Passengers on motorcycles are more vulnerable than passengers in cars. Motorcycle accidents differ distinctly from other Colorado crashes because riders and their passengers do not have enclosed vehicles to protect them, nor do they have seat belts, airbags and other safety features. For this reason, bikers typically suffer more severe injuries than occupants of passenger vehicles — and many of them do not survive.
One such a tragedy occurred on a recent Wednesday afternoon at an intersection in Thornton. According to a police report, it was about noon when a motorcyclist who failed to stop at a red light smashed into an SUV that was crossing the intersection on a green light. The motorcycle was occupied by a rider and his male passenger.
Reportedly, one of the two men who occupied the bike died at the crash scene while the other one was rushed to the hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries and died at the hospital. Authorities say none of the occupants of the SUV suffered injuries. A police department spokesperson says alcohol and drugs are not suspected to have played a role.
When bike passengers lose their lives in motorcycle accidents, their surviving family members likely have grounds to file wrongful death claims against the party or parties deemed negligent. This applies even if the negligent party was the biker operating the motorcycle that crashed. In a case in which a negligent biker is also killed, the family of a passenger who also died may sue the biker’s estate. An experienced Colorado personal injury attorney can explain the legal procedures that will ensue if such a claim is filed.
Source: 9news.com, “2 killed in Thornton crash involving motorcycle”, Allison Sylte, Dec. 6, 2017
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