Motorcyclist killed when pickup truck driver runs stop light

Motorcyclists have a reputation as risk-takers, or even as outlaws. When motorcyclists are injured in traffic accidents, many people may assume they were somehow at fault. In fact, huge numbers of accidents in which motorcycle riders are injured are caused by the driver of another vehicle.

Recently, a motorcyclist was killed in a collision at an intersection in downtown Denver. According to police, a pickup truck driver ran a stop sign at about 8:15 a.m. on a Saturday morning, colliding with a motorcycle traveling through the intersection. The man on the motorcycle was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. There were no other injuries. The pickup driver has been cited for reckless driving resulting in death and other charges.

Compared to riders of other types of vehicles, motorcycle riders are much more exposed to the elements. What might be a fender-bender were it to occur between two cars can easily be fatal accident if one of the two vehicles is a motorcycle.

Motorcycles are also smaller, and therefore harder for other drivers to see on the road. As a result, it is frighteningly common for car drivers to pull into a motorcyclist’s lane or to turn left in front of a motorcyclist, causing an accident.

Part of being a careful motorcyclist means preparing for these dangers on the road. But, by the same token, part of being a careful car or truck driver means watching out for motorcyclists on the road. If a driver negligently fails to do so and causes injury or death to the motorcyclist, the victim or the victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. A lawyer can help victims and grieving families to understand their options.

Source: KDVR.com, “Crash in downtown Denver kills motorcycle rider,” David Mitchell, March 19, 2017

Category:

• Motorcycle Accidents