Could High Tech Gear Save a Life in a Motorcycle Crash?

Sep 02,2016

A biker was killed in a motorcycle crash in Palm Desert Tuesday afternoon. Police say the motorcycle struck a Mercedes SUV that was turning right onto Frank Sinatra around 1:30 p.m. The motorcyclist died at the scene. His identity has not yet been released.

The motorcycle crash shut down Frank Sinatra at Cook for several hours for the investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash or who has any information to help investigators should call the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department at (760) 836-1600.

A motorcycle accident that occurred July 29 in Glenwood, Minnesota, could hold the key to saving bikers’ lives. Jim Rasmussen, a 74-year-old motorcyclist, was involved in a serious crash when a vehicle pulled out in front of him, causing him to hit the car and go flying nearly 15 feet in the air. The officer who responded to the scene assumed Rasmussen had to be seriously hurt or worse, and called for a helicopter. However, he found Rasmussen alive, not bleeding and responsive, and he was able to cancel the call for the helicopter. The motorcycle was totaled, but Rasmussen was almost completely unscathed.

In addition to being fully suited up in gear—helmet, jacket, pants, gloves and boots—Rasmussen was equipped with a Helite airbag vest. The vest provides a neck brace and support for the entire torso. When activated, the vest’s airbag inflates, stabilizing the neck, spine and torso. It remains inflated for 15-20 seconds once it is activated. Besides a broken wrist and a concussion, he essentially walked away from a crash that otherwise would likely have killed him or left him with debilitating injuries.

“Riding a motorcycle comes with some serious risks, but it looks like these inflatable vests are helping to minimize those risks. All motorcyclists should look into using this life-saving technology,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.