Fatalities During Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day has become less of an occasion of remembrance. Many people choose to hold picnics, sports events and family gatherings on this weekend. This day is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season for cultural events. In Myrtle Beach Memorial day weekend is the beginning of bike rally’s. Starting with the Harley Davidson bike week and ending with Atlantic beach bike week. During both bike weeks, there were exactly 16 traffic accidents in the area in 2014. According to the S.C. Department of public safety one motorcyclist is killed every 4.1 days in South Carolina. The South Carolina Traffic Collisions Fact Book says that in 2009, the most recent year for which numbers are available, there were 95 fatal motorcycle wrecks and 18 fatalities involving “motorized bikes” (mopeds) on South Carolina highways. Another 1,290 motorcyclists were injured in wrecks on South Carolina roads in 2009. Many motorcyclist suffer from minor injuries while others can suffer from more critical injuries.

For instance on January 6, 2015, Furman Hanna, of Aynor, died due to a blunt force internal injury when a 63-year-old man driving a 2009 Chevrolet HHR north on Enoch Road; attempted to make a left turn onto a private driveway. He turned in front of the 2009 Harley Davidson motorcycle and the vehicles collided. Hanna was not wearing a helmet and died at the scene of the accident. Recently another accident was reported on April 18, 2015, Jackulin Cataldi, died at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center from head injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. The Harley Davidson motorcycle was traveling north on Highway 17, and the Mercury was turning onto the highway from Cypress Avenue, when the Mercury failed to yield the right of way, causing the motorcycle rider to lay the motorcycle down. Many don’t realize the importance of sharing the road and being cautious during bike week or just anytime when there is a motorcycle on the road.

One of the main causes of motorcycle accidents is simply the failure of others to see motorcyclists. Because of this, motorcyclists are often blamed if an accident occurs. However, just because these vehicles are smaller and harder to see does not excuse other drivers from fault if an accident happens. Riding a motorcycle is something many do as their main source of transportation or as a favorite past time especially during times like bike week. For more than 75 years bike week attracts hundreds of thousands of bikers from around the country. But, regardless of why a person chooses to use a motorcycle, the dangers drivers and passengers face are significantly greater than those faced by occupants of a traditional motor vehicle. According to WMBFNews there were 134 reported motorcycle collisions during Atlantic beach bike week. If a motorcycle accident happens, the damages sustained can be extreme and those injured or in the event of fatality the victim’s surviving family members may seek compensation for any losses suffered.

Our personal injury attorneys in Myrtle Beach, SC have experience representing motorcycle riders that have been injured in the Grand Strand area.  Our personal injury attorneys in Myrtle Beach have also sadly represented families who have had to experience the wrongful death of someone in their family. It is a very hard time for anyone when they are in this situation, but with the help of an experienced attorney at The Mace Firm families recover compensation for their injuries and compensation for pain and suffering.  Call today to schedule your free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers.

 

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