St. Cloud Personal Injury Lawyer - Minnesota Motorcycle Death

Another Motorcyclist Killed After Bike Leaves The Road

Mike Bryant — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:58:00 GMT

Seems like there have been a lot of single bike collisions with resulting deaths this year. The St Cloud Times had the story of another one today:

A Clearwater man died this afternoon when his motorcycle went off Minnesota Highway 24 north of Annandale.

Our sympathies go out to his family and friends. Hopefully, the investigation will uncover what happened and help with the prevention of more loses like this.

While the numbers for motor vehicle deaths has dropped over the past two years, deaths from motorcycles have tripled, from a record low of 24 in 1997 to recent high of 72 in 2008. That is the highest number of fatal crashes in past 24 years. So far this year is on pace to meet that number. The steady rise in motorcycle crashes has become a top concern of the U.S. Department of Transportation, said Secretary Mary Peters, who broke her collarbone a few years ago when she crashed her Harley-Davidson Road King at 40 mph.

To address the problem, the Transportation Department is developing national standards for entry-level riders and has launched an educational campaign on the importance of wearing helmets and other safety gear. Congress has also become involved, authorizing $2 million to study crash causes.

For every driver and rider it's important that the following be kept in mind:

1. Yield the right-of-way.

2. Start seeing motorcycles.

3. When on a motorcycle, make sure people see you.

4. When just starting to ride, make sure you have the correct training.

The road is big enough for everyone.

A recent Minneapolis Star Tribune editorial got a number of comments after it made the following suggestions to deal with the increase:

Increased training of new drivers.
More emphasis on sober riding.
The Increased use of safety equipment.
Drivers paying more attention on the roads.

The discussion about helmets dominated most of the responses. Clearly, this is one there may not ever be an agreement on, but as to the other suggestions, they really make a lot of sense. Every new driver needs to get the all important training that riding a motorcycle isn't like a bike or a car.

As an attorney who has represented a large number of riders, I've seen the devastation caused by car/bike collisions. As with any death in a Minnesota motor vehicle collision, there are a number of issues that will need to be reviewed. My partner, Joe Crumley, addressed this topic in a recent article for the Minnesota Lawyers Trial magazine. I was interviewed last year on the same topic.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Weekend Of More Minnesota Motorcycle Collisions

Mike Bryant — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 09:18:42 GMT

The weather is still warn and as we enter October, there continues to be a large number of motorcycles getting those last miles in. This weekend has seen a couple of collisions that again reminds us that the ryders need to watch out , in the same way that we need to keep seeing motorcycles.

Saturday afternoon, a motorcycle rear-ended a truck that was slowing to turn off of Highway 22 onto County Road 29 in Mapleton. Both the driver and passenger were hospitalized.
Friday evening, a motorcycle hit the drivers side door of a vehicle and the bike attempted to pass and the truck turned left at U.S. Highway 71 and Todd County Road 73, north of Bertha. The driver was hospitalized when he was thrown from the bike.

There is an interesting website that should be reviewed by all riders. The things I found interesting were:

The typical reasons why cars don't see motorcycles-

Most car drivers aren't familiar with motorcycles, so they don't think to look for them in traffic.

Motorcycle riders typically wear dark colors and can easily blend into the background and "disappear."

Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, so they are more difficult to spot in traffic and can be hidden by other vehicles or roadside features.

Daytime headlight use does not give motorcycle riders much of an advantage anymore, due to the widespread use of daytime running lights on cars.

The smaller size and single headlight on the motorcycle makes it more difficult for other drivers to judge a rider's speed and distance.

And tips for motorists:

Watch aggressively for motorcycles.

Search the traffic around you constantly and expect to see motorcycles.

Check your blind spots before changing lanes or merging, especially in heavy traffic.

Double-check traffic at intersections before you turn or pull out.

Motorcycles can easily be hidden in traffic. Look for a helmet above, tires below, or a shadow alongside a vehicle that you can't see around.

Anticipate hazards that may confront the motorcyclist and predict how the motorcyclist may react to the situation.

Poor road conditions, bad weather, flying debris, oil slicks, and heavy traffic pose high risks for motorcyclists.

Allow a minimum two-second "space cushion" when following a motorcycle.

Pick out a fixed object ahead of you. When the motorcycle passes the object, count off, "one thousand one, one thousand two." If you haven't passed the same object after two seconds, your following distance meets the two-second minimum.

In poor driving conditions, at higher speeds and at night, use a four or five-second following distance to give the motorcyclist more space.

Watch out when turning left.

Most crashes between cars and motorcycles involve turning left at an intersection. If you are preparing to cross traffic or turn left, take a second look for motorcycles.

