In an accident that involves two vehicles of vastly varying sizes, the motorist operating the smaller vehicle can be exposed to a greater amount of danger. A good example of this type of accident is one that involves a motorcycle and a car. In addition to bearing the force of a large vehicle, a motorcycle rider is also exposed to the risks of serious or even fatal injuries due to the lack of a protective steel frame surrounding the motorcycle.
A few hours south of Albuquerque, a man was recently involved in a car-motorcycle accident on US Highway 180 near Silver City, New Mexico. According to reports, the victim was heading north on the highway when the driver of a southbound pickup truck tried to pass the vehicle in front of it and placed the truck in the path of the on-coming motorcycle. Both the motorcyclist and the driver of the pickup tried to evade the collision.
Sadly, the motorcyclist lost control of his vehicle and fell on the asphalt, sustaining a head injury in the process. Authorities responded to the scene and transported the motorcycle accident victim by air ambulance to a hospital in El Paso, Texas. Reports state that he is in critical condition. No other injuries were reported in the accident.
According to an officer from the New Mexico State Patrol, the driver of the pickup truck did not see the motorcyclist. However, witness statements collected by police indicate that the pickup truck was moving at a high rate of speed just before the crash. The driver of the pickup was not charged immediately but investigators were called to the scene, and are continuing to look into the matter.
Investigations can often determine who the negligent party appears to have been in an accident. In the event of such a discovery, an injured victim and his or her family may choose to seek damages from the other party if that party is at fault. The compensation that they may receive can help them recover from the losses suffered due to medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Source: Silver City News, “Accident on Hwy. 180 E. sends motorcycle driver to hospital,” Susan Dunlap, July 23, 2014