Honolulu Personal Injury Lawyer - Motorcycle Accidents

Separate Wahiawa And Kunia Motorcycle Crashes Leave One Dead And One Critical

Wayne Parsons — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:22:31 GMT

The motorcycle was headed toward Haleiwa at about 1:15 p.m., just past Wahiawa, when it crossed the centerline on a curve on Kaukonahua Road and crashed into an oncoming car one mile past Wilikina Drive.

Going to Haleiwa ia always a beautiful way to spend the day but something went terribly wrong for the 29-year-old motorcycle driver. Whether it was speed, a problem with the motorcycle or inattention is not yet known. What is known is the deaths and serious injury on motorcycles continues to rise on Oahu this year. I have written several times this year on the subject of why motorcycles crash. Federal Highway Administration Studies Cause Of Motorcycle Crashes by Wayne Parsons, October 10, 2009 According to the Honolulu Star Bulletin News story:

Police said the motorcyclist was Haleiwa-bound at 1:13 p.m. when he failed to negotiate a bend in Kaukonahua Road and smashed into an oncoming car about a mile past Wilikina Drive. The man died at the scene. Police said he was wearing a helmet.

The other vehicle was a Chrysler sedan with 4 people in it and it was being driven by a 24-year-old woman. No one in the sedan was physically injured but you can imagine that a collision like this would leave permanent mental scars.

We have now had 42 deaths in traffic accidents on Oahu this year compared to 36 at this time last year. Why is that? Is it speed? Traffic? On the day of the Kaukonahua Road crash, another motorcyclist crashed in Kunia and was in critical condition last night. The second motorcycle accident happened at about 8 p.m. on Kunia Road near Kupuna Loop according to police. The motorcyclist is his late 50s and was taken to Hawaii Medical Center West.

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The reasons for these incidents is under investigation. If you know anything about the incidents please let us know.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons

Federal Highway Administration Studies Cause Of Motorcycle Crashes

Wayne Parsons — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:30:00 GMT

Hawaii247 reports that the Federal Highway Administration is conducting an ambitious new study to better understand and prevent motorcycle crashes, Administrator Victor Mendez announced.

Between 1997 and 2008, motorcycle rider fatalities increased from 2,116 to 5,290 - a 150 percent jump, according to U.S. Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System. In 2008 alone, deaths due to motorcycle crashes rose by an estimated 2.2 percent while all other vehicle classes saw reductions in fatalities.

Motorcycles are one of the highest-risk groups on on our streets and highways with nearly 5,300 motorcycle riders dead in roadway crashes in 2008, accounting for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. 96,000 were injured. In 2008 alone, deaths due to motorcycle crashes rose by an estimated 2.2 percent while all other vehicle classes saw reductions in fatalities.

“Having a better understanding of what causes these crashes will help us improve roadway safety for everyone,” Mendez said. “Keeping people safe on America’s roads is Secretary LaHood’s top priority at the Department of Transportation.”

The new motorcycle crash causation study is the first in-depth analysis of motorcycle safety in 30 years. A provision in the “Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users” (SAFETEA-LU) requires the study, which will be conducted by the FHWA in partnership with the Oklahoma State University.

The Oklahoma Transportation Center is one of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 10 National University Transportation Centers, and it receives federal grants to conduct transportation research.

“OSU is delighted to be the lead research institution for this important study,” said Dr. Alan Tree, associate dean for research in OSU’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. “We expect very significant, scientifically valid results to emerge from this work and look forward to a very positive final outcome.”

Factors evaluated in the study include road configurations, environmental conditions and rider experience.

The study’s focus is to look at how these factors may be affected by countermeasures that, if effectively implemented, will prevent motorcycle crashes or lessen the harm when they occur. Prevention is a goal.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted a motorcycle causation study in 1981.

Hawaii has been among the states seeing high rates of motorcycle injury and death.

Motorcycle Deaths Skyrocket On Oahu by Wayne Parsons April 12, 2009

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons

What Caused A Motorcyclist To Crash on Papipi Road Sunday?

Wayne Parsons — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:16:40 GMT

In a news story posted in the Honolulu Advertiser on Sunday another motorcycle injury is reported

(Man in critical condition after motorcycle accident inwww.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090928/BREAKING01/309280013/Man+in+critical+condition+after+motorcycle+accident+in+Ewa+Beach Ewa Beach). The incident occurred on Papipi Road near Laguna Loop in Ewa Beach and the man was reported to be in critical condition after the 12:30 pm incident. This is another in a long series of injury and death crashes involving motorcycles throughout the year in the Islands. According to initial reports:

HFD Capt. Earle Kealoha said when emergency crews arrived they found the unidentified man lying in the road. He was believed to be in his 30s.

