Whenever a motorcycle and car collide, the accident is almost always more damaging to the motorcyclist. In an accident, a motorcycle provides little protection from the immense weight and power of a car. The injuries a motorcyclist could suffer may change their life forever, or worse, end it altogether.
Sadly, a reminder of this reality came for a teenager in Florida recently, according to a recent report from the South Florida Sun Sentinel. The 16-year-old was driving his friends to the beach when he pulled out a marijuana cigarette, lit it up, and passed it around to other passengers in the car.
Minutes after they had finished smoking, the teen began searching for a parking spot on Palmetto Road. Making a U-turn, he crashed into an orange Harley Davidson, throwing the rider off. 65-year-old Camil Paquet, a seasonal resident of Pompano Beach, landed on his head, rolling to a halt on the pavement.
Police found Paquet severely bleeding from the head; he later died in the hospital from the injury. According to the report, he wasn’t wearing a helmet.
The teen driver was charged with DUI manslaughter. He was released from jail the following day on $50,000 bail.
This case demonstrates the painful reality of driving under the influence. At the same time, it also shows the high risk of motorcycle injuries and the importance of wearing a helmet.
The teen had a previously clean driving and criminal records, showing how quickly life can change.
Our sympathies go out to Paquet’s family, who reside in Quebec.
If you have ever been injured in a motorcycle accident or car accident or are the victim of a DUI accident, contact an experienced auto accident attorney for help.
