A career dream was denied by a drunk driver when a he turned his vehicle in front of a motorcycle, seriously injuring the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist was a 20-year-old man who hoped to fulfill a life-long dream of becoming a Virginia State Trooper. The crash caused serious and permanent injuries that would prevent him from qualifying for 
his dream career.
While riding on a two-lane road, the motorcyclist was hit by a pickup truck that was traveling in the opposite direction when the truck turned in front of him without warning. The impact threw the motorcyclist from his bike and he landed on the road.
After the accident, the driver of the pickup left the scene and returned in another vehicle, according to a witness to the accident. The pickup truck he was driving when the crash occurred belonged was a company vehicle. Police recovered the pickup and discovered a liquor bottle inside. The blood alcohol was well over the allowed limit. He was, therefore, arrested and eventually convicted of driving under the influence.
The motorcyclist sustained a number of injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injury.
- Serious orthopedic injuries.
- Dissection of the Carotid artery.
- Severe lacerations.
- Dental fractures.
- An elbow contracture.
Treatment of these injuries cost $615,312.
During trial before a judge, neither liability nor the extent and severity of the motorcyclist’s injuries was disputed by the driver of the pickup truck. The motorcyclist requested $7,000,000 in compensatory damages, but no punitive damages.
The motorcyclist has permanent deficiencies as a result of the crash. He is unable to stand for a long period of time, he has significant swelling in his feet, and his arm was permanently injured. The young man was able to return to the job he held before the accident as a correctional officer. The injuries caused long-term effects that make it impossible for him to meet the physical requirements for Virginia State Troopers.
At the conclusion of the trial, the presiding judge awarded the motorcyclist $7,000,000.
Drunk drivers cause many “accidents.” When they are involved in a crash with a motorcycle, the harm to the motorcyclist is typically significant and life-changing. Please do not drive when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Please be particularly aware of motorcycles on the road and exercise great care when turning near them.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, an auto accident, or crash with a drunk driver, you may have sustained serious injuries. If you have been injured by a drunk driver or by the negligence of any other driver and through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your hurts and harms. Call Bettina Altizer, a trusted Virginia attorney who is well known for her aggressive pursuit of justice and fair compensation for injured persons. She and her experienced team at Altizer Law, P.C., will fight for you.
