According to recent reports, a 70-year-old man has been involved in a fatal motorcycle accident. He was killed in a crash with a car.
Police were called to the crash between a motorcycle and a silver Vauxhall Astra in Wilmslow, Cheshire. The motorcyclist, from Wilmslow, died at the scene and the police informed his next of kin following the accident.
Fatal motorcycle accidents may not be any more common than car crashes. However, the lack of vehicle protection leaves riders incredibly vulnerable to catastrophic injury. Even the most responsible rider who follows the Highway Code and wears the correct protective clothing may have an accident.
Motorcycle Accidents
Nearly three-quarters of all motorcycle accidents involve a car, van, or lorry.
The biggest reason behind motorbike accident claims, accounting for nearly two-third of all cases, is the driver of the other vehicle ignoring the motorcyclist’s right of way. This either occurs because they have not seen the motorcycle until it is too late, or because they are unaware of the laws about motorcyclists rights on the roads.
The number one cause of motorbike accident injuries, however, is another vehicle making a left turn in front of the motorcyclist at a junction. Other common examples of motorcycle accident claims include:
- Drivers may misjudge the speed of an oncoming motorcyclist. A collision can lead to serious motorbike injuries, with the rider much less protected than the driver.
- A motorcyclist may not be in a driver’s direct vision. If a rider is in a car’s blind spot, a driver may unintentionally swerve and cause a motorcycle accident.
- Drivers may not make sure to check for oncoming motorcyclists before opening their car door.
- A driver or motorcyclist may underestimate or potentially not be aware of adverse road conditions.
Some of the most common examples of motorcycle injuries are:
- Fractures
- Whiplash
- Head and spinal injuries
- Fatalities
Causes of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
There are many causes of fatal motorcycle accidents. However, at the Compensation Experts we have found that the most common cause of fatal road accidents is from another person’s careless driving. This includes errors, lack of concentration, driving whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, using mobile phones or other technology whilst driving, and not taking care of lights and signs whilst driving.
Poor conditions on the road may also cause a fatal motorcycle accident. These include inadequate lighting, large potholes, unclear signs, and other distractions such as smoke from a bonfire in a neighbouring field blowing across the road.
If a loved one has suffered a fatal motorcycle accident, then you may be able to claim on their behalf.
How We Can Help
Here at The Compensation Experts we work with solicitors who have years of experience dealing with personal injury claims. This includes fatal motorcycle accidents. Contact us today by filling in our contact form. Or call us on 01614138765 to speak to one of our friendly knowledgeable advisors.