Lack of Helmet Kills Motorcyclist
A motorcyclist crashed in an accident on the North Freeway and later died because he was not wearing a helmet. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office report, the crash occurred near Cypresswood Drive around 1 a.m. Thursday morning. Sheriff’s deputies at the scene said that the rider had struck a curb and lost control of his motorcycle. In the accident, the rider struck his head and was critically injured. He was taken to Ben Taub Hospital where he later died of his injuries. No other vehicles were involved in the accident. Motorcycle accidents can cause very serious injuries. The most important thing to remember about motorcycle safety in addition to following the rules of the road is to wear a helmet. That one safety device can make all of the difference on just serious those injuries are and can ultimately save the life of the wearer. Because motorcyclists are much more exposed the elements and risks on the road than drivers of other types of motor vehicles are, taking every precaution to insure safety is important. Here are some ways to insure that you stay safe while riding a motorcycle: * Make sure each rider is wearing a helmet and other protective gear. * Check your headlights, turn signals, brake lights, mirrors and other equipment before setting out. * Be certain that your brakes are working the pressure in your tires is the right p.s.i. and at the proper pressure recommended in the owner’s manual. * Check to see that the motorcycle’s horn is in good working order. * Never ride more than two people on a motorcycle. The only exception to this important safety rule is when there is a sidecar attached to the motorcycle. Be sure to check the tire pressure on the sidecar as well. * When you are on the road, always be aware of potential hazards such as other vehicles that might not be able to see you, debris in the roadway, railroad tracks, or any other obstacles that could potentially cause an accident. * When you are riding your motorcycle around other vehicles such as large trucks, make certain that other drivers are aware of your presence. Sometimes a couple of short beeps of your horn to alert them of your presence can help. * When you are riding in traffic in the city, allow yourself a two-second stopping distance between your motorcycle and the vehicle in front of you. On the open road or under highway conditions, and depending upon your rate of speed, this stopping distance should be increased to three or four seconds or more. If it is dark, this stopping distance should be even greater. Allow yourself at least five to seven seconds or more of stopping time. * Be sure to check potential blind spots and turn your head. Helmets can sometimes cause vision impairment. Make sure your helmet has the DOT approved safety sticker before you purchase it. If you or someone you love has been involved in and injured in a motorcycle accident, give our experienced accident attorneys a call. Medical costs, damages, raised insurance rates along with other legal concerns are best handled through the advice of a competent legal professional with years of experience in the Texas legal system. When you call us, we can introduce you to an attorney who will be the best suited to help you with your case. Our lawyers take the time listen and to outline options for you and will file any necessary legal or insurance paperwork for you. Your initial consultation is free and without obligation.