Negligent drivers can make the roads highly unsafe for motorcyclists. Add alcohol to the mix and you have a disaster waiting to happen. Hillsboro, Missouri resident Thomas Bryant, 32, was killed while riding his motorcycle last November when a suspected drunk driver turned in front of him.
Bryant’s passenger, a 21-year-old woman, was injured in the accident. According to police reports, the driver of the car, who was not injured in the accident, made a left turn across the two-lane highway, pulling in front of Bryant causing Bryant’s motorcycle to strike the car. The driver was charged with driving while intoxicated, involuntary manslaughter and second-degree assault.
These types of accidents are far more common than any of us would like to believe. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a drunk driver, you understand the pain and frustration that Mr. Bryant’s family is undoubtedly suffering. Losing a loved one is never easy, and when their death is due to another person’s bad decision, it can leave you lost and wondering where to turn for guidance.
A drunk driver takes the lives of everyone on the road into his or her hands, and they can be held criminally responsible for their actions. While that may punish them for their poor decision, but it won’t compensate their victims and their families for their losses. When a drunk driver causes an accident, they can also be held financially responsible in civil court. In addition to paying their victim’s medical bills, they may be responsible for their wage loss, disability, pain and suffering, and emotional distress that resulted from the accident.
To find out whether you may have a right to compensation for your injuries, contact a Missouri drunk driving personal injury attorney.
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