A motorcycle accident claimed the life of a man in Illinois over the weekend. Early Saturday morning, a 43-year-old man was traveling on West Charter Oak Road in Peoria when he was struck by a vehicle traveling the opposite direction. According to the local coroner, the impact caused internal bleeding and blunt force trauma and the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The driver, a 56-year-old male, left the scene of the accident but later returned to surrender to police. He was arrested and charged with hit and run, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, failure to render aid, and failure to yield making a left-hand turn. Toxicology tests were conducted and the Peoria Police Department is continuing their investigation of the accident.
As fall arrives, the number of motorcycles on the roadways decrease. However, during the warmer months in the St. Louis area, motorcycles are prevalent. Motorcycles are considered to be a dangerous vehicle by some, but if driver responsibly they can be just as safe as other vehicles. Unfortunately, due to their size, if other drivers are not handling their vehicles responsibly, an accident can occur. Illinois and Missouri both have campaigns to remind drivers to watch for motorcycles on the roadways in an attempt to prevent motorcycle accidents.
The St. Louis personal injury law firm of Meyerkord & Kurth has represented hundreds of victims of motorcycle accidents. Many victims suffer damages including medical expenses for treatment of their injuries, lost wages from missing work, as well and emotional and physical pain and suffering. If another driver caused your accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your damages. Contact our office today to receive a free consultation.