When an accident occurs, there is often no way to gauge where the vehicles involved will come to rest. Depending on the traffic pattern in the area, other vehicles could become embroiled in the aftermath of the initial impact. By the time all of the vehicles stop moving, the occupants could suffer serious or even fatal wounds.
Police recently reported that a motorcycle ended up as collateral damage in a recent accident involving a pickup truck and an 18-wheeler. The southbound tractor trailer had come to a stop in order to make a left hand turn off Louisiana Highway 33. The pickup truck, which was also heading south, failed to stop and slammed into the back of the larger vehicle.
The pickup then flipped into the northbound lane, and the 57-year-old man on the northbound motorcycle was unable to avoid a collision. Despite wearing a helmet, he perished in the crash. The 28-year-old driver of the pickup truck did not suffer any injuries. At present, a citation for careless operation is the only action taken against him. The investigation into the accident is not yet complete.
The family of the deceased motorcyclist may file a wrongful death claim, seeking damages for the fatal wounds suffered by their loved one. To prevail, it will first be necessary to establish by appropriate evidence submitted to a Louisiana civil court that the pickup driver was negligent. If that determination is made, an award of damages typical in these types of cases will be considered. Any monetary judgment achieved could provide the family with restitution for the unexpected financial losses associated with the victim’s death.
Source: magnoliareporter.com, “Motorcycle driver dies in wreck near Farmerville“, Aug. 13, 2015
