A motorcycle crash on Interstate 79 on August 30, 2013 was the cause of death of a man from Clarksville, Tennesee.  The man was traveling south about two miles from the Goshen Road exit, when his motorcycle went into the median. He was thrown several feet from the motorcycle and landed in I-79’s northbound lanes and was pronounced dead at the scene.   Sheriff deputies said the driver was killed in the crash after he lost control of his motorcycle.  The reason why he lost control is still being investigated by local police and accident reconstructionists.  Often, the actions of other drivers on the road can force a motorcycle out of control.

Traffic in both directions was backed up for nearly two hours after the wreck.  Crews also contended with another fender-bender near the scene of the motorcycle wreck that was caused by the traffic.   The Monongalia County Sheriff ’s Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to call the department at 304-291-7260 and ask for Deputies Oziemblowsky or DeMedici.

Motorcycle Accident Prevention

Motorcyclists have all the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle driver on the roadway.  Most of the time, when a motorcycle is involved in a crash, it is not the biker’s fault. Other drivers often fail to notice or fail to perceive a biker on the road until it is too late. Drivers of all other vehicles and all road users are reminded to safely “share the road” with motorcyclists, and to be alert to help keep motorcyclists safe.

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists’ risk of a fatal crash is 35 times greater than an occupant in an automobile.  In 2007, 5,154 motorcyclists were killed nationwide – 38 in West Virginia.

• Dangerous Left Turns: The most frequent impact scenario – forty percent (40%) of the crashes – involved the other vehicle turning left in front of the oncoming motorcycle while the motorcycle was going straight, passing, or overtaking the vehicle.
• Dangerous Intersections: Most crashes occur at intersections, where the at-fault driver does not see the cycle until impact.
• Dangerous Lack of Visibility: In multiple vehicle accidents, lack of visibility of the cycle is most often a contributing factor, with glare or other vehicles obstructing the at-fault driver’s view.  In two-thirds of multiple vehicle accidents with motorcycles, driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcycle’s right of way and caused the crash.
• Dangerous Practices: The likelihood of injury is extremely high in motorcycle accidents-98% of the multiple vehicle collisions and 96% of the single vehicle accidents resulted in some kind of injury to the motorcycle rider; 45% resulted in serious injury and death.  Riders without helmets sustained a 600% greater rate of traumatic brain injury than riders wearing helmets.
• Dangerous Reaction Time: Since the the typical motorcycle accident allows the motorcyclist just less than 2 seconds to complete all collision avoidance action, the cyclist should use every means to ensure he or she is visible to other drivers. Use of motorcycle headlamps in daylight and the wearing of highly visible yellow, orange, or bright red jackets can also significantly reduce accident involvement.

NHTSA estimates that helmets saved 1,784 motorcyclists’ lives in 2007, and that 800 more could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.  The state of West Virginia requires that all motorcyclists wear shatter-resistant eye protection and a helmet that conforms to federally approved safety standards.

Sources:  http://www.robinettelaw.com/Articles/Avoid-becoming-a-Motorcycle-Statistic.shtml

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Morgantown WV Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

The Robinette Legal Group is ready to stand up and fight for your rights to pursue full and fair money damages after a motorcycle injury or wrongful death.  You can try to file a motorcycle accident claim yourself, but there are some important things you will come to realize over time. The insurance company isn’t interested in protecting your rights and they will minimize the value of your injuries and your financial losses. That’s why having an experienced trial attorney from our firm is so important. We have years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases, as both defense lawyers and on behalf of injury victims.

Jeff Robinette at the Robinette Legal Group, PLLC is glad to answer questions about motorcycle accident claims.  Call today:  304-594-1800.