Fatal motorcycle crash in Autauga may result in criminal charges

A fatal motorcycle accident in Autauga, Alabama, could result in criminal charges against the surviving motorcycle driver. The accident happened last Saturday at approximately 10 p.m., on Alabama Highway 14. A 24-year-old Florida woman was killed in the incident. She was pronounced dead by emergency responders at the crash site.

The woman was riding as a passenger on a motorcycle driven by a 29-year-old man. He survived the crash and required hospital care. The accident happened after he lost control of his Yamaha motorcycle and drove into a ditch.

After completing their preliminary investigation, police suspect that alcohol and speed were the primary causes of the accident. According to the chief assistant district attorney, the case is still being reviewed and charges are pending. The Assistant DA said that they will likely press charges if they confirm evidence that speed and/or alcohol were factors.

If convicted of murder related to this fatal motorcycle crash, the injured motorcyclist could be sentenced to anywhere from 10 to 99 years — to a lifetime — in prison for his role in this tragic accident. Another potential conviction could be negligent homicide, which is a misdemeanor and comes with less severe punishments.

Regardless what criminal charges authorities press following a fatal Alabama motorcycle crash, family members of any deceased persons might have the right to pursue separate wrongful death claims in civil court. If prosecutors succeed in convicting the at-fault of a crime related to the accident, the criminal conviction can be used as evidence to bolster and support the wrongful death damages.

Source: Montgomery Advertiser, “Charges ‘likely’ in fatal Autauga crash,” Marty Roney, April 24, 2017