• 51% of all reported fatal motorcycle crashes occurring nationally in 1998 involved multiple vehicle crashes and 45% occurred in single-vehicle crashes.
• Motorcycle deaths had been declining since the 1980’s but began to increase in 1998 and have increased further in 1999, 2000, and 2001. Since 1997, motorcycle deaths are up 51%.
• There were 68 deaths per 100,000 registered motorcycles in 2001 compared with 16 deaths per 100,000 in cars.
• More than half of motorcycle deaths occur on major roads and freeways.

Motorcycles have always been a vulnerable mode of transportation due to their instability; low visibility, and simply because motorcyclists are not in enclosed spaces as with drivers of a trucks or cars. Additionally, injuries suffered by motorcyclists are normally catastrophic in nature resulting in extremely serious injuries including quadriplegia, traumatic brain injuries and even death. Most motorcycle injuries involve the extremities and the spinal cord, while the majority of fatalities are a result of head injuries.

There are many factors that cause motorcycle accidents:

• Negligence of another driver
• Unsafe road conditions
• Improper maintenance of roads
• Defective motorcycle design
• Faulty repair work on your motorcycle

If there was defect in your motorcycle that caused the accident, you may be able to collect damages if you can prove the following:

• The product was defective
• The defect existed prior to the manufacturer releasing it
• The defect caused your damages

Local governments have a responsibility to provide safe roads and to adequately point out any possible dangerous areas such as those involving construction work or loose gravel, etc. If a governmental agency has been notified of a dangerous situation, they have a responsibility to correct the problem immediately. If they do not and their negligence results in an accident, they may be liable for damages.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, involving dangerous road conditions, and want to collect damages, you need to be able to prove (1) that the government failed to warn you of possible road dangers, (2) their negligence caused your accident, and (3) you suffered damages as a result of their negligence.

If you, or a loved one, have been involved in any type of motorcycle accident, be sure to:

• Gather necessary information at the scene, such as the other driver’s name, address, insurance information and license number, in addition to the names and addresses of any witnesses at the scene.
• Always be sure to call the police and your insurance company immediately following the accident.
• Hire an attorney who will understand your situation and has the knowledge and experience necessary to get you the compensation that you deserve. Compensation usually includes costs for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. A delay in hiring an attorney can mean a reduction in your judgment.

If you, or someone close to you, needs knowledgeable legal advice or help, please contact an attorney at “the people’s law firm” of Hardison & Cochran by calling 1-800-434-8399 or via e-mail.