There may have been a third car involved in an accident that claimed the life of a local motorcycle rider. The accident occurred on the Ohio-West Virginia border last week, and has been under investigation since then.
On the 17th Street West Bridge in Huntington there is a remnant of the final moments of a 47-year-old man's life — a 20-foot long skid mark from where he locked up the breaks on his beloved Harley Davidson. Family members say that the man was thrown from his bike and run over by a vehicle. The police believe that a third vehicle, still unidentified, may have been involved in the accident. They are also urging caution for motorcyclists, a concern shared by the victim's family and friends.
The man's niece told WSAZ that drivers ought to be keeping an eye out for motorcyclists so that other families do not suffer the same loss. According to a local Harley Davidson dealership manager, these accidents often occur because drivers are not paying attention: "Defensive driving takes on a whole new meaning," for motorcyclists, he said, "You have to pay attention and expect the worst."
Motorcyclists, in the same way as all drivers, are well-aware of the risks they take on their bikes, but persevere due to their enjoyment of the ride. However, increased awareness on the part of drivers to the presence of motorcycles can help to prevent accidents like this one.
This case is still under investigation. The family of the victim may be able to pursue civil lawsuits against the drivers involved if it is found that they exhibited some kind of negligence in regard to the cyclist. No amount of money can bring a loved one back, but it can help to cover the unexpected funeral expenses and provide for the loss of a household earner.
Source: WSAZ, "UPDATE: Police searching for Third Car in Deadly Motorcycle Accident," Oct. 18, 2012