Articles Posted in Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

Driving motorcycles is significantly more dangerous than driving cars. The smaller profile of motorcycles leaves them vulnerable to car blind spots, and the open nature of motorcycles can throw drivers from the vehicle upon impact during a crash. Because motorcycle riders are not protected by their vehicle like the occupants of a car, approximately 72 percent of motorcyclists are injured when they crash. Unfortunately, Maryland drivers are all too familiar with the dangers of motorcycle driving. Maryland averages 73 motorcycle rider and passenger deaths per year, and on average, an additional 1,046 riders or drivers are injured each year. Additionally, this issue is not getting better in Maryland, with the state seeing an increase in motorcycle crashes from 2019 to 2020. A recent news article discussed a fatal motorcycle crash.

According to the news article about a recent fatal motorcycle crash, the accident occurred in the evening around 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 14, when a motorcycle going at the intersection of Six Forks Road and Mt. Vernon Church Road was struck by a Nissan minivan. The driver of the minivan tried to make a left turn and hit the motorcycle. Unfortunately, the motorcyclists died at the scene. The motorcycle driver was wearing a helmet and reflective clothing. The driver of the minivan was taken into custody by law enforcement and charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and failure to yield the right of way.

Most motorcycles can both accelerate and brake faster than other vehicles on the road. This responsiveness to user control is what attracts many bikers to motorcycles as a means of transportation and recreation. Although most bikes are mechanically capable of impressive stopping distances, the attention, and ability of the motorcycle driver limit the mechanical advantages of a motorcycle. A motorcyclist and his passenger were both killed late last month after the motorcyclist was unable to stop in time and rear-ended another driver.

According to a local news report discussing the tragic crash, a Florida motorcyclist was approaching another vehicle from behind and lost control of the bike while attempting to brake. The motorcycle flipped on its side and crashed into the leading vehicle. Both the driver and passenger of the motorcycle were killed in the crash. The article does not mention whether the rider and passenger were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

Motorcycle accidents that involve cars or trucks can be devastating for the parties involved, especially to motorcyclists who have less protection than other motorists. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 42 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes that involved another motor vehicle involved a vehicle turning left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing, or overtaking a vehicle. NHSTA also reports that 41 percent of all motorcycle crashes are due to drivers failing to see motorcycles. This can be due to the smaller size of the vehicles and a driver’s blind spots.

According to a recent news report from Maryland, a Chevrolet was traveling northbound attempting to make a left turn, and at the same time, a 1997 Harley-Davidson motorcycle was traveling southbound entering the intersection in Seaford. The Chevrolet turned left directly in front of the motorcycle, and as a result, the front left of the Chevrolet struck the left front of the motorcycle. This resulted in the ejection of the motorcyclist from his bike. The 59-year-old male motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital and pronounced deceased. The driver of the Chevrolet was not injured. The intersection was closed for approximately 3 hours after the crash, and the accident is still under investigation.

It is common knowledge that motorcycle riders are at greater risk of injury and or death than car riders, but the actual disparity in risk is rather stunning. In fact, some sources claim that for every mile traveled, motorcyclists are 35 times more likely than car riders to have a fatal accident. Given the tremendous risk of motorcycle accidents and the potentially fatal results of such crashes, both motorcyclists and drivers of cars should take extreme precautions when it comes to navigating traffic situations involving motorcycles and sharing the road. A recent news article discussed a local fatal motorcycle crash.

According to the local news article about a motorcycle accident in Maryland, the accident occurred late in the evening on Wednesday, August 31, after the motorcyclist lost control and was thrown from the vehicle. The preliminary investigation by law enforcement revealed that the rider was driving a Harley-Davidson motorcycle on the outer loop approaching MD-214 when he lost control. The motorcycle rolled on its side before the rider was thrown from the motorcycle and hit by several vehicles that did not remain at the scene, the police said. The rider was pronounced dead at the scene.

This tragic and horrifying accident is unfortunately all too common in Maryland and shows the need for car drivers and motorcyclists to engage in exceedingly careful when driving at high speeds near or around motorcycles. The smaller profile of motorcycles creates a greater likelihood of motorcycles occupying blind spots of larger vehicles and the open nature of motorcycle riding creates unique harm for riders involved in any crashes. When operators of larger vehicles only look out for other large vehicles and cars and fail to pay special attention to motorcycles and smaller vehicles, it places the smaller vehicles at great risk. In the event that a driver fails to see another vehicle, resulting in a crash, they could face both civil and criminal legal liability.

