Missouri drivers know that extra care may be required when driving near a motorcyclist. For example, motorcycles can become lost in the blind spots of an automobile driver’s car mirrors, due to their smaller size. Without physically turning to look behind one’s car before changing lanes, an automobile driver might accidentally crash into a motorcyclist when changing lanes.
A Missouri man charged with involuntary manslaughter for a fatal motorcycle accident recently requested a change of venue before his case proceeds to trial. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that the man turned his car in front of a motorcyclist on Highway 39 in Barry County. He remains in jail on a $250,000 bond.
As this post illustrates, the injuries sustained by motorcyclists in a motor vehicle crash are usually serious, and often fatal. Even wearing a helmet may not protect motorcyclists from injuries if they are thrown from their bikes. Spinal cord injuries are a common injury received from such throws, such as herniated disks, vertebrae fractures or central cord syndrome.
Victims of motorcycle accidents are entitled to bring a civil personal injury lawsuit if the crash was caused by another driver’s negligence. Such a suit, if successful, can provide compensation to help victims cover medical expenses.
In the case of victims left with some form of paralysis, an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer will know how to present compelling medical testimony to a jury. Such evidence can help a jury understand the extent of a motorcyclist’s injury and the expenses he or she will incur from a lifetime of assisted care support.
Source: krzk.com, “Kulhanek Seeks Change of Venue,” Sam Clanton, Feb. 21, 2013