A Thanksgiving Day collision completely shut down I-95 northbound at Northwest 103rd Street in Miami last week. The accident occurred at around 2:45 p.m., when a motorcyclist was thrown from his bike after colliding with three other vehicles.
The biker was riding a Yamaha motorcycle north in the express lanes near Northwest 119th Street when he crashed first into a Lexus sedan, a Mazda SUV and a Chevy pickup truck. He died after being thrown from his motorcycle when he hit the Chevy. The occupants were forced to flee from the truck when it caught on fire after the crash. All occupants and drivers of the vehicles involved in the accident sustained minor injuries.
Motorcycle accidents are often fatal
Motorcyclists choose their bikes because they enjoy the thrill and freedom of riding out on the open road. Unfortunately, the inattention or aggressive driving of other motorists who are also out on the road too often proves fatal for the biker. The fact is, three-quarters of all motorcycle accidents happen from collisions with other vehicles, usually passenger cars.
Surprisingly enough, less than 3% of motorcycle accidents are caused by vehicle failure, roadway defects or inclement weather conditions. When there are multiple vehicle accidents involving a motorcycle, two-thirds of the time it is another vehicle that is violating a biker’s right-of-way. The main cause of most collisions is the motorist’s failure to see the motorcycle, either right before the crash or when it is too late to be able to prevent a collision.
Seeking compensation after a catastrophic accident
When a loved one is lost or severely injured because of preventable accident, coping with the emotional and financial aftermath can be challenging. Whether it is dealing with insurance companies after an accident or finding out if you have cause to file a claim against another driver, it may be best to turn to experienced legal counsel.
If the accident was due to distracted driving, elevated alcohol levels or other negligence on the part of another driver, it is possible to file suit in order to get compensation for medical care, lost wages, funeral expenses and pain and suffering. While this may never restore a life or the complete health of an accident victim, financial restitution can at least bring some healing and closure.