Hawaii News Now reports that friend has identified a motorcyclist who was involved in a fatal motorcycles accident. The incident occurred on Waialua Beach Road in Haleiwa. According to reports, the man turned left and was driving westbound when another driver traveling eastbound struck his vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was uninjured. The accident remains under investigation, however it appears that speed may be a factor. Whether either driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol is unknown. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
The motorcycle accident is Hawaii's 45th traffic fatality this year. Last year at this time the total was 54.
Riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous, even if all the necessary precautions are followed. In fact, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries from a crash than if those in a car. Additionally, nearly 50% of all motorcycles deaths are single-vehicle accidents.
While some of these accidents may due to driver error on the part of the motorcyclist, several other factors may be at fault. Where the accident involves a collision with another vehicle, the actions of the other driver must be evaluated. Was he or she driving recklessly or speeding? Was the driver distracted? Did he or she keep an eye out for the motorcycle driver?
Other questions to consider include whether the motorcycle was in good working order or whether any defective or faulty parts may be to blame. An additional factor to consider is the condition of the roadway. Where poorly designed or maintained roads contribute to an accident, it may be possible to file a claim for "roadway negligence."
For more information or if you or anyone you love has been injured in a motorcycle or other type of vehicle accident, please contact the dedicated Hawaii personal injury lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.
