Every year, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is held in Sturgis, South Dakota. The rally will be held this year from August 7-16. Like most years, this year’s rally could draw hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists from across the United States.
Motorcycle rallies can be a lot of fun, but sometimes injuries and deaths occur. That’s why it’s important for motorcyclists to practice safety precautions when traveling to and attending rallies. Drivers of cars and trucks often don’t pay attention to motorcyclists. In some cases, they even show outright disregard for them.
What Dangers Do Motorcyclists Face?
According to the NHTSA, nearly 5,000 motorcyclists were killed on U.S. roads in 2018. While this marked a five percent decrease from the previous year, it is still disproportionately high. Most crashes involving motorcyclists are caused by drivers who are distracted, impaired, drowsy, speeding, driving erratically or failing to yield the right-of-way.
One of the most common types of crashes involving motorcycles and cars are left turns. This occurs when a driver turns left in front of a motorcyclist who has the right of way. Motorcyclists are often flung into the air when they hit the side of a car. This can result in:
- Broken bones
- Severe spinal and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations, bruises and contusions
- Severe soft tissue injuries
- Paralysis
- Death
Crashes involving two motorcycles are also possible when thousands of motorcyclists are congested in the same area.
Safety Tips
If you plan on attending Sturgis this year or any other rally, it’s important to take these safety precautions into consideration:
- Ensure that your bike is in good condition and ensure that all mechanical defects are repaired.
- Maintain a safe distance from drivers and other motorcyclists.
- Avoid riding if you have consumed any alcoholic beverages. Many motorcyclist fatalities that occur at Sturgis are linked to alcohol.
- Be sure to wear a properly fitted helmet and protective gear (long pants, boots, gloves, leather jacket, and eye protection).
- Ride defensively and be aware of drivers who appear to be distracted or reckless.
- Avoid riding during hazardous weather, such as severe thunderstorms or high winds.
Contact A Sioux Falls Attorney If You Were Hurt In A Crash
Should you sustain an injury in a motorcycle crash before, during or after this year’s Sturgis rally, you have the right to pursue legal damages. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, damage to property, and pain and suffering.
The insurance company who represents the at-fault party is also responsible for compensating you. Without the right attorney on your side, the insurance company may downplay or deny your claim. What’s worse, insurance companies are often biased against motorcyclists and argue that motorcyclists behave recklessly.
The attorneys at Northern Plains Justice, LLP know that simply isn’t true. Contact our law firm to discuss your legal options. Our legal consultations are confidential and free of charge.