SUV driver behind bars after allegedly causing biker’s death

An O’Fallon man is behind bars after he allegedly caused a fatal accident that involved two Missouri motorcyclists. An accident report that was prepared by the Missouri State Highway Patrol indicates that the incident occurred in the early afternoon of a recent Monday. The man was the driver of an SUV that smashed into two motorcycles.

The report states that a 67-year-old and a 60-year-old biker from Rolla were traveling west along Highway 71 when they stopped on the roadway before turning left. The 51-year-old driver of an SUV that was traveling in the same direction allegedly failed to notice the bikers who were waiting to turn, crashing into them. The impact sent debris into another vehicle, causing minor injuries to its driver.

The older biker died at the crash scene, and the younger biker was rushed to a medical facility in Columbia with serious injuries. The operator of the SUV was admitted to a hospital in Rolla with injuries that were reported to be moderate. He was arrested, and he is now facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and second-degree assault and has also been accused of irresponsible and careless driving. A charge of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute was also added.

Along with the criminal charges, this driver may also have to face civil lawsuits. The injured victim will be entitled to file a personal injury claim against the SUV driver, and the surviving family members of the deceased biker may pursue financial recovery by filing a wrongful death claim in a Missouri civil court. Once the plaintiffs have established negligence by appropriate evidence, the court will adjudicate all documented claims for damages sustained before entering monetary judgments.

Source: 70westsentinel.com, “O’Fallon Man Arrested for Manslaughter After Fatal Crash near Rolla“, Tamara Duncan, Oct. 24, 2016