The Schafer Law Office

Motorcyclist Killed on Valley Station Road

In the early morning hours on July 27th another man was killed while riding his motorcycle.  This  is the second fatality this week involving a motorcyclist in Louisville.  This accident happened on Valley Station Road near Dixie Highway in Jefferson County, KY.

The driver of the motorcycle has been identified as 46-year-old Mark R. Smith from Louisville, KY.  The investigation is still ongoing but there is speculation that a gray Pontiac Bonneville pulled in front of the motorcycle driven by Mr. Smith causing him to hit the automobile.  Mr. Smith was then thrown from his motorcycle.  He died at the scene from multiple injuries.  The driver of the Pontiac fled the scene but returned later as the investigators were still at the scene.  No charges have been filed in the case but according to Louisville Metro Police the investigation is as of this afternoon still ongoing.  It should be noted that Mr. Smith was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

There have been numerous fatalities this month for motorcyclists. It has not been indicated whether any of the other motorcycle accident victims this month were wearing helmets or not with the exception of the accident on the Watterson Expressway. Because of their nature motorcycles are more dangerous than cars.  As with a bicyclist a motorcyclist has to be acutely aware of his surroundings and respectful of other motorists.  Again, as with bicyclists, motorists also need to be aware of thier surroundings and respectful of motocyclists.  When a motorcycle and a car collide it is usually the motorcycle that suffers more.  Helmets are hot and uncomfortable but also a vital piece of protection, I wear one when I ride my bike, I wear one when I ski and if I had a motorcycle I would wear one when I rode.  As uncomfortable as it is it still makes sense.

For more information on Louisville attorney Mike Schafer go to www.mikeschaferlaw.com.