Fatal SMIDSY Crash In Allen County

A moped rider is dead after a vehicle operator turned into his lane, causing the fatal motorcycle wreck.

The crash happened near the intersection of U.S. 231 and Dry Ridge Road in Scottsville. According to police, 26-year-old driver moved from the left lane of U.S. 231 into the right lane, and in so doing, rear-ended a 32-year-old driver, who was riding a moped. The force of the motorcycle wreck threw the driver off the bike, and he was later declared dead at a Nashville hospital.

Motorcycle Wreck Causes

In the 1980s, observers first sounded the alarm over “smidsy” crashes (for sorry, mate, I didn’t see you). At that time, an estimated one-third of motorcycle wrecks occurred after a vehicle operator made a left turn across traffic or otherwise pulled directly into a motorcycle’s path, apparently because the driver did not see the motorcyclist.

The issue is probably worse now, because instead of small passenger cars, many people drive large trucks or SUVs, restricting motorists’ vision even further. Indeed, most riders who have gone down heard the tortfeasors (negligent drivers) tell first responders something like “she came out of nowhere” or “I never even saw him.”

There are other contributing causes, such as distraction and excessive speed, that add to the number of motorcycle wrecks in Kentucky.

Motorcycle Wreck Injuries

Mostly because they have no restraint systems, air bags, or steel cages for protection, riders are thirty-five times more likely than vehicle operators to be killed in motorcycle wrecks. Some of the serious injuries include:

• Blood Loss: The serious external and internal trauma wounds often trigger hypovolemic shock, which rapidly causes organ failure.
• Neck and Spine Injuries: When rider are thrown, the jarring motion alone is often enough to knock the neck and spine out of alignment. The motorcycle wreck injuries are often even worse if the riders land on their backs.
• Biker’s Arm: During falls, most people naturally extend their arms, and this reflex often causes permanent nerve damage in the brachial plexus (under arm) region.

If the victim sustained a serious injury, damages in a motorcycle wreck case include compensation for tangible damages, such as medical bills, and intangible damages, such as pain and suffering. Particularly in some wrongful death cases, punitive damages may be available as well.

Motorcycle wreck cause serious injuries. For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Morgantown, contact Attorney Gary S. Logsdon. Home and hospital visits are available.