ATTENTION MOTORCYCLE RIDERS

DANGER: Trees or Debris on Roads

Trees are a beautiful and environmentally beneficial asset to our communities, but they are the single most commonly struck objects in major injury roadside crashes, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. Each year, there are more than 4,000 fatalities and 100,000 injuries from collisions with trees alone. And Motorcycle collisions with trees are more likely to result in serious injury or death, making motorcycle drivers exceptionally vulnerable to these types of accidents.

When a motorcyclist runs into a tree or a tree branch on a road or has to lay down his bike due to a tree or debris on the road the motorcyclist often suffers serious injuries such as broken bones or brain damage. Whereas a driver protected by a car usually does not suffer any serious injury. Additionally, motorcyclists cannot stop as quickly as an automobile so this increases the risks to a motorcyclist. The distance required for motorcyclists to stop is greater than for a car. Cars have more rubber and wheels on the ground, as well as less weight transfer due to their low center of gravity compared to their wheelbase, which allows them to stop in a shorter distance than motorcycles. Unexpected debris in the road or falling trees can make stopping in time to avoid an accident extremely difficult for a motorcyclist.

Motorcycle stopping distances, time, speed, and time for motorcyclist to react, means necessity of sometimes having to lay down the motorcycle.

For the average motorcycle going about 50 mph, it takes around 175 feet to come to a complete stop, which makes a tree in the road a considerable threat to the safety of the motorcyclist. This time increases in extreme weather conditions, such as rain or snow, or when the road has potholes or deep ridges. Storms and wind can blow large pieces of debris or fallen trees and branches onto the road without warning. If you're struck and injured by a falling tree, branches, or other debris on a road while riding your motorcycle, you need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. Call the Goetz Law Firm at 858-481-8844 and speak to Attorney Dean Goetz.

Of the 407 deaths from wind-related tree failures in the United States between 1995-2007, the most common cause was from a thunderstorm (41%) followed by high winds (35%). Many fatalities involved a motorcyclist who was either struck by the falling tree or a motorcyclist who crashed into the fallen tree because he was unable to stop in time. If you or a loved one is involved in a motorcycle accident due to falling debris or a tree in the road, a trained motorcycle accident lawyer can help you. Call the Goetz Law Firm at 858-481-8844 and speak to Attorney Dean Goetz.