Hit-And-Run Crash Kills Motorcyclist

We now know that a woman has been charged with the death of a motorcyclist. The incident stems from a hit-and-run crash that occurred last month. According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the crash happened on West Boulevard near Clanton Road. Vonda Patterson Steward was driving her Ford Fusion when she struck 40-year-old Daryl Lamont Miller. He died from his injuries and she fled from the scene.

At Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC, we know that motorcyclists are vulnerable on the roadway and we want to help if you sustain an injury that was caused by another person’s negligence. Our qualified and experienced team will work to secure the compensation you deserve. When you need a Charlotte motorcycle accident attorney, call us today.

What Can Happen?

If we turn to the data from the latest full year of reporting from the NC Department of Transportation, we see that there were 3,722 motorcycle crashes reported. Out of those crashes, there were:

• 139 motorcyclist fatalities
• 3,135 motorcyclist injuries

Looking at those numbers, you can see that nearly every motorcycle accident in the state results in an injury or a fatality. Even when a motorcyclist is wearing a helmet, they simply do not have much protection from the force of a vehicle slamming into them. Along with the initial impact, they sustain a second impact with the ground. It is not uncommon for us to see the following injuries in the aftermath of a motorcycle crash:

• Spinal cord injuries (with possible paralysis)
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal organ damage/internal bleeding
• Broken or dislocated bones
• Severe lacerations or amputations

Each of these injuries requires immediate and often extensive medical interventions. Many motorcycle crash victims need extended rehabilitation in order to make a recovery. The cost of care for these injuries extends beyond the considerable medical expenses. Hidden costs of accidents often include:

• Home and vehicle accommodations
• In-home care and therapy
• Lost wages and benefits if a victim cannot work
• Psychological and emotional damages

What Causes These Crashes?

We know that negligence drivers are often at fault in motorcycle crashes. In NC, we have a serious problem with impaired drivers. Over 26% of all traffic fatalities for the latest reporting year were caused by alcohol-impaired drivers.

A growing concern is the number of crashes caused by distracted drivers across all age groups. Sending a text message or watching a video instead of the roadway is dangerous and often deadly.

What Are Your Options?

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle crash that was caused by someone else’s negligence, please seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC are ready to be your advocate. We will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. This can include:

• Coverage of your medical bills
• Compensation for lost income if you cannot work
• Pain and suffering damages
• Loss of enjoyment of life damages
• Possible punitive damages

If you need a Charlotte motorcycle accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 800-948-0577.