According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) motorcycle accidents that result in a fatality has increased dramatically since 1997 and shows no signs of letting up. One would think that with a newer styled brake system, helmets, clothing and even rider knowledge, fatalities would be decreasing, but the fact is that those individuals who decide to ride a motorcycle face a serious problem.

There are plenty of hazards on the road if you decide to ride. Motorcycles made today differ from the ones of the past in terms of their engine size. There is a correlation between the increased engine size and the number of motorcycle rider fatalities. In terms of motorcycles, bigger is not always better. Put that together with older riders and perhaps inexperienced and younger drivers both in cars and on bikes, and that can spell catastrophe for a motorcyclist.

There are enormous distractions that car drivers face while on the road; iPods, cell phones, kids who are in the back quarreling over who gets which toy or which movie to watch. Simple rules of the road were a cause of 39% of the motorcycle fatalities when another vehicle was turning left while the motorcyclist went straight ahead. And finally, there is just more traffic on the roads today and sadly, motorcycle riders are 32 times more likely to die in a motorcycle accident than a passenger in a car.

The death of a motorcyclist is a tragedy of a life lost through no fault of their own. Perhaps they were riding for the pure pleasure of the experience, or riding for the benefit of others. But the fact remains, accidents do happen and sometimes, with tragic results. There is some recourse however, to address the psychological pain and suffering the family is going through, and that is through a wrongful death lawsuit. It’s a way to give an incentive to the rest of us to act carefully and safely when operating motorized vehicles.

A wrongful death lawsuit claims the victim (your loved one) was killed as a result of some negligence on the part of the person being sued. The survivors (you) are entitled to monetary damages because of that careless action. The purpose of the lawsuit is to provide monetary relief on a case by case basis. This relief provides for things such as, funeral expenses, medical bills, and psychological pain and suffering. You have the right to see that those who caused the wrongful death are held accountable. You have the right to seek compensation for the loss of financial support. Could you have a claim? The best thing is to have the case evaluated by an experienced injury lawyer.