Three motorcyclists are injured and one is dead after an accident in Watuaga County, North Carolina on May 20. The four motorcyclists were traveling together near the Cove Creek area of U.S. 321 when a woman driving a 2003 Audi crossed the center line and hit the motorcyclists.
One victim was airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center in Tennessee, and three others – husband and wife motorcyclists and the driver of the Audi – were transported to Watauga Medical Center. Alfredo Madrid, who was 50 years old and lived in Miami, FL, was killed. The road was closed for four hours while troopers investigated.
According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the motorcyclists were traveling from Virginia to Florida. The Audi driver has been charged with driving while impaired. She is expected to be taken into custody with other charges pending when she is released from the hospital.
A heartwarming effort has been made by a local Christian Motorcycle Ministry and WMC chaplains and staff to ease the surviving motorcyclists’ trauma. The Christian Motorcyclists Ministry is providing food and lodging, the chaplains are giving counsel and aid, and staff are even helping to secure the victims’ personal effects. Watauga Sheriff Len Hagamen told reporters, “Truly, a great coordination of efforts in this tragedy.”
The injured motorcyclists and surviving family of the cyclist who was killed will be faced with how to move forward from their injuries. Medical bills, physical therapy, time away from work, funeral and burial expenses, not to mention continuing emotional trauma are all consequences of being a victim of an accident. It is important to seek legal representation early when a motorcycle crash victim is considering bringing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. In this accident, the driver crossed the center line. Experienced motorcycle accident injury attorneys know to investigate the scene and damaged vehicles as soon as possible. They can also obtain the at-fault driver’s medical records, which may explain why the driver crossed the center line.
Our firm has dealt with many motorcycle accident injury claims, often without ever going to trial. Each situation is unique, and we can help you evaluate your claim. For more information, see this article on a settlement we obtained for a husband and wife who were severely injured when a vehicle crossed the center-line and hit their motorcycle.
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