Based on an Associated Press article, the family of a 49-year-old Dallas police officer who was killed after being thrown from his motorcycle in a 2008 incident has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against multiple parties. Reportedly, the officer fell from his bike after hitting a curb and colliding with a guard rail. The suit has been filed against Hillary Rodham Clinton, whom the officer was escorting in a motorcade, the city of Dallas, and the maker of the helmet he was wearing while riding the motorcycle. According to the article discussing the Dallas motorcycle suit, the officer’s widow and children claim that the city of Dallas did not provide him with adequate training for escorting a motorcade, that Clinton and her campaign did not give proper notice for motorcade assistance, and that the helmet he was wearing was flawed. The motorcycle victim’s family is seeking damages that include the loss of monetary support, because the officer was the primary wage earner in the family.
The above case demonstrates the risk that some helmets may be defective due to inaccurate design or an overlooked flaw from the manufacturing process. In addition, even when a motorcyclist correctly wears a helmet that is approved by the Department of Transportation, he or she may endure serious brain injury or even death, depending on vehicle speed and the surrounding elements. Nevertheless, wearing a helmet (and protective clothing and gear) greatly decreases the chance of injury and death for motorcyclists.
Riding a motorcycle can be an enjoyable experience; however, many risks are involved, especially when considering the lack of protection one has against surrounding vehicles and the surfaces of a roadway in the event of a motorcycle collision in Dallas, Texas. The importance of knowing how to operate a motorcycle efficiently and safely cannot be emphasized enough. However, other motorists must remember that they have the responsibility of sharing the road with motorcyclists.
