Motorcycle riders love the thrill of riding their bikes. They like cheaper costs and the versatility of a motorcycle. However, some of these benefits of riding can also put the rider at risk of injury and death.
According to the National Highway Safety Administration, each year over 5,000 motorcyclists die in crashes in the U.S. which is 15 percent of all motor vehicle deaths. Yet motorcycles make up only 5 percent of all registered vehicles.
In fact, the risk of getting into a fatal crash is 28 times more when riding a bike than a typical passenger car. At Crary, Clark, Domanico, & Chuang, P.S., we understand how traumatic it is to lose a loved one to a motorcycle accident, and we stand ready to help the family seek justice for their loved one.
Causes of Motorcycle Deaths
There are many reasons why motorcycles crash. Motorcycles have only two wheels which makes them less stable, and they don’t offer the protection that a car does. However, statistics show that the majority of the time, the fault is not with the motorcycle rider, but with the driver of the motor vehicle.
The leading injury that causes a motorcycle rider’s death is a head injury which is true even when the rider is wearing a helmet. This is simply because of the lack of protection for the rider’s most vulnerable organ, the brain.
There are other injuries that can contribute to a fatality. Some come from one injury alone while in other cases, the rider simply succumbs to multiple injuries. Some of these injuries that can contribute to a motorcycle fatality are:
- Severe thoracic spine injury
- Chest injury
- Lower abdominal injury
- Organ failure
- Broken Arms/Ribs/Legs
Compensation for Motorcycle Death Accidents
If the motorcycle rider survives a crash, then he or she can seek compensation from the at-fault driver based on the type of injury and the extent of the economic losses that come from the accident. However, when the rider dies, then his or her surviving close family members can seek to recover losses based on the death of the person. This is called a wrongful death claim.
Damages
The claim for damages in a wrongful death is based on the economic losses suffered by the family and not necessarily the deceased rider. Some of the damages that can be sought in a wrongful death claim are
- Medical bills (only those owed by the estate)
- Funeral expenses
- Lost wages while alive and in hospital (that would have gone to support the family)
- Loss of future income (for those that were financially dependent on the deceased).
- Loss of Consortium (companionship, intimacy)
- Property damage
Contact a Spokane Motorcycle Wrongful Death Attorney
Many times, people wonder if they need an attorney to help them make a claim for a personal injury. While it’s not a requirement in a wrongful death claim, it is the best course of action. There are many issues that can come up in a wrongful death claim that can have a significant impact on the claim.
Established in Spokane in 1948, Crary, Clark, Domanico, & Chuang, P.S. is committed to providing our clients with the absolute highest quality legal representation. If our Spokane Motorcycle Accident Lawyers represent you for your accident case, you have our assurance that we will use our absolute best efforts to win your case. Contact us after any accident resulting in a serious injury for a free, confidential consultation and case evaluation. We will only offer you advice which is in your best interest.
