Local authorities report that an accident involving a motorcycle and an SUV in Lincoln shortly after 11 p.m. on July 29 has left a 21-year-old Lincoln woman, the passenger on the motorcycle, pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the motorcycle was transported to Bryan West Trauma Center in critical condition.
Several eyewitnesses at the scene said that the accident occurred when the Jeep Liberty SUV attempted to turn west onto O Street from Cotner Street and was struck broadside by the motorcycle, which had been traveling east on O Street. Some witnesses alleged that the motorcycle was being driven on only its front wheel just as the impact occurred while others report that the motorcycle was being driven normally on both wheels.
Lincoln Police closed the road for several hours in order to conduct a thorough investigation and work up a reconstruction of the accident scene. The final report has not yet been disclosed to the public.
When motorcycle accidents occur that result in death and serious injuries, the responsible party may be held accountable for the damages that their actions caused. A personal injury attorney may be able to bring a strong wrongful death claim or personal injury claim against the at-fault party for damages that may include permanent disability, long-term care, broken bones, and pain and suffering.
The findings of the police investigation and accident scene reconstruction will likely determine the at-fault driver in this particular case. It is possible that the motorcycle driver may be found negligent if it is proven he was indeed driving his motorcycle on only one wheel, or it may be determined that the driver of the SUV failed to yield right of way to the motorcycle and is responsible for the accident.
Source: 10 11 HD, “Woman Dies in Car vs. Motorcycle Crash”, July 22, 2014
