Former Police Officer on Trial in Fatal Motorcycle Accident

The trial concerning DUI charges against a former Pittsburgh police officer for a fatal accident that occurred two years ago is now underway. The officer, A.L., was off duty at the time of the incident and was driving his personal motorcycle. The crash happened at around 2:30 in the morning when A.L. was riding with a female passenger on a roadway near Lincoln Place. A.L. lost control of the motorcycle while negotiating a curve in the roadway and veered into oncoming traffic.

He crashed head-on into an SUV causing him and his passenger, 28-year-old J.L., to go flying off the bike. A friend and fellow officer had been nearby and was the first on the scene. He called in for additional units and directed traffic around the accident and where his friend and J.L. lie in the road. Emergency medical units arrived and found both A.L. and J.L. unresponsive. J.L. had suffered serious head trauma, pelvic fracture and other injuries in the accident. A.L.'s injuries were not described.

They were rushed by ambulance to UPMC Presbyterian but J.L.'s injuries were too severe. She was pronounced dead at the hospital at 3:17 a.m. A blood sample was taken from A.L. at the hospital and tested for drugs or alcohol. The results showed that his blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time was 0.111 percent, well over the 0.08 percent legal limit. Consult with a personal injury lawyer if you or a loved one was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else.

Officer Charged with Homicide by Vehicle

A.L. was charged with homicide by vehicle after the results of his BAC test came through. He was subsequently discharged of his police duties. A crash investigator specializing in collision reconstruction testified at the former officer's trial and stated that it appeared that A.L. had leaned too far to the right during the turn which caused the bike to scrape the roadway. The bike then went into the oncoming traffic lane as it began to right itself.

Motorcycle Accident Attorney Serving Pittsburgh

Motorcycle accident cases can be complex because there are many factors at work that could have resulted in a serious crash. When it comes to loss of life in such a case then it is even more important that you have a skilled personal injury attorney working for you. Contact our dedicated team at the law offices of Balzarini & Watson to discuss your case. We may be able to ensure your rights and best interests are protected after you or a loved one suffers a serious injury accident.