There are many inherent dangers in driving a motorcycle. It is a small automobile, often hidden in the blind spot of larger vehicles sharing the road, manned by an entirely exposed driver. Our Phoenix based personal injury law firm often sees needless injuries that are the result of driver's miscalculation.  Motorcyclists have to be even more dutiful in following the law than your average driver in order to protect themselves. Other vehicles are always cautioned to share the road and check blind spots because of how easily an error can lead to a fatality. Unfortunately, Arizona Bike Week at WestWorld of Scottsdale resulted in tragedy for two of its riders due to negligence.

A couple that was participating in the Torch Ride for Special Olympics were riding in the motorcade, sharing a bike, when they ran a red light and were struck by a sedan making a left turn at an intersection. Sgt. Ben Hoster of Scottsdale PD said that the sedan had the right of way, regardless of its left turn. Neither one of the couple were wearing a helmet. Motorcyclists over the age of 18 are not required to wear a helmet under A.R.S. 28-964. The motorcade was being led by police and officers driving in the front and rear of the procession. Participants in the ride, however, were advised by the organizers of the event that they must stop for red lights and follow the traffic laws. This tragedy was very unfortunate and probably preventable. For safety, motorcycle riders should always wear a helmet and obey all traffic laws; stop for red traffic signals.

Jay Ciulla is a personal injury and wrongful death attorney who handles motorcycle crash cases.