Western Washington Motorcycle Accidents Cause for Alarm

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On Saturday, June 8th, Washington State Patrol Trooper Rick Johnson tweeted out the following:

“#Alarming as @wastatepatrol in King County has investigated three motorcycle collisions in the past couple days. Two of which resulted in fatalities and the most recent one today in critical injuries. These were rider causing. #RideSafely #HaveYourEndorsement.”

The Seattle Times reported that a Saturday morning accident left one motorcycle driver with critical injuries. Washington State Patrol Troopers said this was a result of an unsafe lane change among a group of nine bikes. One driver reportedly fled the scene.

There were two other recent incidents leading into the weekend that resulted in fatal casualties. Both occurred on Highway 167. In the first incident, one young motorcyclist rear-ended a construction vehicle. The second fatality was a separate event resulting from one rider going down while in front of a second motorcyclist who subsequently ran over the first rider.

Trooper Johnson’s tweet should be taken seriously as operating a motorcycle without the proper endorsement is both unsafe and illegal. When riding a motorcycle, always remember the following safety tips:

  • Always wear a helmet that protects the face and eyes.
  • Wear appropriate protective body gear.
  • Follow all traffic rules.
  • Only ride when you are fully awake and sober.
  • Ensure your bike is in proper riding condition before and after mounting the motorcycle.
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Motorcyclists Need to Use Extra Caution to Avoid Accidents

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 34,000 motorcyclists were killed on U.S. roads between 2001 and 2008, and an estimated 1,222,000 more were injured.

One reason the numbers are so high is that, of all motor vehicles on the road, motorcycles are the most vulnerable. Thankfully though, there are many steps motorcyclists can take to make themselves less susceptible to an accident or serious injuries.

The most important tip is to always wear your helmet. Check for the DOT label inside your helmet, and beware of any helmet that does not meet U.S. Department of Transportation standards. It could be your only source of protection in a serious accident.

Be aware of vehicles’ blind spots or “No-Zones”, and never drive along in them. Trucks have large “No-Zones” on the front, sides and back where they cannot see you. The front blind spot is especially dangerous because, in the event of a sudden stop, a motorcycle will stop long before a truck will, and a crash will be unavoidable.

Before each ride, conduct a safety inspection of your bike. Also, make sure you wear the proper protective clothing and gear. Bright colors and reflective strips will make you more visible to the drivers around you. Regular maintenance and appropriate clothing will reduce your chance of a crash, or help greatly reduce the severity of injuries if you are in a crash.

Defensive driving is a must in any vehicle, but especially a motorcycle. Don’t assume that other drivers are watching out for you. You must be aware of everything on the road, paying attention to turn signals and brake lights of other vehicles. Ride with caution, adhering to all traffic laws, and obeying the posted speed limit at all times. Watch your speed especially around trucks, at night and during bad weather.

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Motorcycle Helmet Use Reduces Brain Injuries and Costs to Society

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Helmet use has consistently been shown to reduce motorcycle crash-related deaths and injuries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzed 2008-2010 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a census of fatal traffic crashes in the U.S. Economic data was also obtained from NHTSA to compare costs saved as a result of helmet use. The findings indicated that in states with universal helmet laws only 12% of fatally injured motorcyclists were not wearing a helmet, compared with 64% of riders in partial helmet law states, and 79% in states with no helmet law. In 2010, economic costs saved by society from helmet use in states with a universal helmet law averaged $725 per rider, nearly four times more savings than in states without such laws.

Despite the fact that researchers have cited helmet use as the single most effective countermeasure in reducing motorcyclist injuries and deaths, only 19 states currently have universal helmet laws, and no states have enacted helmet laws since 2004. In fact, new data from the Highway Loss Data Institute further indicates that motorcycle safety is going in the wrong direction.

Research has shown that when a state repeals its universal helmet law as Michigan did in 2012, motorcycle crash injuries increased substantially, as did the medical costs of injured motorcyclists. Six states have repealed their universal helmet laws since 1997.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) evaluated studies on motorcycle helmet laws, focusing on the effectiveness of helmets in preventing fatalities and serious injuries, the impact of helmet laws, and the societal costs of helmet nonuse. The studies they evaluated indicated that helmeted riders suffer fewer severe head injuries and lower fatality rates than non-helmeted riders. The evaluation also showed that helmet use ranged from 92-100 percent in states with universal helmet laws, compared with 42-59 percent use in states without. The data on cost of medical services rendered to motorcycle accident victims was somewhat unclear, but studies show that society pays for much of that care through tax-supported programs or insurance premiums. The long-term costs for victims of serious and critical head injuries could range from $100,000 to 300,000 per person.

If a negligent driver injures you or someone you love, an experienced Seattle motorcycle accident attorney at Phillips Law Firm can help.

Sources:

http://www.ghsa.org/html/media/pressreleases/2013/20130530hldi.html

http://www.gao.gov/products/RCED-91-170

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6123a1.htm

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Road Rash can be More Severe than You Think

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When a motorcycle accident occurs, the results can be horrific. Injuries to the brain and spinal cord can lead to permanent disability and a lifetime of pain and suffering. Severe fractures and crushed extremities can lead to amputation or a lifetime of limited mobility. Yet road rash is one injury many people do not consider—and it can be significantly more severe than many believe.

Road rash is the name for a severe road burn or abrasion that occurs when a biker slides across the asphalt during an accident. If the motorcyclist is not wearing protective clothing at the time of the crash, his or her skin comes in direct contact with the pavement, leading to severe and often serious road rash injuries.

Road rash can be divided into three types based on their severity and the degree of injury suffered.

