1 dead, 1 injured in North Carolina motorcycle wreck

Most drivers in North Carolina are aware that the use of alcohol or drugs and driving can be a dangerous mix. Slower reaction times and lapses in judgment often lead to accidents when a driver is somehow impaired. Police believe that this may have been the cause of a recent motorcycle wreck.

The wreck occurred on U.S. Highway 17 as the motorcycle was heading south. A vehicle heading north was attempting to make a left-hand turn but did so right into the path of the southbound motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle wasn’t able to avoid slamming into the side of the vehicle.

The driver of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger on the motorcycle suffered serious injuries and had to be taken to the hospital by helicopter. Her current condition is listed as being fair.

Reports failed to indicate whether the driver of the other vehicle was injured. The driver was originally charged with DWI and a “safe movement violation” in connection with injuring the motorcyclist. Police have since added two felony charges for causing death and serious injury with his vehicle.

In addition to criminal charges, the driver could end up facing civil action from the family of the motorcycle driver and the injured passenger. If the driver is ultimately convicted of any crime in connection with this motorcycle wreck, the family may use that conviction as evidence of negligence on the part of the vehicle driver. The costs and damages the parties could be awarded under North Carolina law could cover any medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses, and possibly the loss of the income the family may have received from the motorcycle driver.

Source: wnct.com, Additional charges filed against SUV operator in fatal Jacksonville, No author, Aug. 13, 2013