A Wisconsin man driving a pickup truck hit an oncoming motorcycle while attempting to make a left-hand turn into his driveway. The driver of the motorcycle flew more than 6 feet over the hood of the truck. His passenger — who was his wife — flew about 60 feet away from the point of the accident. The Wisconsin husband and wife were brought to a nearby hospital where she later died.

Police charged the truck driver with drunk driving. He first told police that he had not been drinking alcohol. However, a preliminary blood-alcohol test showed his concentration at 0.13 percent. Then he admitted to have had a few drinks, and blood analysis registered at 0.11 percent. The truck driver told police that he saw the motorcycle’s headlights, and he thought that he had enough time to make the turn. He also said, however, that the driver of the motorcycle was speeding. The truck driver pleaded not guilty to charges of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle and reckless driving causing great bodily harm.

It is very tragic that a woman lost her life because a drunk driver did not have the patience to wait a few seconds to turn into his driveway. Alcohol distorts people’s perceptions, and more so at night, which was when this crash occurred.

People who have been injured or lost a family member due to the negligent actions of a drunk driver may find it helpful to discuss their legal options with an experienced personal injury attorney. He or she may be able to help them get through a senseless tragedy, at least from a financial standpoint. There are economic and non-economic losses that may be recovered from a successful personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

Source: TwinCities.com, “Western Wisconsin man charged in March crash that killed motorcycle passenger,” Andy Rathbun, Oct. 4, 2012