As our readers are well aware, motorcycles can be some of the most fun we have, but also one of the most dangerous things we do. Unfortunately, drivers are often oblivious to us on the road, and when a motorcycle accident occurs, motorcyclists are left with little protection, except for what we are wearing. And, when alcohol is mixed in, serious, often deadly, consequences result, which was the case in a recent motorcycle crash.
The deadly accident
According to the Houston Police Department, the fatal motorcycle crash occurred early Saturday morning, shortly after 2:30 a.m. The accident happened near Piping Rock Lane when a local man was heading northbound on U.S. Highway 6 in his pickup truck. He then made a left turn without yielding the right of way to a motorcyclist, causing him to impact the side of the truck.
The aftermath of the motorcycle accident
The motorcyclist likely died on impact or soon after because first responders pronounced him dead at the scene of the motorcycle crash. After investigating the scene at the pickup driver, HPD determined the truck driver was intoxicated. As a result, he was immediately arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter as a result of causing the motorcyclist’s death.
Options for victim families
Often, motorcycle accidents result in the rider’s death, but this does not alleviate the negligent driver from responsibility. In addition to the criminal penalties that driver will face, like the one in this case, the Houston, Texas, victim’s family can also hold the negligent driver accountable through a civil wrongful death lawsuit. This will help the family recover some semblance of justice and help them recover financially, while holding the negligent driver accountable.