A 48-year-old man was fatally injured on June 24 when his motorcycle was allegedly struck by a jeep in Colorado Springs. The motor vehicle accident on Research Parkway occurred at about 4:50 p.m. near Chapel Hills Drive.
Authorities said that the Honda Nighthawk motorcycle was proceeding east on Research Parkway while a Jeep Wrangler was driving west on the same street. When the 38-year-old motorist in the jeep turned left at Chapel Hills Drive, he reportedly collided with the motorcycle, killing the driver.
No other injuries were reported and no citations were issued. Police did confirm that the fatally-injured driver of the motorcycle was wearing his helmet at the time of the crash. While they investigated the accident, afternoon traffic in the vicinity of Chapel Hills Drive and Research Parkway was slowed for several hours. The collision remains under investigation.
In the confusing aftermath of an auto accident, the time to gather evidence and eyewitness testimony is right after the accident occurs. The police report is always important, but an attorney may also be helpful in interviewing witnesses to ascertain who was at fault and who was not. The attorney will want to know whether an injured driver of a motorcycle was wearing a helmet and whether the other driver was distracted or impaired in any way.
Even when no one appears to have violated a criminal law, civil liability may still be determined. An attorney for the victim or the family of the deceased may provide counsel on obtaining just compensation. That often includes reimbursement for medical expenses and an award of damages for pain and suffering.
Source: Fox 21 News, “Motorcycle crash kills Colorado Springs man”, Travis Ruiz, June 24, 2014