Motorcyclist Killed in King County Rear-End Collision

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on May 6, 2014

A motorcyclist was killed in a King County crash after being struck from behind while waiting to turn left. According to a news report in The News Tribune, the fatal motorcycle crash occurred in the 12400 block of Vashon Highway S.W. on Vashon Island. Officials say the motorcycle was stopped at the time of the rear-end collision. The unidentified rider was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The report does not mention if the driver was injured. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash, but it does not appear that drugs or alcohol were involved.

Rear-end collisions involving two passenger vehicles often result in neck injuries, sprains, and strains. Rear-end collisions involving a motorcycle, however, often result in devastating brain injuries, bone fractures, spinal cord injuries, and even death.

Motorcycles simply do not provide enough protection in the event of a crash. There are no seatbelts, steel frames, or airbags to keep riders or passengers safe. So, in the event of a rear-end collision, riders could get thrown off their motorcycles onto the roadway.

Whether it is a rear-end collision, a T-bone accident, or a head-on crash, all motorcycle accidents can prove fatal. According to the Washington State Annual Collision Summary, motorcycles were involved in 2,292 collisions in 2012. Of those accidents, 83 were fatal, 388 resulted in serious injuries, and 1,424 resulted in minor injuries.

Filing a lawsuit is probably the last thing you are thinking about if you have lost a loved one, but it is often the only way to receive fair compensation for a fatal crash. It is crucial that you act quickly to preserve evidence. An experienced Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to guide you through a complex legal process during this difficult time.