Motorcycles are thrilling, exciting, and wild things. The law… well, not so much. Legal concerns can seem pretty dry and boring, especially compared to the thrill of the open road.
But motorcycle riders need to spare a thought for legal concerns nonetheless. Like it or not, the law has a lot to say about how you use your motorcycle. And if you’re ever hurt in an accident on your motorcycle, you may find that the complexities of the law can actually help you recover and seek justice.
So take some time to read on about how the law treats your motorcycle and motorcycle accidents. This knowledge just might come in handy for you at some point down the road.
Obeying the law on your motorcycle
Motorcycles are liberating to ride, but there are some restrictions on how you can ride them. Different countries, provinces, and states have different ideas on what you should be able to do on a motorcycle and what sort of gear you should wear when you ride one. As a rider, it’s your responsibility to learn and follow these laws.
You should understand what safety gear is required in your area. Laws vary by region, of course — though the safest move, both legally and personally, is to gear up with every piece of relevant safety gear. What you wear can make a huge difference in how well you fare in a slide or a collision. Invest in brand-name gear, according to experts at motorcycle supply company Chap Moto.
On a motorcycle, you can easily slip past cars by riding on the shoulder or in between cars. But be aware of safety and legal concerns. While lane-splitting is generally understood to help alleviate traffic, some areas have banned it nonetheless, citing safety concerns.
You should be especially aware of your legal obligations on long trips that take you across state or national boundaries. Remember that laws can change from region to region. Plan ahead and make sure that you know your obligations at every point along your journey.
Using the law to fight for your rights
If you obey the rules of the road, practice defensive riding, and wear the best safety gear you can afford, then you’ll give yourself the best possible chance of staying safe when you ride.
Unfortunately, however, there is no sure thing here. With so many other people on the road making decisions and making mistakes, there is always the chance that someone else’s negligence will result in an accident that leaves you seriously injured.
And if that happens, you could start feeling some very dire consequences. Medical bills are not cheap, and debt caused by those and other expenses can start mounting and trap you in the cycle of debt. If you’re injured, you may find your work schedule or your entire career derailed, causing you to lose income. And on top of all of this, you could be suffering from physical and emotional pain.
All of this because of an accident someone else caused. That’s not fair — but with an expert personal injury lawyer in Toronto or your local area, you can fight for justice. By turning to a local attorney who understands the injury laws in your Canadian province or US state, you can work to secure the compensation you deserve for your financial and personal damages.
You should only take legal advice from a lawyer, of course, and every situation is different. So, if you’re in a situation where you believe you might have a case, you should set up a consultation with an attorney straight away.
