Connecticut drivers know they need to share the road with motorcycles. These lightweight vehicles are exposed to the elements and are vulnerable to larger and heavier vehicles such as cars and trucks. Two recent motorcycle accidents in West Hartford illustrate the risk that motorcyclists face on a daily basis.
The first accident occurred in the evening in the area of Oakwood Avenue. A motorcycle driven by a 17-year-old man and his 12-year-old passenger was driving north on Oakwood when it was struck by a car that was going in the same direction and turning left. The collision threw both the motorcycle driver and the passenger off the bike and onto the road. They were taken to Hartford Hospital by emergency personnel. Authorities report that their injuries are serious but not life threatening. The driver of the car suffered no injuries.
The second motorcycle accident happened the following evening. A 33-year-old man was riding his motorcycle west on Albany Avenue in the left lane. A 23-year-old man was driving his car in an easterly direction on Albany. The two vehicles then struck each other although authorities cannot determine which vehicle crossed the center line. The motorcyclist sustained a serious leg injury as well as various scrapes and bruises. He was transported to a local hospital; none of his injuries is life-threatening. As in the previous accident, the driver of the automobile was uninjured.
Motorcycle drivers are especially susceptible to injuries during a motorcycle crash. Since they are only protected by the clothing they wear, they risk catastrophic injuries while the drivers of a car or truck may only suffer minor injuries or none at all. A personal injury attorney can help explain the legal rights of any motorcyclist who has been injured in an accident.
Source: www.courant.com, “Three injured in separate motorcycle crashes in West Hartford“, June 21, 2015
