Peoria Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash with Another Vehicle

By Zane T. Cagle | October 16, 2017 | Car Accidents, Featured, Motorcycle Accidents, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death

West Charter Oak Road Motorcycle Crash

A 43 year-old Peoria man suffered severe blunt force trauma and internal bleeding from an motorcycle accident that occurred around 6 a.m. on Saturday.

According to information provided by authorities, the driver of a car involved in the crash left the scene and returned a short time later to speak with officers. Information gathered by police indicated that the driver of the car was traveling eastbound on Charter Oak Road attempting to make a left hand turn when he collided with the westbound motorcycle.

Traffic Errors Resulting in Serious Injury or Death

When a traffic error results in serious injury or death in a motorcycle crash, the injured victim almost always needs legal representation. Likewise, if the crash results in a fatality, the family needs legal help. While the officers conduct a reconstruction if the victim is pronounced dead at the scene, an accident reconstruction is not “always” conducted if the victim passes later at the hospital. In the above described tragedy, it would be critical to find out if there was an incident reconstruction done and if not, then an attorney would want to have one complete as soon as possible. If a victim dies at the scene, then reconstructions are mandatory.

Gathering Evidence

In the scenario where a motorcyclist is killed, evidence has to be gathered in the form of witness statements and the statement of the other driver. As well, physical evidence has to be gathered, measured and photographed including skid marks on the roadway, property damage to the vehicles, terrain marks, and specific injuries to the victim.

In Saturday’s crash, the 56 year-old driver of the car was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, failure to yield making a left turn, failing to render aid, and hit and run. Furthermore, toxicology testing is being conducted to see if alcohol or other substances may have contributed to the crash.

Failing to yield and failing to reduce speeds in of itself is not a criminal action. However, leaving the scene of a crash is a criminal action. The driver was smart to return to the scene.

Legal Help Following a Traffic Fatality

If you have lost a loved one due to a traffic fatality, you will need legal representation. One would think that making a claim through another driver’s insurance company would be a pretty straight-forward event. The reality is that it is often very difficult following a crash that causes serious injury or death. Often, insurance companies are not eager to pay fair compensation and seeking compensation is not generally the first thing a family is thinking about immediately following a death.

However, fair compensation is often not only helpful but vitally needed. If a loved one has been killed, there are a number of needs for the family that go far beyond funeral expenses. More often than not, the deceased contributed financially to the family— at minimum. In reality, there are so many things the deceased contributed to in the family beyond wages. If you’ve lost a loved one in a motor vehicle incident or have a family member who is severely injured, you need legal help. We offer free consultations to answer your questions and help guide you through the process.

Call us at (314) 276-1681

About The Author

Zane T. Cagle

Zane T. Cagle is the founding president and lead trial attorney at The Cagle Law Firm. With a strong dedication to his clients, he has built a reputation for his tenacious representation in personal injury cases, ensuring each client's unique story is heard.Areas of Practice: Personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death.Bar Admissions: Supreme Court of Missouri, Illinois & Kentucky. Superior Court of U.S. Virgin IslandsEducation: Washington University School of Law.Awards: Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association, 10 Best in Missouri for Customer Satisfaction.

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