After a long winter, it’s nice to get outside in Alaska and enjoy the warmer weather.  As the summer months progress, more and more motorcycles join automobiles and trucks on the roadways.

So far this year, this has resulted in some dangerous and deadly accidents.  Motorcyclists are at greater risk for serious death and injury in an accident because they aren’t buckled in, or cushioned by airbags.

According to an article from the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska averages about nine motorcycle fatalities per year — but this year is threatening an increase from that number.  In May alone, six Alaskan riders lost their lives.

When a life is lost in an accident, families and friends suffer.  Many of these accidents can’t be prevented, but when they do happen it is important, to know whether the accident was a result of someone’s negligence.

In one of the more recent fatal accidents, a motorcyclist collided with a dump truck pulling a trailer.  Even though the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet — the best form of protection for cyclists — he was killed.

The collision remains under investigation, according to the article, and no citations or charges have been issued.  Collisions like this are a risk that all motorcyclists should be aware of when they take up the hobby, but it is important to realize that motorcycle safety is a shared responsibility.

Drivers should be just as aware of motorcyclists on the road as motorcyclists are aware of trucks and cars.  When changing lanes or turning, drivers should always check their blind spots.  In the same sense, cyclists should wear bright clothing and abide by the laws of the road.

Failure to do any of this could result in a reasonable claim to negligence.  A thorough investigation of an accident should always take place, and if someone is responsible, then they should be held accountable.

As the summer months continue in Alaska, we encourage both motorcyclists and drivers to be extra careful on the roads.  If you or someone you love have been in an accident that was caused by the negligence of another person, get in touch with an experienced Fairbanks motorcycle accident injury attorney as soon as possible.

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