The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) recently released data about fatal motorcycle accidents during the first nine months of 2012. Overall, the preliminary data shows about a 9% increase in United States motorcycle accidents from 2011 to 2012. However, the same is not true for Virginia, which was one of just 16 states to experience a decrease in motorcycle accident deaths.
What Does This Mean?
While the news may not be so bad in Virginia, it is important to look at the national statistics historically and in comparison to other fatal accident numbers. Over the past 15 years, fatal traffic accidents have decreased significantly. Yet, the number of fatal motorcycle crashes has more than doubled since 1997.
If the preliminary data holds true, then Virginia experienced five fewer motorcycle accident deaths in the first nine months of 2012 as compared to the first nine months of 2011. One of the reasons suggested for the decrease is an improvement in motorcyclist safety training.
What Does It Mean if You’ve Lost a Loved One in a Virginia Motorcycle Crash?
If you have lost a loved one in a 2012 Virginia motorcycle accident, then the statistics are not important. Instead, what is important is your recovery. Your pain and grief are in no way lessened because fewer people died.
You may have the right to recover damages for the medical expenses incurred by your loved one prior to death, for funeral expenses, for past and future lost income, for your emotional loss, and for other damages. Please call an experienced Winchester motorcycle accident lawyer today at 540-341-0007 or 888-907-2631 to learn more about your rights and to schedule a FREE consultation.
