2 Killed In Violent Motorcycle Crash
While motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, the actions of a motorcycle rider can still harm themselves and others. This was recently the case in Houston when a motorcyclist slammed into an SUV, killing himself and the driver of the SUV.
The fatal accident occurred on the afternoon of December 7 on Scott Street in southeast Houston. The 25-year-old man was riding a motorcycle in the 13000 block of Scott Street when he suddenly slammed into the side of an SUV for unknown reasons.
The driver of the SUV, a woman in her 50s, died at the accident scene. The motorcycle rider was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. The crash is still under investigation. It is possible that speed could have been a factor.
Side Impact Crashes
A side impact accident occurs when a vehicle crashes into the side of another. Also known as T-bone crashes, side impact accidents may not seem major, but they can be deadly, as seen in this case. That’s because the sides of vehicles offer little protection for occupants.
This is what makes side impact crashes different from rear-end and front-end accidents. In these accidents, there are several feet of space to separate occupants from the outside of a vehicle. Plus, the bumpers, hood, and trunk act as buffers to absorb the majority of the impact from a crash. This keeps the overall frame intact.
This is not the case with a side impact crash. Occupants are offered almost no protection at the sides of the car. Therefore, a crash at high speeds can cause serious injuries or even fatalities. Thousands of people are killed in side impact crashes every year.
The speed and location of impact determine the severity of injuries in a side impact crash. Common injuries from a side impact crash include:
- Head injuries. The victim may hit their head on the vehicle and suffer a concussion or brain damage.
- Back and neck injuries. The neck often absorbs the impact of the crash. This leads to whiplash and other soft tissue injuries, as well as spinal cord damage, ruptured discs, and even paralysis.
- Crush injuries. The abdomen, chest, and pelvic area can become smashed due to the impact, causing organ damage.
Side-impact crashes often occur because one driver was not following traffic laws. They may have run a stop sign or red light. Or maybe a driver did not yield the right of way to the other, and both vehicles entered the intersection at the same time.
You can prevent side impact crashes by:
- Driving defensively
- Following traffic laws
- Not trying to beat red lights
- Staying within the speed limit
- Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Motorcycle riders often make dumb moves while on the road and this can cost them their lives as well as the lives of others.
When people are negligent, they can be responsible for the damages they cause to others. If you have been injured, contact a Houston motorcycle accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. To schedule a free consultation, call 281-347-3247 or fill out the online form.
Source:
abc13.com/fatal-crash-motorcycle-accident-man-and-woman-killed-traffic-fatality/12542054/