Because motorcycles are smaller than cars, it is harder to see them and more difficult to judge their approach speed in traffic.

Share the road.

Do not drive your car in the same lane as a motorcycle. It is unsafe and illegal.

Treat motorcyclists with the same respect and courtesy you afford to other motorists.

Observe and obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals.

Failure to obey and yield the right-of-way can result in the death or serious injury of a motorcyclist.

Stay focused on the driving task. Inattentive driving is a major cause of car-motorcycle crashes.

Use turn signals to indicate your next move. This allows the motorcyclist anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.

Remove all possible distractions that can interfere with the driver's attention, and remove any objects that may block the driver's view

It's clear that the road is big enough for every one. Let's make sure we look out for each other.

While there is may not be a liability claim for the driver , passengers may still have a claim for liability depending on the facts of the collision. It is important that these case be investigated early by an Attorney who does this type of work. Hopefully, both of these people will heal up quickly.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

St Cloud Motorcyclist Killed In Wisconsin

Mike Bryant — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:49:00 GMT

Sunday evening, a St Cloud man was pulled over on the side of the road due to one of the riders in his group having mechanical troubles. A pickup truck ran him over and then fled the scene. Through the use of dogs the Wisconsin State Patrol was able to find the driver Monday morning. The circumstances are still being investigated.

With the continued warm weather and gas prices staying high more people are driving fuel efficient alternatives and are continuing to be out on the roads in great numbers. Motorcycles should be seen on the road and all vehicles and people on the side of the road, have got to be seen. It will be interesting to see if speed and drinking were involved for the pickup driver.

As with any death , there are a number of issues that will need to be reviewed. My partner, Joe Crumley, addressed this topic in a recent article for the Minnesota Lawyers Trial magazine. I was interviewed last year on the same topic. For the family of the rider, sympathy goes out as the case makes it through the criminal system. Their loved one should have been safe out on the road.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Driver Who Runs Over Motorcyclist Was Reaching For Her Cell Charger

Mike Bryant — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:17:00 GMT

Misdemeanor charges were files against a woman who ran over a motorcyclist last year. The Ramsey County attorney's office looked at felony charges, but concluded that her actions didn't rise to that level. The driver was traveling at highway speeds along 94 when she reached for her cell phone charger. The cyclist was was on the left shoulder, stopped do to a back up ahead.

The Minneapolis Tribune reported the actions as:

Lucas, driving a Jeep Cherokee, was in the left lane and closing in on a lunch-hour traffic jam at nearly 55 miles per hour. She then looked down "in an effort to grab a cell phone charger." Once she looked up and realized she couldn't stop in time to avoid a car in her lane, Lucas slammed on her brakes, clipped the car, veered into the left shoulder and struck Davis' motorcycle.

Davis, also on the shoulder to avoid the backup, was dragged about 150 feet by the SUV.

The woman is now claiming that while she did reach down she didn't look away. While it may be understandable that she had no intent to hit the rider, clearly her driving was highly dangerous. Reports had her weaving in and out of traffic earlier.

For the family of the rider, sympathy goes out as the case makes it through the criminal system. Their loved one should have been safe out on the road.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Minnesota Motorcycles Deaths Continue To Stay Ahead Of Previous Historically High Numbers

Mike Bryant — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:38:00 GMT

The number of motorcycle deaths keeps growing. As of this week, 29 cycle riders have been killed on Minnesota highways. That total is three more than this time last year. Last year was an all time 20 year high for yearly deaths. This is not a number that we want to see broken.

For every driver and rider, it's important that the following be kept in mind:

1. Yield the right-of-way.

2. Start seeing motorcycles.

3. When on a motorcycle, make sure people see you.

4. When just starting to ride, make sure you have the correct training.

The road is big enough for everyone.

A recent Minneapolis Star Tribune editorial got a number of comments after it made the following suggestions to deal with the increase:

Increased training of new drivers.
More emphasis on sober riding.
The Increased use of safety equipment.
Drivers paying more attention on the roads.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Time For Sturgis: Let's Make It Safe For Riders For The Rest Of The Year

Mike Bryant — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:23:00 GMT

I've been blogging all year about the increased number of motorcycle deaths this year and last. With Sturgis coming up, hopefully all of the riders will be looking to make this a safe ride for the rest of 2009. The way to do this:

Is to watch your speed

For bikes and cars to start seeing each other

For riders to be well trained and safety conscience

And no drinking, texting, or talking on the phone while driving.

With a goal for the rest of the season to be safe here are a great list of Sturgis facts from the Examiner:

In 1976 the average attendee spent $50.

