Very sad news hit the news wires today, as it was announced that the CEO of Freedom Gas station was killed in a Montana motorcycle crash. Reports are that his bike left the road north of the Bridger Bowl ski area in Bozman. His wife was injured and taken to the hospital. Speed and alcohol were both ruled out as contributing factors. David Erickson was CEO of Erickson Oil Products Inc./Freedom Valu Centers based in Hudson, Wis. The private, family owned company has 65 stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota and Michigan.

Our sympathies go out to his family and friends. Hopefully, the investigation will uncover what happened and help with the prevention of more loses like this. It is my understanding that Mr Erickson was an experienced rider. Unfortunately, over the last couple of years we have been seeing an increase in the number of new riders or returning riders that are being killed when they leave the road.

Last year the steady rise in motorcycle crashes became a top concern of the U.S. Department of Transportation, said Secretary Mary Peters, who broke her collarbone a few years ago when she crashed her Harley-Davidson Road King at 40 mph.

To address the problem, the Transportation Department is developing national standards for entry-level riders and has launched an educational campaign on the importance of wearing helmets and other safety gear. Congress has also become involved, authorizing $2 million to study crash causes.

For every driver and rider it's important that the following be kept in mind:

1. Yield the right-of-way.

2. Start seeing motorcycles.

3. When on a motorcycle, make sure people see you.

4. When just starting to ride, make sure you have the correct training.

The road is big enough for everyone.

A Minneapolis Star Tribune editorial on the topic, got a number of comments after it made the following suggestions to deal with the increase:

• Increased training of new drivers.
• More emphasis on sober riding.
• The Increased use of safety equipment.
• Drivers paying more attention on the roads.

The discussion about helmets dominated most of the responses. Clearly, this is one there may not ever be an agreement on, but as to the other suggestions, they really make a lot of sense. Every new driver needs to get the all important training that riding a motorcycle isn't like a bike or a car.

As an attorney who has represented a large number of riders, I've seen the devastation caused by car/bike collisions. As with any highway death, there are a number of issues that will need to be reviewed. My partner, Joe Crumley, addressed this topic in a article for the Minnesota Lawyers Trial magazine. I was interviewed on the same topic.

-I hadn't even considered what happens with reusable grocery bags but David Mittleman did.

- David also took a informative look at the skin rash.

- Howard Lestrud, of the Elk River Star News, took his unique look at motorcycle safety.

- American hospitals cost a lot and scored very poorly on results. Frank Bailey has looked at preventing infections while you are there.

- Inflatable safety and burns were looked at by Jason Herrera.

Finally, Jon Lewis gives us some tips about Deck safety.

There was a story in the news today about a Highland Park motorcycle accident. The accident took place on Friday, July 9th, in the p.m. hours.  According to police a biker was hit by a van at the intersection of Woodward and Glendale Street. The motorcyle-car accident was a hit and run, as the van that hit the motorcyclist took off on foot after the accident.

I am very sorry to hear about this accident and hope that the motorcyclist that was hit does not suffer serious or permanent injuries.

Our Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers advise bikers of their legal rights. Because this motorcycle accident involved contact with another motor vehicle, the injured victim may be eligible for Michigan No-Fault Insurance benefits. These benefits provide for payment of medical expenses, lost wages, attendant care services, and other benefits. The injured victim may also be able to make a personal injury claim for the injuries suffered against the driver if found negligent.

According to news paper reports, on July 7, 2010, a vehicle driven by Erick Jerome Curry allegedly crossed the center line of Barron Lake Road and stuck two motorcyclists, killing both of them. Police identified one of the motorcyclists as Carl William Tarrant, the other was not identified at this time. It is not clear, based upon reports presently available, what caused Mr. Curry's vehicle to cross the center line. Police do not suspect alcohol was involved in the deadly crash.

While there is much speculation as to the cause of the crash, one commentator, who claims to be related to Mr. Curry, at the WNDU.com site claimed there was no distraction related to the crash. It is certainly possible this could be the case, but until the police complete their investigation no one can know for certain. It is certainly difficult to understand how this crash happened, given it was during the day and the driver of the car crossed the center line. Hopefully a completed investigation will shed more light on the situation.

If you have any knowledge or information concerning this crash, please contact the Cass County Sheriff's office at (269) 445-8644.

There was a story in the paper today about a tragic Southwest Michigan motorcycle accident. The accident took place on Wednesday, July 7th, around 1:oo p.m on Barren Lake Road in Howard Township. According to the Cass County police, two motorcycles were hit by a vehicle driven by a 39-year-old man. Two people were killed, and one suffer serious injuries.

I am very sorry to hear about this tragic motorcycle accident. My deepeset condolensces go out the family and friends of the deceased victims and I hope the injured victim has a fast recovery without any permanent damages.

(…More…)