  • First Degree Road Rash: much like a burn, this type of road rash causes the skin to redden. While it can be a bit painful, no medical treatment is needed for this type of road rash.
  • Second Degree Road Rash: this type of road rash results when the outer layer of skin breaks. There may be bleeding and pain, but there should be little risk of scarring. Over the counter ointment is all that is needed to treat this type of road rash.
  • Third Degree Road Rash: This is the most severe type of road rash and occurs when all 5 layers of skin are exposed. Third degree road rash is very susceptible to serious infections, such as staph infections and MRSA. It can also result in permanent scarring and may require IV antibiotic medications, cosmetic surgeries, and even skin grafts to repair. Permanent damage to the muscles and tissues can also occur if not treated promptly.

Road rash is often more serious than many believe. If multiple body parts are injured, the victim could be hospitalized for weeks and plastic surgeons may need to be consulted to minimize scarring and repair the wound. Embedded glass, rocks, and road debris also increase the likelihood of injured bikers developing serious and life-threatening infections, further compromising their recovery.

Contact Seattle Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

If a negligent driver injures you or someone you love, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at Phillips Law Firm can help. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Seattle personal injury lawsuit attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

The personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, Marysville, Lakewood, Redmond, Shoreline, and throughout the State of Washington.

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I Just Got in a Motorcycle Accident. What Do I Do? 5 Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

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Motorcycling, especially in Seattle may be a wet affair, but that doesn’t stop thousands of motorcyclists from hitting the road every year. Unfortunately, while many car accident victims can escape their accidents unharmed, motorcyclists are not so lucky. Motorcycles do not offer riders any protection. As such, when a motor vehicle hits a motorcyclist (even at low speeds) it is the motorcyclist who sustains the majority of the injuries. These injuries are usually life changing, catastrophic and can lead to serious long-term disability and pain.

If you or someone you love is injured in a motorcycle accident, the steps you take in the immediate aftermath can help you obtain the compensation you need to fully recover.

#1 – Prepare Ahead of Time: No motorcyclist ever believes that he or she will be injured in an accident, but the sad truth is that many will. Before an accident even occurs, it is important to have the name and number of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in your wallet. This can ensure that you are able to contact an attorney immediately—even while still hospitalized. In addition, give your chosen attorney’s name and number to family members and friends and instruct them to call your lawyer in the event you are injured severely in motorcycling accident.

#2 – Call the Police: Every accident is supposed to be reported to the authorities. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, a police report is necessary to help establish negligence. Be sure to have the police file a complete report at the scene of the accident.

#3 – Seek Medical Attention: Even if you believe that you are unharmed, it is best to be examined by a doctor or health care professional. Soft tissue injuries, brain injuries, and back and neck injuries can take hours to days to become fully realized. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical to avoiding life-threatening complications and a delay in medical treatment could be deadly.

#4 – Gather Evidence: if you are able, snap a few pictures of the accident scene, the damage to your motorcycle, the damage to the other vehicle, tire tracks, and more. Get the names and numbers of any eyewitnesses who could corroborate your story. Be sure to exchange insurance information with the other driver.

#5 – Avoid Motorcycle Repair: While you may be dying to get back on your bike, avoid repairing your motorcycle until you have spoken to a personal injury attorney. Your attorney may need to review the damage or use the damaged tires to establish your case. Repairing your bike prematurely could destroy valuable evidence your attorney needs to build your lawsuit.

Contact Seattle Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Attorneys

If a negligent driver injures you or someone you love, an experienced Seattle motorcycle accident attorney at Phillips Law Firm can help. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Seattle personal injury lawsuit attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

The personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, Marysville, Lakewood, Redmond, Shoreline, and throughout the State of Washington. 

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High Driver Kills Bellevue Motorcyclist

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Motorcycle Accident - Washington StateMarijuana has been legal in the State of Washington for a year now—driving under the influence of marijuana, however, is not. A Bellevue man was recently charged with vehicular homicide after he collided with a motorcyclist on October 4th. Prosecutors allege that Caleb Floyd was driving high on marijuana when he collided with Bellevue motorcyclist Blake Gaston. Blood drawn from Floyd’s blood found levels of THC that were twice the legal limit.

The Bellevue motorcycle accident occurred when Gaston was crossing 102nd Avenue Northeast on Northeast 10th Street. Floyd was heading east when he suddenly cut left. Gaston was unable to stop and laid his KTM 450 motorcycle down and into the side of Floyd’s car. He suffered catastrophic injuries, including massive head trauma and was pronounced dead at Overlake Medical Center.

Now that marijuana is legal in Washington, law enforcement officials and state prosecutors now have to contend with drivers who are driving under the influence of pot. In the fist 6 months of 2013, 745 drivers tested positive for THC when pulled over by police officers. Over half of those were over the state’s new legal limit of 5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood. Whenever anyone operates a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the results can be deadly.

Motorcyclists, in general, are at risk for sustaining fatal injuries, due to the limited protection a motorcycle offers. Even when they are hit at relatively low rates of speed, motorcyclists can suffer serious head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and life threatening complications. Sadly, the majority of motorcycle accidents occur because of inattentive motorists who simply fail to recognize the motorcyclist on the road.

According to statistics, motorcyclists are not likely to escape an accident unharmed. In fact, 98% of multiple motor vehicle accidents and 96% of single vehicle accidents result in motorcyclists being injured. Of those, 45% of motorcyclists escape with only a minor injury. This means that the majority of injured motorcyclists sustain a serious injury after a motorcycle accident.

Contact Seattle Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Attorneys

If a negligent driver injures you or someone you love, an experienced Seattle motorcycle accident attorney at Phillips Law Firm can help. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Seattle personal injury lawsuit attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

The personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett, Redmond, South Hill, Bremerton, Shoreline, Woodinville, Lake Stevens, Kent, Federal Way, Olympia, Bellingham, and throughout the State of Washington.

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