Accidents, ranging in severity, happen all the time. Accidents between motorcycles and traditional vehicles have a tendency to result in serious injury or death. While every driver should always be vigilant for motorcycles, the failure to do so could have serious consequences. One motorcycle accident in Colorado has resulted in a fatality and could lead to criminal charges for the other driver.
The accident occurred in the afternoon in January. A 28-year-old male was traveling north on a Colorado road when he approached a traffic light. Reports indicate that the light was yellow when he went through. However, a moving van allegedly turned left in front of the man. Unable to stop in time, the motorcyclist slammed into the side of the van.
Unfortunately, the young man died at the scene of the accident. It is unclear if anyone in the van was injured. While criminal charges have yet to be charged, the accident remains under investigation. Representatives for the police department report that driver could be charged with careless driving leading to death.
Most everyone is aware of the emotional toll the unexpected death of a family member can have, though fewer are likely aware of the potential long-term financial ramifications. As a result of this fatal motorcycle accident, the family of the deceased man will face funeral expenses and potentially the loss of his wages. In order to try to cope with these burdens, his family could file a wrongful death lawsuit in a Colorado civil court. If they can provide evidence to show that the accident was caused by the negligence of the van driver, a claim that would be supported by a criminal conviction (should that result), the family may be awarded monetary damages allowed by state law and related to losses sustained as a result of the man’s death.
Source: fox21news.com, UPDATE: Fatal crash cleared on North Nevada Avenue, No author, Jan. 21, 2014