Marcia’s story: Remembering Jamin

October in Australia is Motorcycle Awareness month. Between 2017 and 2021, there were 195 lives lost in motorcycle accidents on Victorian roads, and more than 6,000 non-fatal crashes. Over a third of motorcycle crashes happen at intersections where other vehicle drivers do not see the rider.

It was a normal morning for Marcia and her husband Jamin on Saturday 6 March 2021. Jamin, a talented tattoo artist and devoted father of two, was heading out on his motorbike to meet a friend and go to a market.

But Jamin never arrived. Tragedy struck when a driver cut a corner when turning at an intersection, and collided with Jamin, who was unable to avoid the crash.

As it happened, a friend of the family was travelling two cars behind and was able to make the life-changing call to Marcia – she was told her husband was still breathing and quickly made her way to the scene of the accident.

Marcia arrived with their daughter before the ambulance, and together with some good Samaritans, held and talked to Jamin who was sadly unable to be saved and passed away at the scene. He was only 45 years old.

“My life, and my kids’ lives, were turned upside down that day,” Marcia said. “I am forever haunted by the visions of that day, and asking myself what if? What if he had drunk another cup of coffee before leaving that morning? What if I had held him for just a bit longer?”

Jamin was well known and loved in his community, described as a creative talent and a gentleman. A builder by trade, his main passion was art – he drew and sculpted, and went on to become one of the most respected tattoo artists in Australia. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Jamin decided to move his business to his home in Cockatoo where he rebuilt his shop’s fantasy interior in a home studio. He was fully booked and ready to roll this out when the accident occurred.

“Jamin was our pillar of strength and he did everything for us. Everything fell apart that day. He ran all of our finances and business, he looked after us 100% – I was left thinking what do I do?” Marcia said.

Marcia said that, to this day, people still honk their horns and leave flowers at the scene of the accident, but it’s difficult for her family to go past it.

“The sign where the crash happened is still broken, and to go past it and see that, knowing it’s where he hit his head, it’s so hard. I haven’t got the courage up yet to call VicRoads and ask them to fix it,” Marcia said.

“We are here, but it is really hard trying to find ourselves again after this. Nothing will bring Jamin back, but we are hoping that with some compensation we can ease the financial burden on our family that will help us to move forward.”

The driver of the car was charged with dangerous driving causing death. What happened to Jamin was avoidable, and his family want to make sure other riders don’t lose their lives on the road.

“Our family urges drivers to take care and look out for motorbike riders,” Marcia said. “You never think it’ll be you. We want to save other families from feeling this pain and heartbreak.”

Motorbike riders are one of the most vulnerable users on our roads, and they’re often missed in drivers’ blind spots. As a driver, you can help keep riders safe and avoid a crash by:

• Being aware of everyone on the road around you, especially people riding motorbikes
• Checking, and checking again, for motorcycles at intersections
• Looking in all your mirrors and doing a head check before changing lanes
• Remaining alert and avoiding distractions
• Keeping a safe distance from riders

As a rider, you can increase your safety on the road by:

• Making yourself as visible as possible by wearing reflective clothing and good quality safety gear
• Approaching intersections with caution
• Riding within the speed limit and keeping a safe distance from cars
• Continuously observe what is happening around you and be prepared to act in anticipation

For more safety information and tips, visit the VicRoads website. 

On behalf of the team at Arnold Thomas & Becker, we offer our condolences and ongoing support to Marcia and her family during this difficult time.

If you have any queries, call us on 1300 333 300. For information about TAC claims and compensation, visit our TAC page.