Articles Posted in Motorcycle Accidents

Fatal motorcycle accidents and new riders just seem to go together far too often. I don’t know about you, but as a long-time rider I always notice reports of motorcycle accidents in the paper when I read it each morning. (That and my mom still clips them out and sends them to me hoping I’ll stop riding. 23 years later you’d think she’d learn.)

I’ve noticed a disturbing trend the last few days: new riders dying in accidents involving high-speed and super bikes.

This morning’s paper contained a perfect example of what I’m talking about. A 24 year-old motorcyclist died yesterday on Sabre Springs Pkwy. He was traveling at high-speeds, estimated to be in excess of 100 mph, when he lost control, rode up the center median and hit a tree. According to the police, “[t]he impact disintegrates the motorcycle and the motorcyclist was thrown onto the pavement. He was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Motorcycle accidents involving Marines have been on the rise and the Marine Corps wants to do something about it. This Thursday, Camp Pendleton officials will hold “Motorcycle Fest,” an event that will have mandatory safety presentations, a stunt rider, and a poker run game. Breakfast and a barbeque lunch will be served.

Since October 1, 2007, 24 Marines have been killed in motorcycle accidents, up from the prior year, which recorded a record 19 deaths. The order for the safety event came from Gen. James Amos, who stated in his order to the base, “We can and will improve our ability to prevent future unnecessary losses of sailors and Marines.” Gen. Amos also stated that the Marine Corps is working to make more motorcycle safety courses available.

The personal injury law firm of Walton Law Firm LLP represents clients throughout San Diego County. Contingency fee arrangements available and consultations are always free.

Every so often, we get asked: “I was involved in a motorcycle accident while riding my motorcycle for work and got injured. Worker’s Compensation is taking care of my medical bills. Do I need an attorney?” The answer is “If you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you probably do.” Motorcycle accidents tend to result in more serious injuries than a similar car accident would. These more serious injuries result in higher medical bills, more lost wages and higher levels of pain and suffering.

Generally speaking, Worker’s Comp will only cover your medical bills. You may also be able to collect some disability but there will likely be a shortfall compared to your usual earnings. This is where an attorney comes in.

We can recover for your medical bills (subject to reimbursement), lost wages, damage to your motorcycle and your pain and suffering by pursuing a claim or lawsuit against the negligent driver that caused the accident.

In the past, motorcycle riding was considered the domain of the young. Men in their teens and 20s, under the influence of testosterone, riding motorcycles as much for image as for transportation. That has changed dramatically in recent years. In growing numbers, men over 40 years old are buying – and crashing – motorcycles throughout the United States.

The statistics bear this out. In 1985 the median age of a motorcycle owner was 27 years old. By 2003, it had risen to 41. The reasons for the rise are many, but usually attributed to a disposable income enjoyed by many baby-boomers and an image-conscious society who refuses to get old. Whatever the cause, a reality probably not mentioned at the motorcycle dealership is that someone over 40 does not have the same ability to handle a powerful bike as someone in their 20s.

Only a decade ago, less than 20 percent of motorcyclists killed in the United States were between the ages 40 to 49. In 2007 that number rose to 23 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Individuals who die in motorcycle accidents between the ages of 50 to 59 have also increased dramatically in the last decade, rising from 10 percent of all motorcycle fatalities to 18 percent.