California Injury Blog
Pamela Cole, 44, of Stillwater was injured in an Washington motorcycle accident after her 2004 Yamaha motorcycle went off the road the afternoon of April 25, 2009, the Post Star reports. Cole was heading south on State Route 40 in Easton when her motorcycle went off the right shoulder striking the guard rail. Cole was ejected from the motorcycle. Both she and the vehicle rolled down a steep embankment. Cole was transported to a local hospital. She had suffered severe personal injuries to her arm and leg.
My heart goes out to Pamela Cole who suffered serious personal injuries as a result of this motorcycle accident. I wish her the very best for a quick and complete recovery from her injuries.
Apparently, the number of Washington State motorcycle accidents is increasing at an alarming rate, particularly the number of fatal motorcycle accidents. Just in the early part of 2009, there have been five fatal motorcycle accidents in Washington State. The total number of motorcycle accident deaths reached 75 in 2008, which is an increase of nine incidents from 66 in 2007. Totally, Washington State troopers have investigated 584 motorcycle accidents in 2008 resulting in 200 injuries.
In this particular motorcycle crash, it is important to look at what caused Cole to lose control of the motorcycle. If this news report is accurate, it doesn’t seem that Cole was distracted in any way or speeding before the crash occurred. This motorcycle collision may have been caused by a dangerous condition on the roadway such as debris or potholes. It could have been caused by a motorcycle defect or a mechanical malfunction that was triggered by a defect.
If Cole lost control of the motorcycle because of a dangerous roadway condition, the city or the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable for the motorcycle accident and resulting injuries. If a motorcycle defect caused the crash, then the manufacturer of the motorcycle or the maker of the defective product can be held financially responsible. The motorcycle should be preserved in its current condition unaltered so that experienced Washington motorcycle accident attorneys can examine it thoroughly for any defects, malfunction or other evidence.