A husband and father of two young boys was traveling north on his motorcycle as he approached an intersection. At the same time, a woman driving a car was traveling east toward the same intersection.
When the woman reached the stop sign, she looked both ways and saw no vehicles that appeared to prevent her from safely crossing. What she could not see was the approaching motorcycle, which was obscured by hedges growing in the median.
The woman proceeded into the intersection. By the time the motorcyclist saw her vehicle crossing in front of him, it was too late to avoid the collision.
The husband and father was killed in the crash.
Looking Beyond the Drivers to Determine Responsibility
BRILL & RINALDI, The Law Firm filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the man’s wife and children.
The case looked beyond the actions of the motorists themselves and focused on the hedges that obstructed visibility at the intersection. The firm pursued claims against various entities responsible for maintaining the vegetation in the median.
The obstructed sightlines became a central issue in determining how a driver who had stopped and looked in both directions could nevertheless fail to see an approaching motorcycle.
Confidential Settlements Reached
Following contentious litigation, all of the entities involved agreed to settle the claims, with each settlement reached for a confidential amount.
The case demonstrates why a thorough investigation of a fatal motor vehicle accident may need to extend beyond the drivers involved. Roadway conditions, landscaping, visibility obstructions, and the responsibilities of parties charged with maintaining the surrounding area can all play an important role in determining why a collision occurred.
Through that investigation and litigation, BRILL & RINALDI, The Law Firm secured confidential settlements on behalf of the man’s surviving wife and two young children.