Question: My teenager wants to get a motorcycle. He is a good kid and responsible. What would you tell him?
BILL: I hope you never have to see a motorcycle accident. They are some of the most disturbing images you can experience. I’ve had probably 30 motorcycle cases. I love bikers, but the machines that bikers get on are just not safe enough.
You asked for my opinion and experience; I am going to give you the truth.
Most accidents involve a car hitting a motorcycle. After an accident, we always hear the same thing from the car driver—I just didn’t see them. And, you know, especially at night, that is probably true. To the car driver, one headlight coming down the road, when you are used to seeing two, often just won’t register.
In the cases I have had, it is rarely the motorcyclist’s fault. But the biker is the one who suffers. I mean, it is not uncommon to have multiple surgeries and years of physical therapy. And that is if they live.
I can’t tell you how many death cases I’ve had, and sometimes, the collision hasn’t even really been that bad. If the motorcycle rider had been in a Subaru or Hyundai, they probably wouldn’t even have gone to the doctor.
I had a husband and wife about 10 years ago, actually, friends of mine. They were going down Highway 90 and came up to Pleasant Valley. They were going downtown to go to Heroes with some other biker friends of theirs. A lady pulled out in front of them, and they hit the car between the driver’s and passenger’s doors. Both the husband and wife died instantly, and they had a 12-year-old, a 10-year-old, and a 6-year-old at home. Imagine, both of their parents gone immediately. And the bikers did nothing wrong.
Now you say your son is responsible. Well, I had two motorcycles pass me on the Interstate the other day, and I swear they were going over 100 mph. They were racing each other and weaving in and out. They didn’t think anything could happen … but I knew one mistake could severely injure them and potentially other people.
I don’t have anything against choppers or hogs… I even like scooters. I have family members who ride and are proud to do it. But I know what can happen. If you are on a motorcycle, you are on a high-powered piece of machinery with no seatbelt, no roll bar, no airbags, and without most every other kind of protection.
Just think about it. If you have a major collision, you’re at the mercy of physics. You will probably go flying in the air or, at the least, be crushed under the bike’s weight.
OK, to your question. I remember when my son was about 16, he said, “Dad, at what age can I get a motorcycle?” And I said, “The day after I die.” He wasn’t pleased, but he is still with us.
Hope this helps.
CALL BILL
Injured? You can call Bill directly at 251-255-5000. He will talk to you for free. Plus, watch Bill every Sunday night at 10:30 on NBC 15 LawCall, our legal TV show, here in Mobile. Hosted by Andrea Ramey, it is on right after the news.