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Man charged after colliding with motorcyclist in Charlotte

On Behalf of | Jun 21, 2021 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

Most people in North Carolina understand that not all vehicles on the state’s roads and highways are equal in terms of the protection afforded to their operators. Motorcycles offer a good example of this fact: motorcyclists have little to protect them from serious injury in collisions with cars.

Those in the state who operate motorcycles, bikes and other non-traditional vehicles on the road understand that they need to do all they can to avoid accidents. Yet motorists also share in the responsibility for accident avoidance. Not only must they look out for others on the road, but as is the case with vehicle operators, they should avoid reckless and negligent practices that could endanger others.

Charlotte crash kills motorcyclist

Too often, it is others that suffer as a result of those practices. A recent accident in east Charlotte confirms this fact. Per the local CBS affiliate, a man pulled out in front of an oncoming motorcyclist on East W.T. Harris Boulevard. The motorcyclist’s speed made it impossible for him to stop, and he collided with the vehicle. He died as a result of the accident. Local authorities reported that the driver of the vehicle appeared impaired. After questioning the man, they arrested and charged him with multiple criminal charges.

Civil liability alongside criminal negligence

In a case such as this, an assumption may exist that an accident victim has to wait for a defendant’s criminal case to play out before they can seek compensation themselves through a liability claim. Yet court officials understand that accident expenses operate on their own timelines. Thus, they allow one to file a lawsuit even while prosecutors mount a criminal case.