Kealoha said it was not obvious which way the motorcycle was headed, and witnesses said the man may have swerved to avoid a car coming out of a side street.

There is a tendency to blame the motorcycle driver for these incidents, probably a throw-back to concepts of The Hell's Angels and motorcycle gangs. But in fact many of Oahu's bikers stress safety, are high skilled in operating a motorcycle and are victims of automobile drivers who don't see the smaller vehicle.

I have written other articles on motorcycle accidents in Hawaii and the statistics are grim this year.

Hawaii Motorcycle Chronicles: Another Death On Friday

Wayne Parsons | June 09, 2009 7:32 PM

Automobile, Motorcycle and Pedestrian Deaths On Oahu Continue to Rise

Wayne Parsons | April 20, 2009 1:53 AM

The facts of this Papipi Road crash are unknown. If you know anything about the incident please report it to the police or leave a comment below. Our best wishes for quick healing to the driver.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons

Motorcycle Deaths of Soldiers Returning From Iraq Spurs Biker Training Effort By Army

Wayne Parsons — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 03:22:39 GMT

Mari-Ela David (bio | email) of KHNL News reports on some of the most encouraging news regarding motorcycle riding in Hawaii this year in her story from Wahiawa today.

I have written many articles on this Blog in 2009 about the increasing rate of motorcycle death and injury in Honolulu, on Oahu and on Maui and the Big island.

Kapolei Man Dead In Yet Another Oahu Motorcycle Crash At Intersection - What is Going On With Motorcycles in Hawaii?

Motorcyclist Dies In Crash In Kaaawa

Hawaii Motorcycle Chronicles: Another Death On Friday

One concern has been lack of training. Anyone can buy and drive a huge motorcycle off the lot, but can they handle it in emergencies and do they understand the machine they own? The military is focusing on the right area by implementing advanced training because even though the soldiers have the physical and mental toughness to cope with war in Iraq, the motorcycle also requires training, just like they get training for the use of their weapons and the equipment they use as soldiers.

Few things are sadder than the death of a soldier returning safely from war. I have handled those cases and they are devastating to everyone including my entire office staff. So I am glad to see some efforts made to protect these most important people: the soldiers who defend us.

The Army says military motorcycle crashes are different from civilian ones, saying civilian accidents tend to involve other vehicles.

But when a soldier rides a motorcycle, numbers from the last two years show 80% of the time it's a solo-motorcycle accident.

This week's classes are designed to throw a disturbing trend off-course, one that has the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii concerned its soldiers may die in motorcycle accidents after returning from war.

"That's been our experience since 2005. We have actually lost 16 soldiers that had recently come back from deployment, bought motorcycles and had died within months of coming back home," said Bill Maxwell, Safety Manager at Schofield Barracks.

The military isn't quite sure why, but says it's not a suicide attempt. It's more of a need for speed.

In March of 2007, video of a motorcycle made news, going more than 100 miles per hour on the H-3. The rider posted it on YouTube, indicating he was a Marine who spent time in Iraq.

"You come back from a combat situation, you're used to living on that edge. Motorcycles are some of the fastest way to get that adrenaline rush everyday," said Maxwell.

The military training course as we might expect is tough. Tougher than normal civilian training courses:

"It was for 3 days but it wasn't as near as many turns. It was a much smaller course," said 1st Lt. William Hollifield, about his beginning training course.

Experts from the California Superbike School in L.A. train soldiers through more than 500 curves in a four hour session alone.

On a basic course, students can only go up to 15 miles per hour but at Wheeler, they can go up to 50 miles per hour.

The idea is to simulate a real-life ride on roads and highways.

"You can't test yourself, your tires, or your motorcycle in a controlled environment like this on the street," said Lt. Col. Rob Howe.

And testing limits at Wheeler's motorcycle course could prove critical if faced with life-or-death on Hawaii's roads.

The motorcycle groups in Hawaii are also encouraging safety and offering their members training. I have been told that one of the great teachers of motorcycle training is Jerry "Motorman" Palladino.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQqAEhAKmL4

Perhaps Hawaii should get him over for some training classes. A death or serious injury that is preventable is one of life's saddest moments.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons

Maui Motorcycle Crash Leaves Lahaina Man In Critical Condition

Wayne Parsons — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:31:07 GMT

I have written at length about the increasing statistics of death and injury to motorcycle riders in Hawaii.

Motorcycle Deaths Skyrocket On Oahu

Today a Lahaina man is fighting for his life after a motorcycle crash at Wainee Street and Dickenson street. Our prayers go out for him and his family. He was not wearing a motorcycle helmet.

