Safety is a looming concern for all motorcycle riders. Many motorcycle accidents are caused by other motorists who do not pay close enough attention to the two-wheeled vehicles sharing the road with them. As in other types of accidents, injuries from motorcycle accidents can range from scrapes and bruises to serious injury or death. While out on their bike, two Colorado residents were killed in a recent accident.
A report on the incident stated a car was headed into a curve in the road and crossed over the double-yellow line. Before it could get back in the correct lane, it hit the oncoming motorcycle. The two bikers were thrown off their motorcycle and both died before they could be provided medical treatment.
The driver of the car, a 36-year-old woman, was not charged with vehicular homicide but with careless driving resulting in death, which is a misdemeanor. She also was not able to produce any proof of insurance. The report did not give the reason behind the lesser charge but even if she is found guilty of the two counts, she will not be sent to prison. She could possibly spend some time in the county jail along with having to pay fines.
Although the forecast for this woman’s sentence does not seem to be very strict, she may have her worst punishment in the form of a wrongful death lawsuit, filed by the family of the victims. This type of legal action is civil and not connected to criminal charges that may be brought against a person. A Colorado attorney who specializes in aiding victims of motorcycle accidents will be able to help anyone who has lost a family member due to the negligence of another person.
Source: coloradoan.com, “Driver cited for killing Fort Collins motorcycle riders“, Jason Pohl, Aug. 25, 2016