Motorcycles offer their users a sporty, efficient mode of transportation, but they also offer an increased risk of serious injury or death. A recent accident in Fargo demonstrates both aspects of these popular vehicles.
The accident
According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, a Fargo man was traveling north on 36th Street at a high rate of speed. As the cycle approached the Westrac four-way stop, its driver failed to notice that an SUV had already entered the intersection. The high speed of the motorcycle apparently prevented its driver from coming to a full stop. Instead, the motorcycle slammed into the passenger side of the SUV. Police declared the motorcyclist dead at the scene. The driver of the SUV was not injured, and his passenger suffered only minor injuries. The Highway Patrol officers at the scene estimated the speed of the motorcycle as 35 MPH when it entered the intersection.
Most fatal accidents leave the survivors searching for someone who may be held liable for damages. This case is difficult in that respect because the person who seems to have been at fault, the rider of the motorcycle, is the only person who may have a claim for such damages under North Dakota’s wrongful death statute. However, further investigation by one or more forensic experts may show that the driver of the SUV also failed to obey the stop signs before entering the intersection.
The investigation reports issued by the Highway Patrol do not deal with any other possible causes of the accident. A detailed investigation by a forensics expert may reveal other explanations for the accident other than the apparent recklessness of the cyclist.