A driver of a commercial pick-up truck pulling a flatbed trailer made a fatal error on June 21 when he allowed his vehicle to veer across the yellow line and into the oncoming lane occupied by ten motorcyclists. Seven in the group, known as the Jarheads Motorcycle Club, subsequently died and left two others injured.
According to news reports, the truck driver had multiple moving violations on his driving record and had been arrested on May 10 for driving under the influence. He pled innocent to seven counts of negligent homicide filed in connection with the recent crash.
Victims file a lawsuit
Two of the survivors will seek nearly one-half million dollars in damages from the driver and his transport company employer. One survivor remains in stable condition with fractures to the left femur, left tibia, left fibula as well as injuries to the left knee and ankle. There were also open wounds, lacerations, contusions and abrasions. The victim’s wife was also on a motorcycle in the group but was not as badly injured.
The suit seeks $50,000 in lost wages, $350,000 for future medical expenses and $33,125 in hospital expenses. According to the plaintiffs’ attorney, “How often do you hear of seven people pronounced dead at the scene of an accident, as well as two or three others who are critically injured? I mean, in my lifetime, I’ve never heard of this before.” The plaintiffs may also seek additional compensation because the extent of the damages was not yet clear. They also claim the employer should have known better than to hire a driver with such a poor driving record.
Attorneys can seek damages
It is all too common to hear tragic stories about motorcyclist injured or killed by negligent drivers in larger vehicles. This case stands out for the severity of the crash. Nonetheless, anyone with property damage or severe injuries can seek compensation for lost income, medical expenses and long-term care with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.