In 2009 the average attendee will spend more than $1000.

1/3 of western South Dakota's motorcycle accidents connected to the event.

The rally features hundreds of thousands of bare, saggy breasts. And that's just the men.

Sturgis businesses make 95% of their annual revenue from the rally.

South Dakota collects approximately $1,000,000 in sales tax from the event.

The town of Sturgis, population 6,000, adds $200,000 of taxes to its coffers.

The first rally was in the summer of 1938, and has been in Sturgis every year except during WWII.

In 2005 a rider was killed by a flying toilet.

A conservative estimate of beer consumed in the two weeks surrounding the event: 3 million gallons

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Brainerd Sees Two Young People Killed On A Motorcycle

Mike Bryant — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 18:58:43 GMT

Two 20 year olds, were killed Friday night in Brainerd, when the motorcycle they were riding, left the highway and hit a tree. It looks like the driver lost control, but the accident is still being investigated. Coming within days of the funerals of the head on motorcycle crash victims and recent reports about the growing number of motorcycle deaths, there needs to be a growing amount of concern for all riders.

Our sympathy goes out to all family and friends that will be hurt by this loss.

With the weather warm enough to ride and gas prices staying high more people are driving fuel efficient alternatives. At the same time, recent reports indicate that deaths on motorcycles are rising in Minnesota. It's important that the following be kept in mind:

1. Yield the right-of-way.

2. Start seeing motorcycles.

3. When on a motorcycle, make sure people see you.

4. When just starting to ride, make sure you have the correct training.

The road is big enough for everyone.

As with any death in a Minnesota motor vehicle collision, there are a number of issues that will need to be reviewed. My partner, Joe Crumley, addressed this topic in a recent article for the Minnesota Lawyers Trial magazine. I was interviewed last year on the same topic. In this incident sorrow for the families of those involved goes out.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Too Many Motorcyclists Are Dying On Minnesotan Roads

Mike Bryant — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:01:00 GMT

The number of motorcycle riders in Minnesota continue to grow. Experts have been pointing to high gas prices, overall economics, and the advantages concerning parking as the reason for the trend. Others just point out the joy of getting out on the open road. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety numbers show 112,551 registered riders in 1996, 149,000 in 2002 and 224,625 in 2008. Two percent of all vehicles on the nation's roads last year were motorcycles, yet they were involved in 11 percent of all traffic accidents, leaving slightly more than 5,100 riders dead and 103,000 injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This summer has produced a couple of tragedies.

For every driver and rider it's important that the following be kept in mind:

1. Yield the right-of-way.

2. Start seeing motorcycles.

3. When on a motorcycle, make sure people see you.

4. When just starting to ride, make sure you have the correct training.

The road is big enough for everyone.

A recent Minneapolis Star Tribune editorial got a number of comments after it made the following suggestions to deal with the increase:

Increased training of new drivers.
More emphasis on sober riding.
The Increased use of safety equipment.
Drivers paying more attention on the roads.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Two Dead As Motorcycles Hit Head On

Mike Bryant — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:47:25 GMT

This morning, a former fire chief of Long Lake was killed in a collision when his Harley hit another motorcycle head-on in Independence. The second motorcycle had been passing a truck and into the other lane. The circumstances are still being investigated.

Maple Plain Police say five motorcyclists were traveling westbound on County Road 6 near County Road 90, not far from the home of my partner, Joe Crumley. The former chief was in the front of the group. The group was 10 minutes into a trip to New Mexico. The single rider "wanted to pass the truck, moved into the oncoming lane," and collided with the lead bike, said Hennepin County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Lisa Kiava.

1. Yield the right-of-way.

2. Start seeing motorcycles.

3. When on a motorcycle, make sure people see you.

4. When just starting to ride, make sure you have the correct training.

The road is big enough for everyone.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Motorcyclist Killed In Keewatin Collision

Mike Bryant — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 06:03:00 GMT

Last Monday, a Iron Range woman was killed in a collision in Nashwauk. The motorcyclist was traveling on Hwy. 169, when a vehicle driven by a 20 year old, turned in front of her. Presently, the police are still investigating the cause.

1. Yield the right-of-way.

2. Start seeing motorcycles.

3. When on a motorcycle, make sure people see you.

4. When just starting to ride, make sure you have the correct training.

The road is big enough for everyone.

As with any death in a Minnesota motor vehicle collision, there are a number of issues that will need to be reviewed. My partner, Joe Crumley, addressed this topic in a recent article for the Minnesota Lawyers Trial magazine. I was interviewed last year on the same topic. In this case sorrow for the families of those involved goes out.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant