Semi-truck vs Motorcycle Crash Sends Motorcyclist to Hospital
As reported by Whatcom News over the weekend, first responders were dispatched to the scene of a semi-truck versus motorcycle crash in Blaine, Washington at the intersection of Alderson Road and Blaine Road. The accident – that happened on May 14 – caused the temporary closure of Blaine Road between Alderson Road and Bay Road while rescuers extricated the motorcyclist from underneath the front of the semi-truck. North Whatcom Fire and Rescue and Whatcom County Fire District 7 crews used hydraulic jacks to lift the truck’s front axle to remove the patient. The patient was then transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center via advanced life support (ALS) protocols due to his leg injury.
Cause of semi-truck vs motorcycle crash
According to Washington State Patrol Trooper Anthony Reese, the collision occurred in an intersection when the motorcyclist, who had been riding northbound on Blaine Road and getting ready to turn west on Alderson Road, came into contact with the truck driver who was turning from Alderson Road to go northbound on Blaine Road. The cause of the accident was the truck driver’s failure to see the motorcyclist. Reese said the truck driver would be issued an infraction for failure to yield the right-of-way.
What is failure to yield the right-of-way?
When a driver is guilty of failure to yield the right-of-way, it means that they didn’t allow other traffic, such as cars or pedestrians, to go when they had the right-of-way. A failure to yield accident is when a driver fails to yield the road when they are supposed to and it causes a collision. Failing to yield crashes are responsible for some of the most severe or fatal types of car accidents. When a driver is cited for failure to yield at the scene of a crash, it can lead to liability for the accident.
Motorcycle safety
The number one safety issue for motorcycles is vehicles not seeing them. It is vital for drivers to check their blind spots and mirrors and use their turn signals every time they change lanes or want to pass another vehicle. In addition, drivers should be extra careful to avoid distractions such as cell phone use during motorcycle season.
Riders can help to protect themselves by taking a defensive driving course and wearing protective gear including a DOT-compliant motorcycle helmet (learn more about choosing the right helmet), gloves and full-body clothing made of leather or heavy denim.
Motorcycle accidents involving a car
If you have been injured in an accident with a car while riding, it is vital to report the accident to the police, file a police report immediately and to seek prompt medical treatment. Document and preserve the evidence from the scene of the accident if you are able and keep receipts and transcripts from all resulting medical care. You should also notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible but do not speak to the at-fault insurance agency or accept a settlement without first speaking with a motorcycle accident attorney.
If you have lost a loved one or been injured through no fault of your own, you have enough on your plate. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the justice and fair compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring, tireless and experienced wrongful death attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County and surrounding areas since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
