Split Decision on Truck Driver who Caused Injuries to Multiple Bikers

New Kent and Charles City (Virginia) Chroniclereported on March 19, 2014 that a Virginia truck driver was found guilty of reckless driving and not guilty of hit and run in an accident that injured two bicyclists. The civil suits against the truck driver are still pending. The accident happened on May 11, 2013 when several hundred bikers passed through Charles City on a joint bike ride. The semi-trailer was being operated by the driver who was charged with the offenses, on Route 109 (Roxbury Road). According to witnesses, the driver of the semi crossed the center lane causing an oncoming driver to nearly collide with the semi driver. The accident happened when the semi driver, who was trying to pass the bikers, swerved back into the original lane. The driver was found guilty of a misdemeanor reckless driving charge but not guilty of a felony leaving the scene of an accident charge.

The Impact of a Criminal Case on a Civil Case

It’s typical for the criminal case to proceed first for several reasons:

• Criminal cases usually have a stricter deadline for when they have to be brought.
• The prosecution can gather the evidence much quicker than a civil lawyer.
• The criminal case may help determine responsibility in a civil case. Although the criminal conviction can usually not be used directly against the defendant in the civil case, a plea of guilty to any of the charges by the defendant is admissible as evidence of fault in the civil case.
• A criminal plea to a violation of traffic laws that shows a reckless disregard for the safety of others may help to show punitive damages.

Contact a Norfolk Accident Attorney to Learn More

If you were in any type of motor vehicle accident (or any other type of accident), please call Norfolk attorney Joe Miller at Joe Miller Law, by calling (888) 694-1671. He has been helping thousands of accident victims for over 25 years and can help you pursue the full and fair compensation you need, including pursuing your claims for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.