It is well known that motorcycles offer little protection to their riders. However, some safety precautions can be taken to help better protect motorcyclists in the event of a motorcycle accident. Certain clothing can protect against road rash. Helmets can also be extremely important. In Pennsylvania, motorcyclists and their passengers are required to wear a helmet while riding unless they meet certain requirements. In order to be exempt from the helmet requirement, riders must have had a motorcycle license for two years, complete a motorcycle safety course and be over the age of 21.
Whether a rider is wearing a helmet can make the difference between life or death during a motorcycle accident. Unfortunately, in a recent accident a motorcyclist was killed while riding without a helmet. In this case, a 38-year-old man was driving his motorcycle west on the Harrisburg Pike. While driving, a Jeep Liberty turned in front of the motorcycle. The Jeep had been making a left turn and apparently did not see the motorcycle.
The motorcyclist was unable to stop in time and hit the Jeep. As a result of the impact, the motorcyclist was thrown from his bike and onto the windshield of the car. He died on impact. The driver of the Jeep was also injured in the fatal motorcycle crash and was taken to a local hospital. Police continue to investigate the accident but do not think that speed, drugs or alcohol contributed to the crash.
Whether or not motorcyclists in Pennsylvania choose to wear a helmet on the roadways, they deserve to be safe. When someone's negligence - like their failure to yield - causes injury or death to motorcyclists, those riders and their families have legal rights. It may be possible for motorcyclists and their families to file a lawsuit to recover damages that occurred as a result of the collision.
Source: The Patriot-News, "Motorcyclist killed in crash wasn't wearing a helmet, state police say," Emily Previti, Sept. 7, 2013
email us for a response
No Comments
Leave a comment