motorcycle accidents

On behalf of Weisman, Kennedy & Berris Co., L.P.A. posted in wrongful death on Tuesday, November 20, 2012.

The dangers of motor vehicle accidents seem to multiply when motorcycles are involved. Even responsible riding and driving can give way to grievous outcomes in motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle and car crashes may lead to serious injuries or even a wrongful death caused by the negligent actions of another.

Such was the case on Sunday afternoon, when a motorcycle crashed at the intersection of Christman and East Canton roads in Green and killed a 47-year-old woman who was a passenger on the two-wheeled vehicle. The investigation into the cause of the crash continues and the Summit County Medical Examiner’s office is handling the victim’s autopsy.

When a motor vehicle death occurs, the family of the victim has many considerations to undertake. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office has not yet determined if charges will be filed in this care. Regardless, the family of the victim may be able to seek civil compensation from whoever is determined to be responsible for the accident. It is important to remember that the civil and criminal processes are different and that one is not required for the other. Civil suits are based on negligent actions, a standard different than the one used in a criminal court.

Not only will the victim’s family face the monetary impact of the woman’s funeral and burial, but they may also face the impact of a loss of income and other related damages. The decision to enter into a wrongful death lawsuit is a highly personal decision that should be done with the assistance of experienced personnel. The outcome of the ongoing law enforcement investigation may influence those decisions and the course of any following legal case.

Source: Akron Beacon Journal, “Motorcycle passenger dies in accident in Green,” Nov. 12, 2012

On behalf of Weisman, Kennedy & Berris Co., L.P.A. posted in Car Accidents on Monday, June 17, 2013.

Because they are smaller than most cars and trucks, motorcycles pose more risks than other types of motor vehicles. For this reason, all Ohio drivers must be especially careful to check for motorcycles. Failure to do so can cause serious, and even fatal, car accidents.

The driver who allegedly killed a motorcyclist has apparently made a pattern of fleeing the scene of accidents he has caused. In the most recent incident, the man was allegedly involved in an altercation with his girlfriend. A witnesses said that the man stormed to his truck and angrily started it, apparently without taking a moment to check for pedestrians or other vehicles. Although the witness noticed that the victim was in harm’s way, there was apparently not enough time for the witness to warn the motorcyclist. The truck hit the motorcyclist, and the victim crashed into a van; emergency responders were unable to rescue him.

Unfortunately, this man has caused accidents before. It is not clear how many of those accidents have proven fatal. Because the witness will likely testify in court, the man will likely face serious consequences for his careless driving. He may also face domestic violence charges. Although the man allegedly has a history of drunk driving, it is unknown whether his driver’s license was in good standing at the time of the accident. There is no evidence that he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol when he hit the motorcyclist.

When people lose a loved on in a fatal car accident, it is often devastating. Fortunately, the family members of victims may be entitled to compensation. Working with an attorney can be helpful in these circumstances.

Source: Wood TV, “Witness details fatal hit-and-run crash,” Ken Kolker, June 10, 2013