The Injury Lawyer Directory Blog

A Wisconsin man was killed when he was thrown from his motorcycle, according to the Langdale County Sheriff's Office. The man was driving on Highway A when he failed to negotiate a turn properly.

The man was riding his motorcycle eastbound on Highway A when he lost control of the vehicle. The man rode into a ditch where he was thrown from the motorcycle. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the motorcycle accident.

Officials say that the man died at the scene of the accident. Unlike automobiles, motorcycles do not have restraining devices or safety features to protect riders when motorcycle accidents occur. As a result, it is incredibly important that motorcyclists wear helmets when going for rides.

In addition to wearing helmets, another way motorcyclists can avoid serious injuries from motorcycle accidents is by taking a motorcycle safety course. During motorcycle safety courses, riders learn how to handle curves and road hazards so that they can avoid accidents altogether.

A 69-year-old Japanese man was turned aside by 14 hospitals before finding a one that would treat him after being involved in a motorcycle accident. The man was riding his bicycle at the time of the crash. The driver of the motorcycle sustained injuries as well but was only denied treatment by two hospitals before one agreed to take him. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Unfortunately, the bicyclist did not fare as well. He sustained severe brain injuries and back injuries in the bicycle accident. While at first it appeared that he would pull through, his condition declined while he was waiting to find a hospital that would admit him. He died shortly after arriving at the hospital.

According to medical experts, the man most likely would have survived had he received medical treatment in a more timely manner. The 14 hospitals that refused to admit him claimed that they were not properly equipped to treat him due to a lack of specialists, equipment, beds, and staff.

This is a very common problem in Japan. In 2007, more than 14,000 emergency room patients were denied treatment by at least three hospitals before finally being admitted by one. In one instance, an elderly woman was turned aside 49 times before finding a hospital to treat her.

In the United States, such actions on the part of a hospital would be unacceptable. In the case of the man on his bicycle, the 14 hospitals who failed to admit him would all be liable for medical malpractice and possibly wrongful death.

When delayed treatment by a medical facility causes serious complications that otherwise would not exist with prompt treatment, the hospital must be held liable for their negligence. It is important to consult an experienced medical malpractice attorney to ensure that you receive proper compensation for your damages.

If you have a medical malpractice claim in the Chicago, Illinois area, please contact the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C.
today to schedule a consultation.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has started a new safety program, called "Live to Ride," due to the rising number of motorcycle accident fatalities. According to CDOT, a record high of 90 deaths were recorded last year. This number has doubled in just over ten years. Since 2008 began, ten motorcycle deaths have been recorded in Colorado. CDOT estimates that, as of 2007, there are 157,000 registered motorcycle operators in the state. This obviously doesn't take into account the number of unregistered riders who are still on the roads.

Sergeant Rich Munroe, supervisor for the Colorado State Patrol's motorcycle team, states, "Most of the fatalities are men, and most are not wearing a helmet." This mirrors statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. There is currently no helmet law in Colorado except for riders and their passengers who are under 18-years-old. The reasons for more deaths also seem to be part of the trend we are seeing across the country: warmer weather and more motorcyclists on the roads. What CDOT, and other groups, feel is missing is training.

Live to Ride    

"Live to Ride" is a program focused on training, and encourages more riders to take a safety-training course through Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST). CDOT has been joined by insurance companies Allstate and Progressive who will offer discounts to those who complete the class.

In a 2006 survey conducted by CDOT, nearly all riders who responded knew that Colorado did not have a helmet law. And, though a majority of those severely injured or killed in accidents sustained head injuries, only about one-third of the respondents would support a helmet law.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact an injury lawyer in your area to see if you can file a claim.