Motorist Who Abandoned Vehicle on Highway Could Face Charges for Criminally Negligent Homicide
According to the Star-Telegram, a 25-year-old motorist who left her vehicle in the middle of North Central Expressway could be held liable for a fatal motorcycle collision that occurred on a Sunday morning late last month. Authorities responded to the wreck in the southbound lanes of the highway at Walnut Hill Lane in Dallas at around 4:30 a.m.
The woman told investigators that her vehicle ran out of gas so she left it in one of the middle lanes and sat on the shoulder waiting for friends to assist her. Minutes later, an approaching motorcycle struck the rear of the disabled car.
The force of impact threw the rider and passenger off the bike. Responders pronounced the 34-year-old rider dead at the scene. His passenger sustained critical injuries and was transported to Presbyterian Hospital for treatment.
Detectives are referring the case to a Dallas County grand jury for consideration of criminally negligent homicide charges against the woman who left her vehicle in the middle of the highway. This incident marks the 26th traffic fatality for the city of Dallas in 2018.
If you sustained critical injuries in a car, truck, or motorcycle crash that was the direct result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Turn to the Cooper Law Firm to determine if you have grounds for a claim.
Attorney N. Eric Cooper is proud to help clients pursue the justice and compensation they deserve. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free case evaluation with an accident lawyer in Texas.
How Can You Avoid a Collision When There Is Reduced Visibility?
It is never safe to abandon a vehicle in the middle of the roadway or even on the shoulder, and many states prohibit motorists from doing so. The tragic wreck mentioned above explains why; however, there is a chance the crash might not have occurred had the woman run out of gas in the middle of the afternoon.
Sunrise is right around 7 a.m. in Dallas right now, which means the woman abandoned her vehicle when visibility was limited. If the sun had been out, on the other hand, the motorcyclist might have seen the disabled car before it was too late to take evasive action.
At the end of the day, the only foolproof way to avoid a collision when there is limited visibility like darkness or fog is by staying home. If that is not an option, though, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of causing an accident. These include:
- Slowing down;
- Eliminating distractions;
- Dimming the dashboard lights;
- Maintaining your vehicle’s headlights; and
- Scheduling regular eye exams.
Unfortunately, even if you adjust your driving for poor conditions and stay on top of your vision health, there is no guarantee that the motorists around you will do the same. If you were hurt in a collision with a reckless driver, contact the Cooper Law Firm today.
Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation with an accident attorney in Texas. You can learn more about filing a successful claim in Texas by visiting the USAttorneys website.