Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog

On September 3, 2008, Cliff Gullett, a motorcycle racer, was traveling at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah at 239 mph. That is a place where riders try to set speed records every summer. He somehow lost control, crashed, and lost his life. He was competing in the 500cc Streamliner class for the fastest speed, and had two runs which qualified for the record, although it is not certain now whether they will be counted.

About a week ago he set three world land speed records, one of them breaking a record set 50 years ago in 1958. According to an interview published the previous week in the Billings Gazette, his goal was to be the first to ride at 400 mph on a two-wheeled Streamliner.

He has left a wife, son and daughter. He had owned a motorcycle and snowmobile dealership in Bozeman, Montana called Team Bozeman Motorsports. His manager at that dealership said of his death:

to do most --
racing at Bonneville."

It is always sad when a successful and capable person dies young. Gullett was 47. But from that quoted remark of his manager's, one can see that Gullett knew he was riding dangerously. He loved doing it, and was riding in a place designated for such riding.

The road and highways used by the general public are not designated for speeding, yet motorcycle deaths continue to rise. The repeal of helmet laws has contributed to the rise, and perhaps higher gas prices have also, as there are reports that more people are commuting on their motorcycles, putting more bikes on the highways.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, or if you have a loved one who has, you can learn more about your legal rights and options by scheduling a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney.