A 49-year-old man was recently killed in a motorcycle collision with a car in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The fatal motorcycle crash occurred at an intersection when a 31-year old woman driving a passenger car, while going south, attempted to turn east and collided with the motorcycle. The motorcycle accident victim was taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries. It was not immediately clear if the driver of the car would receive a citation for the accident.
Motorcycles are at a unique disadvantage on the roadways. Collisions can lead to catastrophic injuries because of the unprotected nature of motorcycles. In addition, inattentive drivers often fail to see motorcycles and turn in front of them. Statistics show that in two-thirds of motorcycle accidents, the driver of a motor vehicle violated the motorcycle’s right of way, causing the accident.
The loss of a loved one in a fatal accident is emotionally devastating for a family. When the family depended on the victim for support, it can be financially devastating as well. When a motorcyclist is killed in an accident caused by a negligent driver, the victim’s family has the right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against that driver. Family members of victims can claim damages for funeral expenses, loss of support and loss of companionship, depending on the circumstances.
Massachusetts law provides important rights to victims of motorcycle accidents and their families. Consulting an experienced motorcycle accident law firm can be the first step to vindicating those rights in court.
Source: Masslive.com, “Pittsfield police investigating fatal motorcycle crash that killed city resident,” Conor Berry, July 16, 2014
