Most people would likely agree that motorcycles are sometimes more difficult to see because of their smaller size. As a result, drivers must take extra precautions. Unfortunately, a fatal accident in North Carolina demonstrates the potential harm that motorcyclists face while utilizing the roadways.
The accident happened during the afternoon hours of a day in mid-April. According to reports, a sports utility vehicle driven by a 69-year-old man struck the rear of a motorcycle. The impact pushed the motorcycle in the back of a pickup truck.
Unfortunately, the 51-year-old motorcycle rider died at the scene of the accident. Passersby were able to extricate the driver of the SUV from the fiery wreckage before rescue workers arrived; he reportedly suffered critical injuries. The driver of the pickup did not suffer serious injuries.
The SUV driver has since been charged with death by motor vehicle, a misdemeanor, but North Carolina State Police troopers say that additional charges are pending. While law enforcement officials work to determine the exact details of the fatal accident, the victim’s family is now forced to come to terms with the news of his death. Unfortunately, most people are unprepared for both the emotional and financial consequences of a loss such as this. As such, they may choose to seek financial damages from the man police appear to believe caused the accident. While such action will do little to reduce their sense of loss, a successfully presented case could result in a monetary award that will ensure that their financial obligations are met while working toward recovery.