Just this past weekend in Detroit, Michigan, on June 7, 2015, a 2003 Honda motorcycle was speeding with a passenger on board, going westbound on Seven Mile Road. According to the Detroit News, a Michigan State Police patrol car was nearby and activated his lights and sirens, but before the police car could catch up to the motorcycle, the driver failed to stop at the intersection of Seven Mile Road and Huntington Road and struck a 2008 Pontiac. The driver and passenger of the Pontiac car suffered minor injuries and both were taken to the hospital shortly after the accident. Both the driver and passenger of the motorcycle were sent to a nearby hospital by ambulance. The passenger was listed in critical condition, and the driver was pronounced dead.
Driving a motorcycle can be extremely dangerous, with many more risks than driving a car. Motorcycles oftentimes are less visible on the road, and they can be less stable than cars. When people are involved in a motorcycles crash, they have less protection than a car, which leads to a higher chance of being injured or killed in an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, per vehicle mile traveled in 2012, motorcyclists were more than 26 times likely than passenger car occupants to die in motor vehicle traffic crashes and 5 times more likely to be injured.
Serious head injuries or traumatic head injuries are one of the most common injuries in motorcycle crashes, therefore, it is extremely important to wear a helmet at all times. According to the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety, helmets are about 37 percent effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and about 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries. Helmets should be worn at all times, whether or not you are required to wear one in your state. Helmets save lives.
If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle accident, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys are experienced in handling all types of auto accident and motorcycle accident cases. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.