According to West Virginia State Police, a 44-year-old man was killed in a crash while riding his motorcycle on U.S. 11 around 11:43 p.m. on Sept. 4. The Bunker Hill resident was riding a 2007 Suzuki motorcycle northbound on the road, also known as Winchester Avenue, when it collided with the front driver’s side of a Nissan Versa. As reported by police, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Nissan, operated by a 23-year-old driver of Winchester, Virginia, was travelling west on Specks Run Road. Police said that the driver was making a left turn onto Winchester Avenue, when he pulled in front of the motorcycle. The motorcycle struck the vehicle and flung the rider from the motorbike.
Afterwards, a Ford F-150 also travelling north on U.S. 11 hit the lone motorcycle. Southern Berkeley County was the location on U.S. 11 where the crash occurred.
Nationwide, an estimated 6,800 people died in auto accidents during the first quarter of the year 2014. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this figure reflects a 4 percent decline in car accident fatalities when compared with the first quarter of 2013.
Many of the fatal auto accidents reported may have become subjects of wrongful death lawsuits. In a particular case, a dependent of the deceased may choose to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Compensation may be awarded to the plaintiff. Nonetheless, negligence on the part of the accused must be proven in court before a plaintiff can receive a potential settlement award. Depending on the laws of the state, persons who suffer financially from the loss of the victim, even if they are not related by blood or by marriage, may be able to recover compensation.
Source: Herald Mail Media, “W.Va. motorcyclist dies in southern Berkeley County crash“, September 05, 2014