In 2019, a truck driver allegedly caused the death of seven (7) motorcyclists while driving under the influence. The trucker was charged with negligent homicide, manslaughter, driving under the influence (DUI), and reckless conduct but pleaded not guilty.
His case will be tried in court on November 29, 2021.
The Defense Unveils its Tactics
So far, the defense is already questioning witness testimony and claiming the truck that killed the motorcyclists was not the defendant’s vehicle. Firefighters testified to seeing the truck driving erratically before the accident, and a driver traveling on Route 2 saw the truck dip halfway into his lane before pulling back.
Unfortunately, none of the witnesses could recall the name of the company on the truck, so the defense has argued they may have seen a different truck.
A Checkered Driving History
Still, this is not the most crucial piece of evidence in the case, as the truck driver may have been driving on a revoked commercial driving license (CDL) and was arrested for drunk driving 2 months before the crash. The driver’s history includes 4 convictions and 2 accidents, suggesting that he may have been driving drunk the night of the crash.
Remembering the Victims
The 7 bikers who were killed were from the Jarhead Motorcycle Club and residents of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. A former Plymouth, Massachusetts police sergeant was one of the victims.
As the case makes it through the criminal justice system, bereaved families should be aware that they may still be able to file a civil lawsuit to hold the truck driver and shipping company accountable for this tragic accident.
No matter what happens in court on November 29, the victim’s surviving family members have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit and recover compensation. Even if the court finds the truck driver not guilty, the burden of proof for a civil case is lower.
Additionally, criminal lawsuits do not help those left behind with last-minute medical bills, funeral expenses, and other losses. After accidents like this one, we always encourage survivors to come forward with lawsuits, so they do not have to face the consequences of someone else’s carelessness on their own.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed by a truck driver or in a motorcycle accident, Douglas, Leonard & Garvey, P.C. may be able to help.
We have been serving New Hampshire since 1997 and have been putting families first for more than 20 years.
Call us at (603) 288-1403 or contact us online to find out what our firm can do for you.