This blog has reported on how even the most experienced and careful Massachusetts motorcycle riders are vulnerable to catastrophic injuries and sometimes even fatalities on the road. A 66-year-old man from Beverly is the latest victim. His motorcycle reportedly collided with a truck, and he was pronounced dead at Lawrence General Hospital following the tragic motorcycle accident.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. At this point, there is no indication that drugs or alcohol were involved in the accident. It is unknown whether the truck driver was negligently driving his vehicle when it hit the motorcycle. Many times factors such as excessive speed, sleepiness, carelessness or distraction from cell phones can contribute to losing proper control of a vehicle. In addition, a driver under the influence of alcohol or other drugs can fail to be aware of their surroundings and cause an accident.
Other times, a motorcycle accident is caused by an automobile or truck driver who simply did not see the motorcycle. There are also cases which have involved a product defect on the motorcycle itself.
The man leaves behind a wife, two sons, a daughter and five grandchildren. In a case similar to this one, if it could be established that the truck driver was negligent in colliding with the motorcycle, a wrongful death action on behalf of the victim’s surviving relatives can be pursued against the negligent party. Monetary damages for loss of future wages, pain and suffering, past medical expenses and loss of companionship can be recovered in this type of action.
Source: Boston.com, “Mass. Man dies in motorcycle accident,” Oct. 17, 2012
