Auto vs Motorcycle Critical Injury Collision

On June 4, 2013, a 32-year-old motorcyclist was hospitalized with critical injuries after crashing into a vehicle in west Las Vegas. The incident occurred at the intersection of Fort Apache Road and Saddle Avenue.

Witnesses told police a vehicle turned left in front of the motorcycle and the motorcycle was unable to stop striking the left side of the vehicle. The collision caused the ejection of the rider from the motorcycle. The rider came to rest on the roadway.

The motorcyclist, Jerry Frost, was taken to University Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the other vehicle, 55-year-old Ai Lang Gao, was not injured. Police said the motorcyclist was not speeding, and the driver of the other vehicle was not impaired.

The GHSA (Governors Highway Safety Association) released a study in April 2013 reporting discouraging results. Statistics for 2012 project an increase in the number of annual motorcycl accident fatalities to about 5,000. Comparing the first nine months of 2011 to 2012, motorcyclist fatalities increased in thirty-four states, decreased in sixteen states (including Nevada) and remained the same in the District of Columbia.

To change this trend, the GHSA (Governors Highway Safety Association) recommends that states take the following actions:

• Increase helmet use.
• Reduce alcohol impairment.
• Reduce speeding.
• Provide motorcycle training.
• Encourage drivers to share the road.

Drivers can help in the following ways:

• Realizing that motorcycles are not cars: they are less visible, accelerate more quickly, brake harder, can split lanes, and their riders are much more exposed.
• Check all mirrors and windows before changing lanes, and maneuver only after signaling. A motorcycle can pass through a blind spot and be easily missed by a casual check.
• Bikes can brake more rapidly than a car, likewise, they can also run into trouble braking or avoiding a road hazard.
• It is easy for a rider to overlook leaving a turn signal on. Don’t assume intentions. Drive cautiously and make sure the rider is aware of your intentions.

Individual riders can also help stay safe in the following ways:

• Attend a thorough motorcycle rider training course, such as those widely offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
• Dress for a crash, not fashion. The right gear includes a DOT-approved helmet (ideally full faced), leather or other reinforced jacket, non-slip boots, and gloves.
• Visibility is also important. Wear brightly colored, reflective clothing and helmet, always have your lights on, use your directional signals, and avoid cars’ blind spots.
• Make sure cars can see you at all times and bbe predictable with your riding.

After working over thirty years with injured motorcycle clients, attorney Eric Woods has the knowledge, expertise, and skill to achieve the maximum recovery under the law. If you have suffered personal injury in a motorcycle accident in Nevada, Mr. Woods can help. You are entitled to effective vigorous legal representation that vindicates your rights. Take the first step toward your future health and security by calling Eric H. Woods for a free consultation. He will honestly evaluate your case and give you the information you need to make the best decisions.

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