The Lombardi Law Firm Blog

I-380 Iowa Motorcycle Crash, No Helmets

On Saturday June 20^th, at 10:15pm, a motorcycle driving northbound on I-380 near Center Point, crashed into a deer, according to the Des Moines Register. The 23-year-old driver Donald Bruce was transported to University of Iowa Hospitals, and his passenger, also 23, Elexia Turk, died at the scene from severe head injuries. Both were not wearing helmets. They were from Cedar Rapids.

Video: http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/48694257.html

Assuming this story is factually accurate as a motorcycle driver you have to ask, what possible liability could I have to the passenger when crashing into a deer? As the driver you don't insure the passenger for complete safety. In other words you can't say you're not responsible 100% of the time; that assumes you're following the rules of the road. But can you be at-fault for running into a deer? It will probably depend on how much you're paying attention, whether you'd had something to drink (alcohol), the speed of the bike as compared to the posted speed limit, how experienced you are as a driver and whether there are any distractions the driver can control but fails to do so. If you fail to pay attention, then yes you're probably going to be liable. But don't forget the evidence, because without it you lose.

I rest my case.

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. Knowing your rights and how to protect yourself is important. Always be alert to risks that can cause you injury or get you killed.  Steve Lombardi provides commentary and insight on this blog, The Verdict and also writes for the Des Moines market of the InjuryBoard.com and on occasion on the Des Moines Register web site. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses for all types of accidents and injuries. Attorney Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer. Join us in making the world a safer place. (515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com )

Labels: accident Commentary crash head injury I-380 iowa lawyer Lombardi motorcycles MVA