safety tips in mind. For one, the passenger seat is not as comfortable as the driver seat. The rider is getting more of the wind effect and has to strain against the wind in order to maintain balance. In addition, the added weight of a passenger will change how a motorcycle is normally operated. The driver should practice on smaller roads to get a feel for stopping distance and manuverability. It is best to experiment with seating positions to see which one is comfortable for both the driver and passenger. The passenger will have to hold on and lean into corners in the same way as the driver.

How a Passenger Can Ride Safely

As a passenger, there are motorcycle passenger safety tips you can follow. Sit as still as possible. Have some kind of signal, such as a quick pinch, that alerts the driver if you need to take a rest and move around. Follow the driver's movements and lean with the driver into the turns. Watch for sudden hazards and brace yourself for stopping. Pushing into the driver when the driver is attempting to slow down could cause him or her to lose control. Most importantly, wear the same protective gear as the driver.

Compensation for Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident

Keep in mind that as a motorcycle passenger, there is very little protection to your body if an accident occurs. In a recent case, a car hit a motorcycle after crossing the center lane and the family of the victim was awarded $1.6 million by a jury in a wrongful death suit. Had their loved one been a passenger in a car, the injuries suffered would most likely not have been fatal.

Many factors can contribute to a motorcycle crash and finding fault is not always easy. Contact a St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney from The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. if you were injured as a passenger. Call us at (314) 361-4242 for a free consultation.