Motorcycle Accident Kills Woman
A 22-year-old woman died after she was thrown from a motorcycle in Arlington, Texas. The woman was riding on the motorcycle with her friend late at night when they struck a car. The motorcycle was allegedly racing with another motorcycle, and each was estimated to be speeding above 100 mph. The motorcycle then struck the rear of a Sedan, which fled the scene of the auto accident.
The charges for the motorcyclists are pending the outcome of investigation. Police suspect the driver of the Sedan fled in fear of liability; however, the Sedan driver was generally not at fault before fleeing the scene. Although the sedan driver's liability has not been determined, as the circumstances of the event are still under investigation, generally leaving the scene of a car accident or motorcycle accident in St. Louis is a crime. The following is Missouri state law in regards to "hit and run" vehicle crashes:
"A person commits the crime of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident when being the operator or driver of a vehicle on the highway or on any publicly or privately owned parking lot or parking facility generally open for use by the public and knowing that an injury has been caused to a person or damage has been caused to property, due to his culpability or to accident, he leaves the place of the injury, damage or accident without stopping or giving his information."
Further, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident is a class A misdemeanor, except it is a class D felony if the accident resulted in:
1. Physical injury to another party; or
2. Property damage in excess of one thousand dollars; or
3. If the defendant has previously pled guilty to or been found guilty of a violation of this section.
When a motorcycle accident in Missouri occurs, the driver should always provide the following to either a police officer or the injured party:
1. Name;
2. Residence;
3. Insurance provider;
4. Motor vehicle number; and
5. Drivers license number.
Also, if a police officer is not in the vicinity, the driver should go to the nearest police station or judicial officer to provide those listed above in order to avoid liability for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident.
If you have been in a motorcycle accident, as an experienced Missouri motorcycle accident attorney and personal injury lawyer at Page Cagle, I am happy to discuss your case with you and answer any questions you may have. I can be reached 24 hours a day at 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). Call me personally and I will answer all the questions and concerns you may have. You can also email me at john@pagecagle.com or visit my website, www.MotorcycleInjuryLawGroup.com, for more information. There is no fee unless we recover for you.
