Motorcycle Accident Results In DUI Manslaughter Charge
As a DUI victim attorney, I have been paying very close attention to a recent incident that has garnered media attention. This past Tuesday Jimmy John Christo Jr., a resident of Panama City Beach, was arrested and sent to jail for a hit and run accident that took place on April 27, 2012. The Florida Highway Patrol is taking action by charging Christo with DUI manslaughter.
State Troopers believe Christo was turning his vehicle onto Quarts Street from Thomas Drive without using proper signals, and turned across the west bound lanes of traffic directly into the path of Harley-Davidson rider Joe Landers, a respected Arkansas Police Chief. The Police Chief was riding with a group of friends at the time of the accident, and was visiting for the Thunder Beach Motorcycle rally, which was to take place the following weekend. Sadly, Landers was seriously injured and died from his sustained injuries a week later at the Bay Medical Center.
Authorities took Christo into custody, initially charging him with leaving the scene of an accident with injuries, drug possession and the possession of drug paraphernalia. As of Tuesday, after the death of Landers, Christo was back in the Bay County Jail and charged with DUI manslaughter. Christo is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday for a bond hearing.
Studies have revealed that most motorcycle accidents occur at intersections when the motorcycle is proceeding forward and a car makes a left turn right in front of the oncoming motorcycle. The vehicle drivers in these cases violate the motorcyclist's right-of-way. Drivers failing to detect and acknowledge motorcycles on the road are the cause of these regrettable motorcycle accidents. In most cases, the driver of the vehicle did not see the motorcycle before the accident, or did not detect the motorcycle until it was too late to avoid the crash. Therefore as a motorcycle rider, it is essential you are seen when riding. The injury law attorneys at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA have spent countless hours educating consumers and our clients alike on motorcycle safety and the measures motorists can take to avoid collisions with motorcycles.
There are various ways to increase visibility, which include utilizing retro-reflective clothing and D.O.T. approved reflectors for your motorcycle. Other safety precautions include wearing the correct helmet, shoes, gloves and clothing. Footwear provides the necessary protection for the, feet, ankles, and sometimes lower leg. Boots made of leather are the best choice, followed by athletic sneakers that provide good coverage around the foot and ankle. Gloves are highly recommended when operating a motorcycle. We suggest gloves that are made of a non-slip material and allow for a firm grip on the bars. When riding a motorcycle, jackets should have long sleeves and be made from a durable material such as leather. Pants, not shorts, should be fitted, not baggy or flared out at the bottom. This prevents entanglement with the chain, kick-starter, or other protrusions on a motorcycle.
At the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA we believe motorcycles are one of the most exhilarating, enjoyable means of transportation. However, we also believe it is important for riders to follow and advocate the correct safety precautions when cruising or traveling.
If you have been involved in an accident in which you have suffered a physical injury, call the injury law attorneys at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA today at: (727) 451-6900 or email us at: [email protected] for a free consultation and case evaluation.