Atlanta Motorcycle Accident May Spark Charges, News Source Claims

June 26, 2013

A local news source said that charges are expected after a fatal

motorcycle accident on Saturday night. Sources report that a 44-year-old cyclist was killed

when a driver attempted to flip a U-turn on Cobb Parkway. The incident

occurred around 9:00 pm as the cyclist traveled toward Paces Mill Road.

Simultaneously, the motorist tried to execute a U-turn. As the driver

turned, the motorcycle struck the driver’s side of the other vehicle.

The cyclist was thrown from the bike and later passed away at the hospital.

The motorist, a 28-year-old, was treated for minor injuries at the same

hospital. Cobb County police officers told

CBS Atlanta

that charges will most likely be filed.

At Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C., we believe that negligent drivers

should be held responsible for their actions, but criminal charges may

not be enough to bring full restitution for a serious injury or wrongful

death. That’s why our firm is committed to helping motorcycle accident

victims and their families recover the full and fair compensation that

they deserve.

The term ”

wrongful death” generally refers to a specific type of lawsuit that allows the family

members of an accident victim to seek financial compensation on the victim’s

behalf. After a fatal accident, the responsible party can be held responsible

for their actions through a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of lawsuit

seeks restitution for the victim. Any financial compensation obtained

through a wrongful death lawsuit is contributed to the victim’s estate.

Like a personal injury claim, wrongful death lawsuits can be used to obtain

compensation for medical costs and noneconomic damages, such as pain and

suffering.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records thousands

of motorcycle-related fatalities every year. Between 1994 and 2011, the

number of motorcycle accident deaths almost doubled, increasing from 2,320

to 4,612 deaths across the nation. Traffic reports indicated that half

of motorcycle fatalities involve a vehicle attempting to make a turn,

such as the fatal accident on Saturday night.

The dramatic increase in motorcycle-related death is partially due to the

rising number of motorcycles on the road; however, many of these accidents

are preventable through motorcycle safety and education. Under the mantra,

“Share the road,” the NHTSA encourages drivers to actively practice

safe driving habits to protect motorists from preventable injuries and

death. Because of their size, motorcycles can be difficult to see and

are more susceptible to accidents.

Awareness and visibility are two of the best ways to prevent any type of

traffic accident; especially ones that involve motorcycles. Additionally,

cyclists can work to prevent injury by wearing helmets and practicing

safe driving habits.