Rights: Does it Have to be Celebrate vs. Safe?

Photo by David Carson, St. Louis Post Dispatch 9/15/12

Many of us around St. Louis have seen large groups of bikes riding together. And many people have impressions or ideas that people who ride motorcycles are reckless, in general—I’ve been told that so many times. Motorcycle riding is like any other sport or pastime —it only takes a few to be reckless to create a negative stereotype for all others who are riding safely. When we talk about laws—many laws are made for the exceptions and not the general masses who try to be safe.

I have witnessed large rides in years past, and I will do what I can to avoid it for two reasons:

1. Traffic is extra hectic with the addition of that many vehicles.
2. A few have ridden unsafely in the past, and I do not want to be a part of an accident or witness an accident. I hope that there are no accidents! Injuries or fatalities due to personal recklessness are sad and tragic because they are completely preventable. Daily, I encounter car drivers and motorcyclists alike who were operating safely and were in an accident anyway—it happens, but why increase your odds by driving recklessly?

As far as motorcyclists saying they would contact their attorneys to get their tickets “fixed”—that will not prevent an injury if they are in an accident. Tickets are not the biggest issue here—accidents resulting in serious injuries and deaths are the real potential problem. So, if these riders all ride together safely, including no trick riding, observing the traffic lights, and traveling at a safe distance, then all should be fine. I truly believe that is what law enforcement is trying to accomplish.

Obviously, other motorists will have to be on the lookout for motorcyclists, but we each should be doing that every day! We all “share” the road but must be safe when driving, no matter what kind of vehicle we are driving!

At The Cagle Law Firm, we often have clients who are victims of motorcycle accidents, and like our victims of auto accidents, they were not usually doing anything unsafe. That’s the point—accidents can happen even when you are operating your vehicle safely. We do not represent motorcycle victims who were injured while trick riding or purposely driving recklessly for the simple reason that purposely driving unsafely can cause a crash and can be considered very negligent. If you are hurt while trick riding on a public street in traffic, you probably will not be able to file a very good personal injury claim. Not that you can’t—it just may be hard to find an attorney, much less a jury that will agree with you.

It’s America! Motorcycle riders should be able to gather and celebrate their love of motorcycle riding! We should be able to gather with other like individuals and celebrate our lifestyles under the one condition—that it does not endanger others.

If you have been injured in an accident through no fault of your own, you need to contact an expert personal injury attorney. Our attorneys are available seven days a week to answer your questions at (314) 276-1681.