Personal Injury Law

Motorcycle Passenger Death Results In Operator Being Charged

Our Georgia attorneys often represent the drivers of motor vehicles who have been injured in collsions but sometimes the passengers are injured as a result of the negligence of the host driver. Just this week, we read that a Georgia man was arrested and charged in a September motorcycle crash that left a Panama City Beach woman dead. According to authorities, Storm P. Wood and a female passenger, Robin Arnett, were ejected from the motorcycle when Wood lost control of it. Arnett died from her injuries and Wood was taken to the hospital in critical condition. According to the authorities, tests determined that he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.187. The legal limit was 0.08. Wood has been taken into custody by Georgia authorities where he faces charges of felony DUI, manslaughter and felony driving with a suspended/revoked license.

Depending on the circumstances of the case, a guest passenger on a motorcycle or in a motor vehicle has a right to sue the operator of such a motor vehicle if they are injured as a result of the operator?s negligence. Under Georgia law, generally, a guest passenger who has no right of control and who does not assume control of the operation of the vehicle cannot have the negligence of the operator imputed to him or her.

If you have been injured while a guest passenger in a automobile or on a motorcycle being operated recklessly or negligently, you may very well have a cause of action against the operator of the vehicle who caused the accident and your injuries. Our trial lawyers at Finch McCranie, LLP have represented passengers who have been injured or the families of people who have been killed as a result automobile accidents caused by the operator of a motor vehicle who is doing so recklessly or negligently. The person who has been injured while a guest passenger would be well advised to consult the law firm of Finch McCranie, LLP before giving any statements to insurance adjusters or discussing the case with anyone.

Full post as published by Georgia Injury Lawyer Blog on November 23, 2008 (boomark / email).