It is legal to have a passenger on the back of a motorcycle, but certain laws and safety regulations must be followed when riding with another person. Regardless of how carefully you ride, you cannot control the actions of other drivers on the road. Motorcycle passengers face many of the same serious injury risks as the driver. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident as a passenger or driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Passenger Safety and Helmet Laws
Motorcycle passengers should wear the same protective gear as the driver, including a helmet, jacket, gloves, and sturdy footwear. While helmet laws vary by state, and some passengers may not be legally required to wear helmets, it is strongly recommended for safety. During an accident, passengers are vulnerable because there is little to protect them from impact, often resulting in them being thrown from the motorcycle onto the pavement.
Common Injuries Sustained by Motorcycle Passengers
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Any head or neck trauma can cause a traumatic brain injury. A passenger may suffer a TBI from a direct blow to the head or from violent motion that causes the brain to shift inside the skull. TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, potentially causing long-term cognitive, physical, or emotional impairments.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Passengers may suffer fractures or broken bones due to impact or being thrown from the motorcycle. Common injuries include broken arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. Some fractures require surgery and extensive rehabilitation, especially those involving weight-bearing bones or joints.
Road Rash
When a passenger slides across pavement during a crash, friction causes abrasions known as road rash. These painful skin injuries range from mild scrapes to deep wounds that can cause permanent scarring and an increased risk of infection. Severe road rash often requires medical treatment, including skin grafts.
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs)
Trauma to the back or neck can fracture vertebrae, potentially compressing or damaging the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis below the injury site, leading to lifelong disability.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries from motorcycle accidents can be life-threatening and are not always immediately apparent. These may include internal bleeding, organ damage, or punctured lungs. Prompt medical evaluation is critical to detect and treat these injuries before complications arise.
Burns
Burns can occur from contact with hot motorcycle parts, spilled fuel, or fire following a crash. Severe burns often require prolonged treatment, including surgeries and skin grafts, and may cause permanent disfigurement and nerve damage.
Contact a Montgomery County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Bikers Have Rights
If you were injured as a motorcycle passenger, a Montgomery County motorcycle accident lawyer at Bikers Have Rights can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and represent injured motorcyclists in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Call 215-525-1616 or 877-333-0300 or contact us online. We are located in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania.