How Attire Can Protect a Motorcycle Operator from Severe Harm
Motorcycle enthusiasts are often associated with their personal attire when riding. Most often, the association is made with leather clothing. The choice is often more than just for fashion. Leather clothing can help protect motorcycle operators if they are involved in an accident.
At Richard Schwartz & Associates, P.A., we represent motorcyclists who have been injured in accidents throughout Mississippi. Our legal team will help you understand your rights, including your right to compensation. Contact our office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Leather as a Safety Feature
Safety gear is an important consideration for any bikers. Motorcyclists have little to no protection, making them extraordinarily vulnerable to serious injury or even death. Road rash is not the only concern. Exhaust pipes and engines get very heated while in transit, and having appropriate safety clothing can help protect from burns regardless of how the injuries can occur.
Leather clothing is intended as bodily protection for when a rider is involved in an accident. Motorcyclist reports that leather jackets have been worn by operators for nearly 100 years since the creation of the Perfecto in 1925. The jacket was born out of a need for form and function.
Motorcycle operators are well aware of their vulnerability, and wearing leather is a primary safety tool in preventing road rash when accidents happen. Not only do the jackets protect the central body, but gloves can protect hands just as chaps protect the legs, just as leather boots can protect shins and feet from injury.
Motorcycle Awareness
The true problem with motorcycles as a mode of transportation is that many standard auto operators are not always aware when a motorcyclist is in their proximity, and serious accidents are commonly the result. Statistics show that motorcyclists are injured or die in accidents at a far greater rate than typical vehicle passengers, and the physical safety provided by a car does not exist on a bike of any type.
When riders are involved in accidents, it is vital to have an experienced motorcycle accident attorney representing the case who knows what to expect in terms of defense from the opposing driver's legal team.
Comparative Negligence
While leather clothing is not a requirement in Mississippi, such as a helmet, the fact that an injured rider was not wearing leather clothing may be used by a defending party in order to show some form of negligence. This, however, does not influence liability when a negligent driver hits a motorcyclist.
According to the state’s comparative negligence law (Miss. Code Ann. § 11-7-15), you are still able to recover damages even if you were partially to blame for the accident. Your recovery, however, may be reduced in proportion to your percentage of the fault.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Never attempt handling your own accident claim in Mississippi. Always contact an experienced personal injury attorney who understands what to expect from the defendant.
If you are injured in Mississippi and need seasoned legal representation, do not hesitate to contact our office for help protecting your rights to just compensation.
