Drivers need to be aware of motorcyclists on the roadway, and a recent accident on Highway 95 demonstrates this. The crash in Bullhead City killed a motorcyclist on Oct. 1; authorities reported that the accident occurred near Seventh Street when a 94-year-old woman driving a 2008 Buick LaCrosse attempted to make a left turn into the U.S. Postal Service Highway Station and failed to yield.
A 44-year-old Bullhead City motorcyclist was headed north on the highway when the Buick struck his bike. The man was taken to University Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, but died early the next day. He was apparently not wearing a helmet when the accident took place. The driver of the Buick suffered minor injuries and went to Western Arizona Regional Medical Center.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 141 motorcyclists died in 2012. 69 of the deaths occurred when a helmet was not in use, and the NHTSA estimated that 41 lives were saved due to helmet use.
Those on motorcycles generally have less protection than others when involved in automobile accidents, so motorcyclists may be seriously injured or killed in a crash. When an accident occurs because of the negligence of another driver, an injured party or a victim’s loved ones may be entitled to compensation for expenses and can file a personal injury or wrongful death suit in civil court. A settlement for damages could provide those directly affected with financial restitution for medical expenses, funeral costs or property damages.
Motorists are expected to watch for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists while driving. Negligence can occur when a driver follows a motorcycle too closely or does not check blind spots.
Source: Department of Transportation, “Traffic Safety Facts Arizona 2008-2012”
Source: Mohave Daily News, “Motorcyclist dies from injuries“, October 03, 2014