Preventable Tragedy
by: David W. Ransin
Motorcyclists share a special bond with one another. Many times is this an unwritten rule that forms a common bond, strangers can become friends; people from all walks of life can be united. I have enjoyed motorcycles for more years than I would like to mention. When my son became old enough, it became something we enjoy doing together. Yet, I have not ridden a motorcycle on a street for more than 30 years, and my son has never ridden on streets. Instead, we ride dirt bikes for trail riding in many different states. The reason we avoid street riding is that I have spent the last 30 years representing people and their families who have been injured on Missouri’s roadways. The single hardest aspect of my job is helping a mother or a father deal with the loss of a child, or a husband or wife dealing with the loss of a spouse. Even in the non-fatal motorcycle crashes I see the physical effects of these injuries and the long road to recovery, many times, they will never be able to live the life they were living again.
Look Twice, Save a Life
I have long supported motorcycle safety and awareness in our community. Being a personal injury lawyer I have gotten some unique feedback over the years from motorcyclists not understanding why I am at a ride or speaking at an event. This is until I share my message, explain how I have been impacted and share my purpose. That purpose is to help educate car, truck, and SUV drivers on how to prevent motorcycle crashes. Look twice, save a life.
I was reminded just how important taking a few extra seconds can be when I came across a news story about a well-known Springfield business owner who was killed on Republic Road, driving at low speeds, when a car pulled out in front of his motorcycle and struck him, resulting in his death. The report stated this man had only been riding a little over month and was sadly killed doing what we as motorcyclists love to do. The reality is that if you are a motorcyclist you most likely know someone who has been injured or killed by a driver of a vehicle that simply did not see the bike. I find the common bond between motorcyclists has as much to do with the risk, as well as with having very little protection from other drivers’ negligence, but loving what motorcycles and the freedom they give more, thus making the decision to ride.
Young Driver’s Mistake is Fatal
Motorcyclists face danger from the moment they hit the road. Most of them are practicing safe driving habits, but they are facing an uphill battle when it comes to relying on other drivers to help them stay safe. In this motorcycle accident the motorcyclist was struck by an inexperienced 16-year old female driver of an SUV. She pulled out in front of him. If she would have simply taken the extra time to look for a motorcycle, this tragic accident might not have happened.
Please look twice and help save a life. We at Ransin Injury Law want to reduce these types of motorcycle accidents in Springfield and throughout our state.