Motorcyclists Are the Most Vulnerable in Drunk Driving Accidents

 Posted on October 18, 2019 in Personal Injury

It is no secret that motorcyclists are at a higher risk of injury that the drivers or passengers of cars and trucks. The lack of protection provided by motorcycles compared to other vehicles exposes a motorcyclist to major risk of injury if he or she is thrown from a bike or is involved in a crash with an automobile. Riders can take certain precautions to reduce injuries in the event of a motorcycle accident. However, the drivers of other vehicles are more likely to pose a significant danger to motorcyclists. For instance, driving while drunk presents a serious risk to everyone, but especially to motorcyclists.

Colorado Motorcyclist Dies After Being Hit By a Drunk Driver

Recently, a 35-year-old motorcyclist died in Colorado Springs after being struck by a drunk driver. The motorcyclist was hit at a high speed from behind by a pick-up truck. The driver was thrown from the bike, and he was subsequently hit by a minivan. He was pronounced dead by authorities at the scene. The drunk driver, a 34-year-old man, was later charged with DUI and vehicular homicide. 

Impaired Driving Puts Others at Risk

Any amount of alcohol can affect the way a person drives. The legal limit for a driver's blood alcohol content (BAC) across most of the United States is 0.08 percent. At this level of impairment, a person is considered a liability to others and can be charged with DUI. A person with a 0.08 percent BAC has compromised decision-making skills, balance, coordination, judgment, and reaction times. Unfortunately, many people still make the decision to drive when they are at or above this level of intoxication.

Because of those decisions, other drivers often suffer the consequences. In the United States, approximately 30 people die in an automobile crash that involves alcohol every day. In 2017, 4,885 motorcyclists died in accidents that involved a drunk driver. Overall, motorcyclists had the highest rate of deaths out of all drunk driving accidents. 

A drunk driver may speed, disobey traffic laws, and make poor judgments. Motorcycles provide minimal protection against these types of actions by drivers, so when others are not mindful of their choice when getting behind the wheel, safe and sober motorcyclists can suffer the most.  

Contact a Fort Collins Personal Injury Lawyer

Accidents can be catastrophic for motorcycle drivers. Even with a helmet and protective gear, a collision with a car or truck can cause life-long pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, or if you have lost a loved one to a reckless driver, contact an experienced Larimer County motorcycle accident attorney today. Our experienced legal team can fight for your right to compensation to give you peace of mind and secure your future. Call our office today at 970-225-2190 to schedule a free consultation. 

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving

https://www.krdo.com/news/driver-of-truck-charged-with-vehicular-homicide-dui-in-fatal-motorcycle-accident/1116608010