When the weather warms up, many people in need of transportation choose alternatives to cars and trucks such as a motorcycle or bicycle. During this time of year, the number of motorcycle and bicycle accidents increase significantly. Often this type of car accidents are not the fault of the motorcyclists or bicyclists but are caused solely due to the negligence of automobile drivers. Several different accidents in North Carolina allegedly due to the actions of vehicle drivers have caused the death of at least three men.
The most recent incident occurred in early July. Police claim an 89-year-old man driving a pickup truck turned into the path of a 33-year-old motorcyclist. The younger man crashed into the passenger side of the truck. The cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. The truck driver has been charged with death by motor vehicle.
In a separate, but similar, incident, an 81-year-old driver allegedly struck and killed a bicyclist. He is also charged with causing the cyclist’s death and failing to yield the right of way. A third driver, a 27-year-old male, has turned himself in after he allegedly struck a bicyclist from behind, causing his death, and fled the scene.
The families of all these deceased men are undergoing the devastating emotions that come with unexpectedly losing a family member. As they cope, they will also have to find a way to cover funeral expenses and deal with the loss of the men’s income. While all of the people believed to be responsible for the car accidents now face criminal charges, a guilty verdict in a criminal court will not alleviate the financial burdens the death of these men might have on their family. They could, however, receive financial compensation by a verdict in their favor in a North Carolina civil court.
Source: newsobserver.com, “Raleigh driver charged after fatal collision with biker,” Thomasi McDonald, July 10, 2013