Earlier this summer, an annual memorial motorcycle ride for a fallen soldier turned into a fatal motorcycle accident when an elderly driver crossed the center line of traffic and struck the group of more than 200 motorcycle riders, killing two and injuring five others. Local readers may have heard that one motorcyclist was airlifted to the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. The 87 year old driver of the vehicle died a few days after the accident as a result of injuries he sustained in the crash.
Many motorcyclists are injured in motorcycle collisions every year. Often, they are not at fault in the crash. Injuries to motorcyclists involved in a motorcycle accident may include traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, among others. Riders injured in these kinds of incidents may also incur other harm, including property damage, medical bills for care and treatment, lost earnings and pain and suffering. In situations where a motorcyclist is killed, a wrongful death claim can be pursued by the family of a deceased accident victim. In other cases, where a deceased driver was at fault in the accident, injured victims may seek compensation from the deceased motorist’s estate.
In addition to other damages, motorcycle accident victims may be able to recover costs to cover a rental vehicle while their motorcycle is repaired, or expenses for transportation during repair or replacement of their bike. Additionally, medical and financial experts can be consulted in these cases to help determine an injured victim’s projected future medical costs and lost earnings and prove a defendant’s liability.
The trauma and tragedy of a motorcycle accident such as the one that took place recently may be overwhelming for victims. The option of taking legal action against a driver at fault in a motorcycle accident can help victims achieve a measure of justice during an otherwise difficult time.
Source: Battleboro Reformer, “Elderly driver crashes into motorcyclists on memorial ride for fallen soldier,” Josh Stilts, Aug. 27, 2012
