Motorcycle Rallies Are Leading to Increased Organ Donations, NY Times Reports

A recent New York Times article reported that motorcycle rallies have led to increasing numbers of crashes and fatalities, and there have been multiple studies showing that there is a link between more organ transplants when these major rallies are scheduled.

In fact, it is believed that there is “one additional donor for every two major motorcycle rallies” across the United States. Motor vehicle crashes are currently the most common accidents that lead to organ transplants. Most of the deceased organ donors who were involved in these crashes suffered from catastrophic brain injuries which led to their deaths. However, their other organs were still working and able to be successfully transplanted to other individuals.

While some people are optimistic about more motorcyclists becoming organ donors and donating their organs after dying, Dr. David Cron from Massachusetts General Hospital stated that these donors are only “scratching the surface” when it comes to the organ shortage in America.

As attorneys who represent families when their loved ones have died as a result of someone else’s negligence, our focus is always on what we can do to help: how can we help a family get closer to whole after a loss? What can we do to hold a negligent party responsible? How can we ensure that folks won’t lose everything when they’ve already lost so much?

But the grim reality is that fatal accidents – with motorcycles, with cars, with trucks, from falls – do provide a life-saving opportunity to others. There are over 100,000 people waiting for an organ, and more than 15 people die each day from not receiving the organ they needed on time. So today, we want to give you some information on organ donation, in case it’s something you’ve wondered about. By choosing to become an organ donor and donate your organs and tissues if you were to die in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to help as many as 75 people at once.

The truth is that you may never be involved in a fatal accident, but the thought of being able to potentially help others who are in need if something were to happen to you may give you peace of mind when you get on your bike each day. Many families and loved ones also mention knowing that their family members were able to save and improve other individuals’ lives has helped them with their grieving process.

Is there an age limit to donate your organs?

There is not an age limit to donate your organs. The main focus is the health of the donor’s organs. In fact, in 2021, a 95-year old man became the oldest organ donor in the United States. Keep in mind that individuals under 18 can donate their organs as well, but parental consent is required.

What can disqualify you from donating organs?

There are only a select number of conditions that can disqualify a person from donating organs. Your organs will undergo specific medical criteria by medical professionals to determine if they can be successfully transported to other individuals. Sometimes, doctors will decide that some organs are suitable, while others are not. If you are thinking about becoming an organ donor, do not disqualify yourself. Instead, allow the doctors to determine when you die if your organs are healthy enough to be transferred to someone else.

How to register to be an organ donor in Oklahoma

Most people do not realize how simple the process is to register to donate your organs. There are a few ways that you can do this:

• Register with your state: Throughout the United States, many of the states have registries where people can sign up to become organ donors. In Oklahoma, you can enroll online through the LifeShare website. You can also call them at (800) 826-5433 and they can send you a hard copy of the form to mail back to them.
• Put that you are an organ donor on your driver’s license: When you go get your driver’s license or renew it, you will be asked if you would like to be an organ donor. If you say yes, your license will have a small heart that indicates you are an organ donor to those who see it.
• Let your family know: Make sure your family knows that you wish to donate your organs after your death. This will help them make the difficult decision if something happens unexpectedly to you.

While it is a good idea to let your family know that you wish to donate your organs, registering with your state and putting that you are an organ donor on your license are the legal ways to become an organ donor. Creating a living Will can also explain your wishes after your death.

Why are motorcycle accidents so deadly?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that there were almost 6,000 motorcycle deaths in 2020, which is a number that continues to increase each year. Motorcycle accidents are often deadly because this type of vehicle is small and offers little to no protection around it like other motor vehicles provide. Therefore, motorcyclists are more exposed to surrounding traffic and objects and can easily be ejected from their vehicles. While automobiles have seat belts, airbags, and a protective shield around them, a motorcyclist can only wear a helmet, gloves, jacket, and boots for protection. Even when taking the proper protective measures during an accident, it is common for motorcyclists to die or suffer from serious catastrophic injuries, which include the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Amputations
• Road rashes
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash
• Internal bleeding
• Paralysis

Most injuries that motorcyclists suffer from lead to permanent disabilities, which can be life altering for individuals and their families. When this happens, continuous care is needed for the individual, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, medication assistance, services to carry out their daily needs, and more.

If you have recently been involved in a motorcycle accident and have severe injuries because of another’s negligence, our Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyers at Cunningham & Mears are here to help you get the compensation you are owed. We will make sure your rights are protected and that you get fair treatment when it comes to your case. Our experienced attorneys can also guide you through the process of becoming an organ donor if you wish. Fill out our contact form or call our offices in Oklahoma City to begin discussing your legal options and to get the proper assistance that you deserve.