The motorcycle rider was headed north on Wainee Street Sunday night and ran a stop sign crashing into a car going east through the Dickenson Street intersection. The motorcycle rider was a 48-year-old Lahaina man.

He was NOT wearing a protective motorcycle helmet at the time of the crash and suffered a serious head injury and traumatic brain injury. The news reports list him as being in critical condition. The 62-year-old woman in the car is from Kaneohe on Oahu and was driving a Chevrolet. She was not injured according to police.

The investigation has not determined if speed, alcohol or drugs were factors. Anyone with information about the motorcycle accident should contact the Lahaina police or write to the author with either a public or private comment below.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons

Hilo Motorcycle Death On Hawaii Belt Road Leads To Negligent Homicide Investigation

Wayne Parsons — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:07:54 GMT

In another sad day on Hawaii roads Hilo resident Joseph Flood, Sr., died as he road his Harley Davidson motorcycle north on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 11). The call came into police at 11:55 A.M. on Monday July 13th reporting the crash. A 67 year old Kurtistown woman had turned left onto Hawaii Belt Road after stopping at the stop sign at the intersection of Makalika Street. Her car appeared in front of Mr. Flood blocking his right of way. The ensuing collision cost Mr. Flood his life. He was pronounced dead at 2 P.M. at Hilo Medical Center. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Flood.

The KITV news report suggests that speed may have been a factor. Police ask that anyone with information about this case call Officer Robert Pauole at 961-8119. A negligent homicide investigation is underway to determine if the Kurtistown woman was negligent in turning into the path of the motorcycle. She was driving a 2006 Mazda 4-door sedan. The driver of the Mazda had stopped at a stop sign and then turned left in front of the north bound motorcycle drive by Mr. Flood.

Mr. Flood was riding a 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle in the inside lane going north on Hawaii Belt Road when he broadsided the Mazda sedan crossing the intersection.

This is the 14th fatality on the Big Island this year. Motorcycle injury and death has been at epidemic proportions in Hawaii this year:

Keaau Motorcycle Crash Sadly Results in Two Deaths - By Wayne Parsons

The driver of the Mazda sedan was not seriously injured. Was she at fault? Apparently the Hilo police are investigating that question. The law on negligent homicide states the following:

§707-704 Negligent homicide in the third degree. (1) A person is guilty of the offense of negligent homicide in the third degree if that person causes the death of another person by the operation of a vehicle in a manner which is simple negligence.

(2) "Simple negligence" as used in this section:

(a) A person acts with simple negligence with respect to the person's conduct when the person should be aware of a risk that the person engages in that conduct.

(b) A person acts with simple negligence with respect to attendant circumstances when the person should be aware of a risk that those circumstances exist.

(c) A person acts with simple negligence with respect to a result of the person's conduct when the person should be aware of a risk that the person's conduct will cause that result.

(d) A risk is within the meaning of this subsection if the person's failure to perceive it, considering the nature and purpose of the person's conduct and the circumstances known to the person, involves a deviation from the standard of care that a law-abiding person would observe in the same situation.

(3) Negligent homicide in the third degree is a misdemeanor. [L 1972, c 9, pt of §1; am L 1988, c 292, §3]

A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in prison and a judge may also give a sentence of probation, meaning the person would not go to jail. That is appropriate for conduct that, while negligent, was not intentional and was not grossly negligent

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons

Hawaii Motorcycle Chronicles: Another Death On Friday

Wayne Parsons — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:32:47 GMT

I have written extensively on motorcycle death and injury on Oahu and the neighbor islands this year.

Motorcycle Deaths Skyrocket On Oahu

Automobile, Motorcycle and Pedestrian Deaths On Oahu Continue to Rise

Motorcycle Death In Kona Continues Tragic Year of Injury and Death in Hawaii

Keaau Motorcycle Crash sadly Results in Two Deaths

As I wrote:

The sad facts about motorcycle crashes in Hawaii:

7 motorcycle deaths on Oahu in 2008
2 motorcycle deaths on Oahu on a single day - January 1, 2009
6 motorcycle deaths on Oahu in the first 3 months of 2009
2 motorcycle deaths on Neighbor Islands in March 2009

Now the Honolulu Advertiser has published the most thorough and comprehensive analysis of the motorcycle death and injury crisis in Michael Tsai's well written article:

Hawaii Motorcycle-related deaths continue to climb in Hawaii - Fatalities already at 21, compared with last year's record total of 32

Unfortunately, the Advertiser story is written in the shadow of yet another motorcycle death: Steve Donahue, a young man dead at the age of 43 on Friday night. He was the 21st fatality on a motorcycle this year compared to 8 deaths in 2008, as motorcycle deaths have continued to rise in 5 out of the last 6 years.

