It is no secret that the eastern part of the United States has been slammed with several snowstorms this year. Finally, the weather in some states is starting to indicate signs of spring. Many motorcyclists have begun to take advantage of the warmer temperatures. As a result, all drivers need to demonstrate an increased level of vigilance to ensure both their safety as well as the safety of motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicyclists. Failure to do so could have serious consequences as demonstrated by a recent collision between a sports utility vehicle and motorcycle in North Carolina that has left one man dead.
The accident happened in the afternoon in early March. Police indicate that a 40-year-old man was traveling northeast on a motorcycle. An SUV, driven by a 73-year-old man, was traveling in the opposite direction. The SUV apparently attempted a left turn into the path of the motorcycle. Although reports indicate that the motorcyclist attempted to avoid or lessen the impact of the collision, he struck the right side of the vehicle.
The motorcyclist, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, died at the scene. The driver of the SUV now faces criminal charges related to the man’s death. The road was closed for a time period after the accident.
The death of a loved one is always an emotionally difficult experience for the surviving family members. An unexpected death can leave them in a difficult emotional and financial situation. In addition to funeral costs, the family may have to cope with the loss of the man’s income. If the family of the man killed in this collision can prove that the other driver’s negligence caused his death, a North Carolina civil court could award them with damages resulting from the accident.
Source: wcnc.com, Charges filed in fatal motorcycle crash, No author, March 2, 2014