The accident happened at around 12:10 p.m. on State Route 681 near milepost 4.
The crash involved two individuals and was described in a news release as a one-vehicle incident. According to the release, the driver, Lonnie Nelson, age 65 of Nelsonville, was headed west on SR-681 when he lost control of his 2016 Indian Chief motorcycle. The bike overturned and slid down the embankment. Both occupants were ejected from the bike before it left the roadway.
Nelson was taken to St. Marys Regional Hospital where he was later pronounced dead by the West Virginia Medical Examiner’s office.
His passenger, 48-year-old Loretta Richards of Glouster, was airlifted to St. Marys Regional Hospital for treatment.
The accident remains under investigation by OSHP.
MOTORCYCLE CRASH INVESTIGATION
This accident underscores the dangers that motorcyclists face on our roadways each day. According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration National Center for Statistics and Analysis, there were 5,636 motorcycle fatalities in 2021 — the highest number ever recorded.
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. “Your lawyer has the resources to hire expert witnesses, conduct driver background checks, locate witnesses to the crash and review applicable insurance coverage. 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.”
PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM
Pending an investigation, Loretta Richards may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Stefano Formica, of counsel, at Bond Legal, noted that stress from an injury is overwhelming. It disrupts all aspects of life, including family, work, finances, and overall quality of life.
“It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company for a client,” Formica said.
“Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their clients to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
