Update: Just hours after this post was published, the state patrol reported yet another motorcycle collision, this one on in Lake County. A GMC Terrain, an SUV, was traveling southbound on MN Highway 61 when it made a u-turn. A northbound Harley Davidson motorcycle, driven by Jody James Wright of Nashwaulk, collided with the SUV as it was attempting the u-turn, according to the state patrol. The driver and a passenger, Whittaker Tiffany Kaelin, were injured. Two Harbors Police and the Lake County Sheriff’s office assisted at the scene.
This collision is a reminder that every decision a driver makes on the road can affect others. Other drivers are not expecting u-turns, and there can be very little or no time to react to them.
Two motorcycle accidents on Minnesota Highway 10 this week resulted in injuries to the cyclists, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
A Harley Davidson driven by Jerry Hubbard, of Marble Rock, Iowa, was traveling southbound on Highway 10 South of Royalton, in Benton County, Minnesota. An Audi Quattro, driven by Austin Michael Leibel, of Cross Lake, MN, was also traveling southbound, when the Audi rear ended the motorcycle. Mr. Hubbard was transported to St. Cloud Hospital. Gold Cross Ambulance and the Royalton Fire Department assisted the state patrol at the scene of the June 18 collision.
On June 19, 2017, a Kawasaki Racer, driven by Austin Robert Koeppe, of St. Michael, MN, was traveling westbound on Highway 10 in Big Lake, Sherburne County. A Chevy Equinox, driven by Emily Louise Olson, of Elk River, MN, was traveling on 168th street. The vehicles collided at the intersection of 168th street and the highway. Mr. Koeppe, who was injured, was treated at Mercy Hospital.
Share the Road with Motorcycles
We are urging all drivers to be alert for motorcycles and to share the road. Don’t follow too closely because of the risk of a rear-end collision, which can be fatal for the cyclist. Thankfully, this was not the case on June 18; however, recovering from these injuries can be a lengthy process, particularly for someone over the age of 65.
https://youtu.be/zu0gzKImJqY
Before making a turn or merging into traffic, look over your shoulder and check your mirrors to make sure you will not hit a motorcycle. Once the ice is off our roads, you have to assume there are people riding motorcycles. It is one of the signs of spring in our great state.
Remember that, given the smaller size of these vehicles, cyclists have a different line of visibility. In addition, be aware that there may be weaving and downshifting, and prepare for this kind of driving.
What to Do When a Cyclist is Injured
By law, if you hit someone while driving, you are required to stop and call for help. You have to stay until first responders arrive, including the police or state patrol, and you have to provide your name, address, phone number, and a statement about what you think happened.
If you or a loved one was hit while riding a motorcycle, the most important thing is getting medical attention. Then someone in the family needs to contact a lawyer with motorcycle accident experience, who can help the family find out what happened, who was at fault, and if the injured person has the right to get compensation.
Our lawyers have won several settlements over $5 million, and they can help you and your family. Contact our law firm for a free consultation now. Read a testimonial by a client who suffered a head injury in a motorcycle accident.