Commerce Township Man Charged in Fatal Motorcycle Crash
A fatal motorcycle crash has led to misdemeanor charges for a 59-year-old man from Commerce Township, highlighting the dangers motorcyclists face on the road. The man is facing a moving violation causing death charge in connection with a tragic accident that took the life of 40-year-old motorcyclist Joshua Moomaw.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the accused turned himself in on Friday and was arraigned on the misdemeanor charge shortly thereafter. The crash occurred on the night of June 16 along Wixom Road near Stratford Villa Way, in Commerce Township. Authorities report that the driver, operating a Toyota Sienna, collided with the stationary motorcycle Moomaw was riding as he waited to make a turn onto Stratford Villa Way.
The sheriff’s office indicated that the 59-year-old driver failed to notice the stopped motorcycle, a critical oversight that led to the devastating collision. Although neither drugs nor alcohol were involved, the result was a tragic loss of life.
Joshua Moomaw succumbed to his injuries eight days later, on June 24, leaving behind grieving loved ones. His wife, who was also on the motorcycle at the time of the crash, sustained injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. Thankfully, she was later released, but the emotional scars remain.
One troubling detail that emerged from the investigation is that neither Moomaw nor his wife was wearing a helmet during the crash. While Michigan law does not require all motorcyclists to wear helmets under certain conditions, the absence of helmets may have contributed to the severity of the injuries.
A pretrial conference for the accused is set for October 16. If convicted, the 59-year-old man could face up to one year in jail, along with a $2,000 fine. This case, along with other recent motorcycle crashes in Commerce Township, serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability motorcyclists experience on the road.
Compensation for Victims of Fatal Motorcycle Crashes
In cases like this, victims and their families may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other damages related to the accident. In Michigan, the law allows for significant compensation to cover the financial and emotional impact on the victim’s loved ones.
At Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, we understand that no amount of compensation can replace the loss of a loved one. However, we work tirelessly to ensure that families receive the justice and compensation they deserve after a fatal motorcycle crash. Our experienced attorneys help victims’ families navigate the legal process, file claims, and pursue compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and other economic losses caused by the accident.
Our dedicated team is well-versed in motorcycle accident cases and understands the unique challenges that arise in such tragic circumstances. We offer personalized legal representation and support, guiding you every step of the way to make sure your rights are protected.
We also understand that victims’ families may face difficulties dealing with insurance companies after a fatal motorcycle crash. Our legal team at Mihelich & Kavanaugh will advocate on your behalf, ensuring that you are not taken advantage of by insurance companies that often attempt to minimize settlements.
We encourage you to reach out to us for a consultation if you or someone you love has been involved in a motorcycle accident. We are here to fight for you and make sure that the legal burden does not rest solely on your shoulders during this difficult time. Our team is committed to helping families get the closure and compensation they need to begin healing after such a tragic loss.
The Growing Concern of Motorcycle Crashes in Commerce Township
This crash is not the only recent fatal motorcycle accident in Commerce Township. Just last week, a 21-year-old man, Lucas Horsch, tragically lost his life after crashing his motorcycle while intoxicated. His blood alcohol level at the time of the crash was recorded at 0.12%, exceeding Michigan’s legal limit of 0.08%.
These incidents underscore the need for greater awareness and caution on the roads, especially for motorcyclists, who remain among the most vulnerable road users. At Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, we are dedicated to advocating for safer roads and justice for victims of motorcycle accidents.
Source: CBS
