Criminal courts are tasked with adjudicating cases in which a person is accused of breaking the law. The court must consider the evidence presented and hand down a verdict, and if a person is found guilty, the court will impose a sentence that it feels suits the crime. Just because a criminal court has sentenced an offender does not mean a victim will be compensated, so victims of some crimes, like motorcycle accidents caused by an intoxicated driver, have the option to file a civil suit against the responsible party.
Recently, a husband and wife from New Jersey were enjoying a motorcycle ride. They were travelling north, and as the motorcycle slowed down to make a turn, tragedy occurred. The motorcycle was struck from behind by a sedan.
The husband and wife were both thrown off the bike and suffered serious injuries. Sadly, the woman passed away shortly after as a direct result of the crash. The driver of the sedan was not injured at all. Police determined that the driver of the sedan was under the influence at the time of the crash, and he was swiftly arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.
Though the man who caused the crash will have his day in criminal court, the man that survived may want to take legal action of his own. Not only did he suffer serious injuries, he lost his beloved wife as a result of the drunk driver’s actions. New Jersey victims of motorcycle accidents may want to consult an experienced attorney to assist with a civil case, which, if successful, can result in compensation to help with things like funeral costs, medical bills, physical and emotional therapy, and other expenses that may fall upon a victim.