The latest in a series of motorcycle accidents in the Austin metro area killed one person on March 30 at an intersection. The crash took place in Leander, and traffic was diverted from the roadway for almost five hours after the wreck.
According to the Leander Police Department, the accident took place around 9:30 p.m. when a 19-year-old man driving a motorcycle was traveling south on U.S. 183. A sedan that was traveling north attempted a left turn from the center turn lane and ended up in front of the motorcycle. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet but died after suffering injuries, and the 46-year-old driver of the sedan was transported to a medical center after suffering non-life-threatening injuries.
This collision was the fifth motorcycle accident in a seven-day period in the Austin area and the second of the day. Earlier on March 30, a crash near Jester killed a female motorcyclist when another vehicle hit her as she tried to turn left. Every motorcyclist but one wore a helmet in the fatal accidents that happened this year. Authorities urged motorcyclists to wear helmets even though they are not required by law in Texas.
Motorcycle crashes similar to the ones in this story usually occur when drivers are not aware of motorcyclists. When turning left or changing lanes, a motorist may believe the roadway is clear without checking for motorcycles. If a fatal motorcycle crash occurs, a victim’s family might be able to seek compensation for funeral expenses and other costs related to the accident by filing a wrongful death claim. Families might wish to seek the help of a personal injury attorney to assist in this process.
Source: hillcountrynews.com, “Leander man dies in second motorcycle-related accident on Monday,” Lynette Haaland and Scott W. Coleman, March 31, 2015
