Deadly accident happened at the Middlemore Drive intersection, officials say
COLUMBUS, OH, (October 20, 2024) - A 43-year-old man driving a motorcycle was fatally injured in a collision with an SUV on the Northeast Side of Columbus Sunday evening, according to authorities.
James McKinnie, 43, was killed when his motorcycle collided with an SUV at the Middlemore Drive intersection in Columbus Sunday evening, according to authorities.
The victim—identified as James McKinnie—was pronounced dead at a local hospital around 5:55 p.m.
A preliminary investigation found McKinnie was riding a Harley Davidson north on Stelzer Road, attempting to pass through Middlemore Drive. Meanwhile, a Buick Encore traveling south on Stelzer Road tried to turn left onto Middlemore and, in the process, collided with the motorcycle.
The occupants of Buick—not known how many—were treated at the scene, officials said.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 6,530 motorcyclists killed on U.S. roadways in 2021, an increase of 9 percent from 2020.
Candice Bond, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, said in such cases, it is imperative to preserve evidence through an independent probe.
“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash,” said Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. “Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide the heartbroken family of a victim during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights while ensuring that a driver is held accountable after disobeying traffic laws.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of James McKinnie may pursue a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in motorcycle accidents, and if you or a family member need help she's available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).