Motorcyclist killed in Triangle Expressway crash

A motorcyclist died in a crash on Sunday night on the Triangle Expressway, according to North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The wreck was reported at approximately 9:15 p.m. and it closed all northbound lanes a mile south of exit 2.

The motorcycle accident occurred when a 44-year-old male biker who was travelling on the northbound lanes of the toll road N.C. 147/Triangle Expressway drove off the road to the left and hit the cable barrier.

The highway patrol stated that speed may have been a factor in the crash. The driver, whose name has not yet been released, was pronounced dead on the scene.

High speeds, high price

Motorcycle accidents are much more common, relatively, than car accidents and far more deadly. According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a third of all motorcycle fatalities in 2017 were caused by speeding, and another third were due to alcohol impairment. Also, 23% of those fatalities happened when the motorcycle collided with a fixed object.

Overall, motorcycle accidents occur almost 27 times as often as car fatalities, and 76% of the time the impact of the motorcycle is in the front.

The impact of helmet laws

Most states have helmet laws for motorcyclists, and nearly half now have a requirement that all riders wear a helmet. In 2017, the national average for helmet use was 65.2%, with helmet use being much higher in states such as North Carolina that have a universal helmet law.

In states without strict helmet laws, 57% of the time the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet when the accident occurred. In states with stricter laws, that figure was 8%.

Compensation for catastrophic injury

When motorcyclists get into accidents, they are at a high risk for catastrophic injury or death. When they are traveling at high speeds or on slick or icy roads, their bodies bear the brunt of the impact when they collide with another vehicle or object. While the accident takes a split second, recovery from catastrophic injuries can take months or even years.

Recovering compensation after a serious motorcycle accident can be challenging. It is important to get experienced legal counsel that will work to help you receive the maximum amount for your claim.