The St. Louis Post Dispatch reports that a St. Louis County man was killed in a motorcycle accident in Franklin County, Missouri last weekend. As a St. Louis personal injury attorney, I have seen many serious and even fatal motorcycle accident cases. The facts and circumstances of these terrible accidents are always very disturbing.
The Post Dispatch reports that the motorcycle, a 2005 Harley Davidson, was struck by an SUV whose driver failed to yield while making a left turn. The Franklin County, Missouri prosecuting attorney is considering whether to pursue charges against the SUV driver, a Fenton, Missouri resident.
Motorcycle accident cases often involve very serious injuries. Many times automobile drivers claim that they did not even see the motorcycle prior to the collision. A recent study was just completed for the Governors Highway Safety Association that reported on motorcyclist traffic fatalities by state. The preliminary data for the country showed motorcycle fatalities were down 2% for the first 9 months of 2010. Missouri motorcycle crash fatalities for this same period declined 1%. To view the preliminary findings in the report click here.
In cases such as this where a rider suffers tragic consequences, an attorney for the family of the victim will most likely be investigating a wrongful death claim. The claim is governed by a specific Missouri statute. While no amount of money can ever replace the loss of a loved one, the statute is designed to compensate family members for the loss of companionship, counsel and service, among other things, of a loved one.
Wildwood Man Killed in Traffic Accident, stltoday, August 14, 2011.