High profile motorcycle accident cases can be a long and arduous process, compounded by delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In one instance, a 2019 case that killed seven motorcycle drivers only recently saw resolution—a resolution that likely brought little peace for the families and loved ones of those who died.

According to the prosecution in the case, a truck driver used heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine before beginning work. In addition to a history of drug use and a reckless driving record, the driver reportedly took his eyes off the road and reached for a drink, causing him to swerve into or past the center line of the road and strike the motorcyclists, killing seven members. The motorcyclists were part of a veteran motorcycle club out on a ride. Mixed reports state that the motorcyclists were driving under the influence of alcohol, and that the leader of the club was driving recklessly.

A recent article reports that jurors found the truck driver innocent when evidence contradicted whether or not he actually drove over the center line. In addition, conflicting evidence showed that the motorcycle club members called as witnesses were potentially lying about the sobriety level of the other members as part of an oath to protect and not disparage other members. The prosecution and defense presented very disparate theories of fault in this case, leading to the not guilty verdict.

Motorcycle accidents can be devasting or even deadly for the motorcyclists involved. Some motorcyclists attempt to avoid a collision between their motorcycle and another vehicle by using what is known as the lay-down. This involves a motorcyclist laying down their bike in order to avoid a collision or to stop severe injuries from occurring, although this technique has not been proven to prevent injury.

In a recent news report, officers responded to an accident that killed one motorcyclist in Louisville, Kentucky. According to initial reports from witnesses, the motorcyclist laid his bike down to avoid another vehicle. The motorcyclist was sent to a local hospital where he later died.

Laying down a motorcycle can present various dangers, including injuries to the brain, head and legs, and severe road rash. In addition to the bike continuing to travel at a high speed, motorcyclists who attempt to lay down their bike may also find that they will be unable to control where they end up. Modern motorcycles have better technology, including anti-lock brakes and tires with better traction, all of which may help motorcyclists avoid collisions. Being an alert driver is also a very important part of sharing the roads with other drivers and pedestrians.

As if getting in a car accident was not stressful enough, having the at-fault party leave the scene only adds to the frustration and challenges that come with the aftermath of a major collision. If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, you may still be able to get recourse in the event that local authorities are able to locate the at-fault party. If the at-fault party is located, you will also have several options to consider as you plan your next steps legally.

According to a recent news report, a man was charged after fleeing the scene of a deadly motorcycle accident. Based on initial reports, a Honda was traveling north when it crossed into southbound lanes and crashed into the motorcycle. The motorcyclist was thrown from their bike and pronounced dead on the scene. Following the accident, the driver of the Honda fled from the scene on foot and was located by local authorities shortly after. The police report noted that the driver of the Honda made no attempt to render aid to the motorcyclist. The initial investigation also showed that the Honda driver had an open 12 ounce can of beer in his vehicle’s center console and an empty box of beer in the backseat. The Honda driver has since been charged with vehicular homicide, driver intoxication, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. The accident remains under investigation.

Motorcycle accidents are very common, and often result in a rider suffering serious, life-changing injuries. Fatal accidents are also much more common than most people realize. Some hazards that may cause minor inconveniences to the drivers of automobiles can be extremely dangerous to motorcyclists. Road damage, debris, and wildlife can cause accidents that may be deadly to motorcyclists. A recently published local news report discusses a motorcyclist who was recently killed in a crash when he lost control of his vehicle after a goose flew into him while he was on the road.

According to the local news report, the tragic crash occurred on a Friday morning in early April of this year when a motorcyclist traveling on State Road in Croyden, PA was struck by a flying goose and lost control of his vehicle. After the initial collision with the goose, the biker swerved into oncoming traffic, sideswiping one vehicle and ultimately crashing into an SUV head-on. Authorities quoted in the article stated that the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The article did not release any further information about the identity of the motorcyclist, or whether they were wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Financial liability for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area accidents caused in part by wildlife or other non-human sources can sometimes be tricky. If the only at-fault party in a car accident is a dead animal, then someone’s insurance company is going to need to step up and pay for the damages. Generally, the bodily injury/liability coverage of an auto insurance policy will cover injuries to a rider or occupant on a motorcycle who was injured in a crash caused by the motorcycle. It is ultimately the responsibility of the vehicle operator to avoid a collision with wildlife, and bodily injury/ liability coverage should apply.