San Jose Fatal Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Motorcycle Wrongful Death
Motorcycle wrongful deaths occur out of negligence. Specifically, when motorists choose to disregard the rules of the road, drive recklessly, or inadvertently fail to yield to other vehicles, the result can be traumatic accidents that take the lives of those involved. For motorcyclists especially, the risk of death is significantly high in the event that they are part of a traffic collision.
Motorcycle accidents are dangerous, and can lead to an array of injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2008 Traffic Safety Annual Assessment, the number of occupants injured in traffic crashes involving motorcycles in 2007 was 103,000, yet dropped to 96,000 in 2008 for a decrease of 6.8%, a welcomed statistical drop that could indicate that motorcycle safety is more carefully being taken into consideration. However, some accidents unfortunately involve grave injury, and result in wrongful deaths. According to the same NHTSA report, the number of people killed in traffic crashes involving motorcycles rose from 5,174 in 2007 to 5,290 in 2008, a percentage increase of 2.2%. Though this percentage may not seem significant, it represents not only an increased number of deaths, but also is the only vehicle category to have experienced a rise, with all other modes of transportation (passenger cars, light trucks, and large trucks) experiencing drops in fatality numbers of at least 12% from 2007 to 2008.
California motorcycle accidents can occur as the result of driver negligence, motorcyclist inexperience, adverse road conditions, and any other of a variety of reasons. If driver negligence is to blame for an accident that results in wrongful death, then the negligent driver should be held accountable for his or her actions. If motorcyclist inexperience is to blame, it should be examined as to why the inexperienced motorcyclist did not have the proper know-how and skill required to operate a motorcycle. If dangerous road conditions played a role, then the local governing bodies that are responsible for proper upkeep of roads and highways can be held liable for failure to provide the public, including the deceased motorcyclist, with safe road conditions, Regardless the cause of the accident, negligence has undoubtedly played at least some instrumental role in causing the wrongful death.
If your loved one was involved in a motorcycle accident and was not fortunate enough to recover from injuries sustained, please don’t hesitate to contact the wrongful death attorneys at Van Der Walde & Associates. Our skilled California fatal motorcycle accident lawyers will examine the details surrounding the accident, will hold negligent parties accountable for their actions, and will seek monetary damages on the decedent’s behalf to help assist you with the costs associated with the accident, including medical fees and funeral bills. Please call us today at 877-862-6288 for a free consultation.
