Figures from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety indicate that the number of fatal motorcycle accidents in the state is up sharply in 2015. The department says that 26 motorcyclists have died on Minnesota’s roads during the first six months of 2015. This figure represents a 56 percent increase over the 16 motorcycle riders and passengers who died during the first six months of 2014.
While motorcycles make up only a tiny fraction of the vehicles on Minnesota roads, the figures show that riders are far more likely to be involved in a fatal crash. There were 158 traffic fatalities in the state during the first six months of 2015, and motorcyclists accounted for almost 16 percent of these deaths. Authorities have urged riders to attend training classes that teach accident avoidance skills, and they have also reminded passenger vehicle drivers to remain vigilant at all times. Minnesota motorcycle crashes claimed the lives of 46 people in 2014.
The fatality figures were released the day after a 54-year-old man was killed in a motorcycle accident near Highway 134 in Henning. The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office say that the man lost control of an off-road motorcycle as he was riding on private property at approximately 8:30 p.m. on June 19.
Many motorcycle accidents occur when a car or truck turns into the path of an oncoming bike. This happens when a driver does not see the approaching motorcycle or misjudges its speed or distance. Motorcyclists often suffer catastrophic injuries in this kind of accident, and a personal injury attorney may pursue compensation for them by filing a lawsuit against the negligent motorist involved. This litigation could seek damages for the property damage, lost income and medical expenses of the injured victim.