On Jan. 9, a memorial service was held by the department of a South Carolina officer killed while off-duty on Nov. 16. The officer died in a motorcycle accident. Even though he was not on duty at the time of his death, his fellow officers took the time to honor him. He was with the department for nearly 13 years.
The accident occurred when a vehicle pulled out in front of him. The officer attempted to avoid colliding with the vehicle by trying to swerve around it. Unfortunately, he hit the rear quarter panel. After that, another vehicle hit him. His injuries were such that he died at the scene.
Many motorcycle accidents occur when a vehicle either cuts the bike off or pulls out into the path of the motorcycle. Many vehicle drivers claim to have never seen the motorcycle rider when a collision occurs. Motorcycles share the road with everything from pedestrians to 18-wheelers. It is the duty of every driver to pay attention and watch for obstacles in the road. When a driver neglects to do so, people can be seriously injured or even killed.
Fortunately, for the families of deceased victims and injured parties, South Carolina law provides for the right to proceed with civil actions against the party or parties deemed responsible for something such as a car or motorcycle accident. If negligence is successfully proved, the court may consider an award of damages. Demands for reimbursement of damages may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In fatal accidents, funeral and burial costs may also be claimed. If such an award is ordered, it may help an injured party, or the family of a deceased victim, defray the costs associated with motor vehicle accidents.
Source: live5news.com, Memorial service set for officer in fatal Nov. accident, No author, Jan. 2, 2014
Steven Krause is a personal injury, auto accident, and workers’ compensation lawyer who practices in Anderson, SC. He graduated form the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law and has been practicing law for 40 years now. Steven Krause believes in fighting for the injured. Learn more about his experience here.