On November 19, a 23-year-old man was reportedly driving a Yamaha R1 motorcycle on Interstate 295 in Jacksonville with a 22-year-old female passenger on the back. During the ride, however, the woman fell off and was killed. In the week that followed, investigators discovered the man had been arrested earlier in November on reckless driving charges.
A report from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office indicates the previous incident involved the man driving that same motorcycle at a high rate of speed on Baymeadows Road — and even on the wrong side of Philips Highway as a means of avoiding traffic. When police officers saw the man and attempted to pursue him, he avoided capture by splitting traffic (a very dangerous practice) on San Jose Boulevard.
Law enforcement officers were able to trace the motorcycle’s license plate, which led to the man’s arrest November 16 at his place of employment. He was charged with reckless driving and operating a motorcycle without a license.
The fatal accident occurred just three days later when the woman fell off the bike.
In some circumstances, a reckless driving history on the part of the responsible driver may have an impact on a personal injury or wrongful death claim, especially if reckless driving played a role in the injury in question. If, as the plaintiff, you can demonstrate that the liable party had a history of negligent behavior, it will likely bolster your claims.
For more information and guidance on what you should do after a serious or fatal auto accident in the Jacksonville area, meet with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Attorney Mark Link contributed to this blog post.