West Virginia police recently arrested a man who they say was under the influence of alcohol when he caused a deadly wreck. The motorcycle accident left one man dead and at least one other — the driver police say was responsible — injured. It is unclear if the third individual involved in the wreck suffered any physical injuries.
According to authorities, the 25-year-old driver had been drinking before he got behind the wheel of his vehicle. At shortly after 9 p.m., he changed lanes directly in front of another car. Unable to avoid a collision, the second vehicle struck the alleged drunk driver’s vehicle from behind. The force of the crash was so intense that the apparent negligent driver lost control and veered out of his lane.
In the process he struck a 35-year-old motorcyclist, although it was not apparent if he was traveling in the same or opposite direction as the other vehicles. The motorcyclist then lost control as well and drove off the road before he struck a wall and was ejected into lanes of oncoming traffic. Although he was transported to an area hospital, he died less than a day later.
When involved in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver of a larger motor vehicle, victims are often at a distinct disadvantage. Even when wearing a helmet and other safety gear, West Virginia motorcyclists do not have the same safety features enjoyed by passengers in cars, SUVs and trucks. As such, injuries are often severe and even fatal. Although nothing could ever undo the pain caused by such an accident, carefully pursued civil claims — such as personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits — can help victims and their families address the financial side of the accident.