Motorcycle riding can be a great, fun, relaxing way to travel to work, school or to unwind after a hard day. Yet, no matter how fun it might be, it can also be dangerous. Massachusetts’ motorists are unaware, negligent, or distracted far too often. Sometimes a failure to yield will cause a car to slam into a motorcycle, or cause a motorcyclist to slam into a car. In other instances, full-size vehicles will change lanes without seeing a motorcycle, causing a serious motorcycle accident.
Unfortunately, one of these wrecks occurred recently, leaving one dead. Police say a 32-year-old man was riding his bike in the early morning hours when he was struck by a blue Hyundai. The Hyundai’s driver fled the scene and police are still searching for him or her. Unfortunately, the motorcyclist was found dead at the scene.
Those who lose a loved one to a fatal motorcycle accident may not know what to do next. They may be left with devastating emotional loss and significant financial damage in the form of medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost wages. In a time of grief, these families might not want to think about taking legal action, but it may be the only way for them to recoup some of their losses, hold a negligent driver accountable, and raise motorcycle awareness.
A successful lawsuit has several components. A surviving family must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant was in fact negligent. They must also satisfactorily show that negligence caused the victim’s death. Then, it is imperative to show the extent of the compensable harm done. Each aspect of a successful lawsuit has many moving pieces that can be difficult to figure out, especially when one is going through extreme emotional upset. Thus, surviving family members might be able to relieve their stress by acquiring the assistance of an experienced Massachusetts attorney.
Source: NECN, “Police Seek Suspect in Fatal Motorcycle Hit-And-Run,” Aug. 3, 2014
