Everyone can appreciate listening to music during the daily commute. For drivers and passengers in Wisconsin alike, little thought is given to the routine motions that are involved in reaching out to adjust channels or volume. However, it only takes a second of distraction to cause a car accident.
Recently, a Wisconsin highway became the location of a fatal car accident and had to be shut down for several hours. The collision occurred in the early hours of the morning, when a motorcyclist was allegedly rear-ended by a car traveling in the same direction. According to reports at the scene, the driver of the car said he was in the process of changing stations on his radio when he struck the motorcycle.
Emergency personnel rushed to the crash site, but the motorcyclist did not survive his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver was unharmed in the incident. The crash remains under investigation. There is no word on any other possible factors that might have contributed to the crash or on whether the driver will face any charges.
With the ever-increasing amount of electronic conveniences finding their way into vehicles across the country, drivers are faced with an increasing number of possible distractions. In Wisconsin, distracted driving contributes to a number of car accidents every year, many that are fatal. In the event that a loved one is killed in a car accident, surviving family members retain the right to file a wrongful death claim against the person determined to be at fault for the incident. If the evidence supports their claim, financial remuneration could be awarded to assist with expenses that may have been a result of the accident.
Source: Ripon Press, “UPDATE: Ripon man killed in overnight crash — NAMES RELEASED“, Ian Stepleton, July 27, 2014