Special Consideration for Motorcycle Accident Caused by a Drunk Driver Crash

When a motorcycle accident is caused by drunk driver crash the consequences for the victim may be more serious.
Motorcycle accidents caused by a drunk driver crash often result in more catastrophic or fatal injuries. According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, in 2010 nearly one-third of all traffic-related deaths were attributed to drunk driving.

Given the nature of the vehicle, it's no surprise that motorcycle accidents often result in more serious or fatal injuries. When this type of accident leaves victims with serious injuries or families to deal with the loss of a loved one there are several unique factors a motorcycle injury lawyer will consider when filing a claim for damages caused by a drunk driver.

Providing Proof of an Intoxicated Driver in a Motorcycle Crash >
Evidence is the key to any accident claim, including when a drunk driver causes a crash. One of the main causes of motorcycle accidents is the other driver's lack of awareness of the motorcyclist. When a driver is intoxicated, his or her ability to react and make quick maneuvers is impaired.

DUI evidence is not something that is readily available to the victim of a motorcycle accident with a drunk driver. Motorcyclists who have been in an accident may need the help of a motorcycle injury lawyer to obtain the proper records regarding the crash. It is especially important that your personal injury or wrongful death claim be filed with the driver's blood alcohol content (BAC) level recorded on a police report.

Another form of proof that a drunk driver caused the crash would be any criminal charges assessed against that driver. In many cases, the civil case for injuries or death resulting from a drunk driver-caused crash will be in addition to a criminal case regarding DUI charges against the negligent driver.

A Motorcycle Accident Victim's Involvement in a Criminal Case for DUI

When a drunk driver causes an accident with a motorcyclist, he or she will typically face criminal charges for DUI. In a criminal case for DUI, witnesses are sometimes called in to testify against the defendant and prove that he or she was driving drunk. Motorcyclists who are struck by a drunk driver may be witnesses in the criminal DUI case.

In some cases the victim is called in to testify in a criminal case against the alleged intoxicated driver. The results of the criminal case may impact a personal injury or wrongful death case regarding the accident, and a guilty verdict charging the driver with DUI can become important evidence in those civil cases.