The Advertiser story should be a must read for each of 40,000 motorcycle riders in the State of Hawaii. And automobile, bus and truck drivers should read it also. Kudos to Mr. Tsai for a well researched and thoughtful analysis of the motorcycle fatality crisis.

Last year's total of 32 set a record for motorcycle fatalities in the state and ranked Hawai'i No. 3 in the nation in motorcycle-related fatalities per capita last year.

The previous high was 29 in 1994, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

It's a dubious record that could be smashed this year if the number of fatalities from the first six months of 2009 doubles by the end of the year.

Off road motorcycle deaths are not included. The numbers are startling and no one has an answer:

While many cite increases in the number of new riders and the overall number of motorcycles on the road, motorcycle sales nationally have been in decline since 2007 and have plummeted by more than 30 percent in the first quarter of 2009, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council.

The numbers of motorcycles surprises me:

In 2008, there were 28,447 registered motorcycles in Hawai'i, 19,964 of them on O'ahu, according to the DOT.

Department of Transportation (DOT) statistics are interesting. Only one of the 2009 fatalities involves a driver over 50. Speed was a factor in 8 of the 18, a car turning left in front of the motorcycle was involved in 7 of the 18 and 2 involved alcohol. Motorcycles are hard to see. Motorcycle speed is hard to estimate. Left turns and lane changes are a problem. If you drive a car, do a head check before changing lanes. Look for a motorcycle. Yes, specifically look for a motorcycle. And bikers, PLEASE SLOW DOWN. We all see them cutting in and out of traffic. Tragedy is linked to the throttle and the adrenalin in your veins. Michael Tsai interviewed a motorcycle expert:

Motorcycle safety instructor Bill Labby said that when he approaches an intersection on a motorcycle, he first slows to assess the situation, then accelerates once he's sure it's safe. If there is a car or truck across the way, he tries to make eye contact to ensure that the driver sees him. If there's any chance that the car might cut in front of him, signal or no signal, he'll stop or pull over.

"In that situation, if someone is going to cut you off, you can either hit the brakes or accelerate and get out of the way," he said. "But you have to be in one of those two modes. Of course, you can't anticipate every situation. If someone is stupid and they gun it in front of you, you crash and become part of the statistics."

Thomas Reimer, 36, and his 7-year-old son Thomas Reimer Jr., are dead after crashing into a car driven by Bobby Jiminez that turned left in front of them at an intersection on Route 130 at Ainaloa Boulevard on the Big Island. Jiminez faces two counts of negligent homicide. Both sides and these accidents suffer intolerable loss and heartache.

National Highway Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) national statistics are that motorcycle fatalities have increased every year for the last 12 years, from 2,116 in 1997 to 5,357 in 2008. The deaths are increasing faster than the increase in the number of motorcycle registrations.

I was impressed by 2 Comments to my articles by a doctor, Michael Patmas, M.D., a physician and long time motorcycle enthusiast:

The Comments were in response to Motorcycle Deaths Skyrocket On Oahu:

I could write a book about what I have learned in nearly 4 decades riding. But in a nutshell...here are my "Ten Commandments" of motorcycle cycle.
1. Take a safety course if your are a novice
2. Take a skills improvement course if you are a veteran
3. Study Jerry "Motorman" Palladino's DVD
4. NEVER ride when under the influence
5. Drive defensively and obey the laws
6. Know / anticipate "hazard zones"
7. Scan ahead and plan escape routes
8. Increase visibility through accessory lighting
9. Wear appropriate protective clothing and gear
10. Learn how to ride in groups

I could go on for hours about specific hazard zones like where gravel / sand will be; why leaves are dangerous, how to do intersections etc...

****

These statistics break my heart. As a rider for 39 years and a physician, I see poor riding skills every day. It takes knowledge of technique and continuous practice over many years to learn how to ride correctly. Motorcycles are not dangerous, unskilled riders are! All bikers should take rider improvement classes. I highly recommend the DVD by Jerry "Motorman" Palladino - "How to Ride Like a Pro". The best riders are motor officers. Practice so you can ride like they do! There is no margin for error.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons

Motorcycle Death In Kona Continues Tragic Year of Injury and Death in Hawaii

Wayne Parsons — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:21:59 GMT

According to a story in the Honolulu Star Bulletin a Kona man is dead after crashing his motorcycle

Speed and alcohol may have been factors in the crash that killed a 25-year-old Big Island man. According to reports he lost control of his motorcycle a half-mile east of Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway in Kailua-Kona.

