Last year, one man made an unfortunate decision to drive drunk and changed a woman’s life forever. Although all sizes of motor vehicles travel Pennsylvania roadways, when larger ones collide with smaller ones, they can cause serious injuries. Motorcycle accidents in particular can seriously injure or kill the rider.
Recently, the 39-year-old man who decided to drive drunk early one afternoon pleaded guilty to the charges against him. The investigation revealed that he had not only consumed alcohol less than an hour prior to getting in his vehicle, but he had consumed approximately six drinks. A bottle full of alcohol was also discovered next to the driver’s seat disguised in a Gatorade container. After the accident, blood tests would reveal that his blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit.
His alleged reckless driving resulted in him hitting the 67-year-old female motorcyclist from behind. After she was thrown from the bike, his vehicle trapped her under its bumper. To make matters worse, he continued to drive with her in tow. She suffered multiple fractures, head trauma, other injuries and pain that continues to plague her.
Undoubtedly, as is the result of many motorcycle accidents, the woman required extensive medical treatment and therapy. In addition to chronic pain reminding her daily of the accident, mounting medical expenses related to her injuries are likely to be financially overwhelming. The man’s guilty plea in criminal court may help to establish negligence in a civil court. If negligence is established, compensation may be awarded to help relieve some of her financial burden. Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys can advise her of her litigation rights and how to proceed with a lawsuit.
