Recently, tragedy struck the Baltimore Ravens when their cornerback, Tray Walker, died after being injured in a motorbike collision in south Florida.
According to Miami-Dade police reports, the 23-year-old was on his Honda dirt bike, which had no headlight or license plate, when he was involved at a collision at an intersection in northwest Miami-Dade on a recent Thursday night.
Police sources told a media outlet that the football player might have been dressed in dark clothing, making him harder to see. The driver was in a Ford Escape and was uninjured. It was unknown whether she stopped at the intersection for the sign or not.
Immediately following the crash, Walker was transported to Miami’s Memorial Ryder Trauma Center where he died the following evening at 5 p.m.
One media source reported rumors of a football player from another ball club leaving the scene of the accident prior to the arrival of the police, but this remains unconfirmed.
Even if it is ultimately confirmed that Walker in some way(s) contributed to the accident that claimed his life, his survivors may still have a cause of action to sue the driver in the accident.
Those facing similar circumstances may mistakenly believe that if their loved one was at fault in any way that they cannot pursue a claim for damages. But while contributory negligence can reduce the amount of a settlement or judgment after an accident, it does not necessarily negate all culpability of other entities or individuals.
As this concept can be difficult to interpret and apply in fatal accidents, it is often a good idea to get professional legal advice through a case review.
Source: New York Daily News, “Ravens CB Tray Walker pronounced dead after dirt bike crash near Miami,” Seth Walder, March 18, 2016