The Star Bulletin story reports that:

Keahi N. Kamehaiku of Kailua-Kona died of head injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash on Kealakehe Parkway, Kona police said Kamehaiku was riding a 2001 Yamaha motorcycle, traveling east on Kealakehe Parkway in the left lane at 8 p.m.

Witnesses reported that the motorcycle was speeding as it passed a vehicle in the right lane. Kamehaiku changed to the right lane, but struck the curb and lost control of the motorcycle. He was not wearing a helmet.

Kamehaiku was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:25 p.m.

The Big Island recorded its 12th traffic fatality, compared with 11 at the same time last year.

I have written too much this year about the alarming number of motorcycle death and injury crashes this year throughout Hawaii.

Keaau Motorcycle Crash sadly Results in Two Deaths Motorcyclist Dies In Crash In Kaaawa Kapolei Man Dead In Yet Another Oahu Motorcycle Crash At Intersection - What is Going On With Motorcycles in Hawaii? One Dead And One Seriously Injured When Motorcycle Hits Guardrail On Oahu

What do you think could be done to end the tragic incidents that took the life of Mr. Kamehaiku? Our thoughts go out to his family.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons

Keaau Motorcycle Crash sadly Results in Two Deaths

Wayne Parsons — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:15:29 GMT

A story in the Honolulu Advertiser confirms that a 36 year old man and his 7 year old son died Sunday night crash in Pahoa on the Big Island. Police officers from Puna identified the two people killed at about 7 p.m. at the intersection of Route 130 and Ainaloa Boulevard in Pahoa as 36-year-old Thomas G. Reimer and his son, 7-year-old Thomas G. Reimer Jr.

The call came in at 7:33 p.m. and Puna patrol officers and traffic investigators found that a 2006 Suzuki motorcycle had collided with a 1999 Mazda four-door sedan as the motorcycle was traveling south on Route 130. A 21-year-old Pahoa man was driving the Mazda traveling north. The Mazda made a left turn onto Ainaloa Boulevard colliding with the motorcycle. The father and son were both wearing helmets. They were transported to the Hilo Medical Center where they were pronounced dead at 11:33 p.m., police said. According to the news report:

The 21-year-old Pahoa man driving the car was identified as Bobby K. Jimenez. He was arrested on suspicion of two counts of negligent homicide, promoting a detrimental drug in the third degree and no-no fault insurance, police said. He is being held at the East Hawaii Detention Center pending further investigation.

It is unknown at this time if speed, alcohol or drugs are involved.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have requested autopsies to determine the exact cause of death.

Police ask anyone with information on the crash call Officer Michael Molnar at 961-2293.

The deaths on Sunday were 10th and 11th traffic fatalities on the Big Island this year compared with 11 at the same time last year. And the Big Island fatality list is only the tip of the iceberg. I have written far too many times about motorcycle accidents this year on all of the Islands.

Automobile, Motorcycle and Pedestrian Deaths On Oahu Continue to Rise

Many attribute the increase to inexperienced motorcycle riders but that cannot explain everything we are seeing. Others note that motorists sometimes do not "see" motorcycles. But that cannot explain the number of fatal crashes or serious injury accidents. One thing for sure is that numbers are too high.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Reimer family and I am sure that the young man in the Mazda is devastated by the collision and loss of life. I am investigating all of these motorcycle and pedestrian injury accidents and so if you have information on this or other incidents - or just have an opinion on how to reduce these tragic incidents - please let me know. As an Hawaii attorney who handles these cases I hope no one else faces such a tragedy.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons

Motorcyclist Dies In Crash In Kaaawa

Wayne Parsons — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:18:32 GMT

A motorcyclist died as a result of a crash is Kaaawa on Sunday. The motorcyclist's 10-year-old daughter was a passenger when they were struck by an Hawaiian Telcom truck that was turning into the parking lot of a 7-Eleven convenience store.

Paramedics arrived at the scene and transported the girl to the hospital in stable condition. The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital in critical condition and later died.

Police identified the motorcyclist as a local resident in his 50s.

Oahu's deadly statistics for motorcycle injuries and deaths continue to alarm. I have posted several articles on deaths and serious injuries involving motorcycles and pedestrians in crosswalks already this year. In both types of incidents it appears that motorists may not see the motorcycle or the pedestrian. In this crash it is unknown at this time what happened. But the tragic consequences are terribly sad.

Automobile, Motorcycle and Pedestrian Deaths On Oahu Continue to Rise by Wayne Parsons

Our condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected. Details about why this incident happened are of interest to those of us who hope to prevent future tragedies.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons