Delaware motorcycle crash results in one fatality

April 05, 2014 (Press-News.org) Delaware motorcycle crash results in one fatality

Article provided by Law Offices of Joseph J. Rhoades, Esq.
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As the weather in Delaware is beginning to improve, many people will soon choose to travel by motorcycle. Unfortunately, as recently demonstrated, severe accidents can occur following increased motorcycle traffic on the roads.

According to the Delaware State Police, a motorcyclist was killed in Newark, Delaware recently, after his motorcycle was hit by a pickup truck. Following the collision, the motorcyclistwas thrown from his bike and landed in the road. He was subsequently hit by another oncoming vehicle. Tragically, he lost his life in the accident. The police reports indicated the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Law enforcement officers are continuing to investigate the accident, and have yet to file charges against the other motorists involved in the collision.

Avoid serious motorcycle accidents in Delaware

According to Delaware's 2012 Traffic Statistical Report, which is compiled by the Delaware State Police, 17 motorcyclists lost their lives in collisions with motor vehicles in 2012. Of the motorcyclists killed that year, 13 were wearing a helmet at the time of the collision, based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Across the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the number of people killed in motorcycle crashes has been on the rise in recent years. In fact, from 1999 to 2008, the number of people killed in such collisions more than doubled. In addition, the number of people who received treatment in emergency rooms due to injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents rose from 120,000 in 2001 to approximately 175,000 in 2008.

In total, from 2001 to 2008, over 34,000 motorcyclists lost their lives in collisions in the United States. During the same period, well over one million motorcyclists required medical treatment in emergency rooms after suffering injuries in motorcycle accidents.

Those who enjoy traveling by motorcycle would be wise to follow certain safety tips to limit the severity, if an accident were to occur. For instance, motorcyclists should always wear a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation when on the road. In addition, they should wear protective clothing, and consider adding reflective panels to their clothes if they are riding at night.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle collision, you may be entitled to receive compensation to account for the damage done in the crash. You ought to consider seeking the counsel of a skilled personal injury attorney, who will be able to ensure you do not lose the damages to which you are entitled.