According to local reports motorcyclist Joseph Ringstaff was killed and passenger Michelle Rhoads was injured in a one-vehicle accident near Channelview Texas. Police report the accident occurred around 3:30 a.m. Sunday July 31 when Ringstaff failed to stay in one lane on a curve in the 16600 block of Market. His motorcycle went through a grassy area and a ditch ultimately slamming into a culvert. Ringstaff and Rhoads were taken to East Houston Regional Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Her condition is currently unknown.
Site of the Accident
View Larger Map
Commentary
Details have not been published in this accident but I have a hunch speed or some level of intoxication played a part in this incident especially given the time the accident occurred. While I do not want to speculate an independent investigation is needed to determine how this tragedy happened. If indeed recklessness on behalf of the driver is the fault the passenger could have a personal injury claim against the estate of the driver. Driving recklessly usurps the natural order of safety on the roadways and puts everyone in danger including your own passengers as evidenced here. What happened is a terrible thing but the passenger should not have to struggle with medical debts loss of income debts and pain and suffering debts (to name a few) at the expense of the driver.
Houston Personal Injury Attorney Michael Grossman
*We appreciate your feedback and welcome anyone to comment on our blog entries, however all visitor blog comments must be approved by the site moderator prior to showing live on the site. By submitting a blog comment you acknowledge that your post may appear live on the site for any visitors to see, pending moderator approval. The operators of this site are not responsible for the accuracy or content of the comments made by site visitors. By submitting a comment, blog post, or email to this site you acknowledge that you may receive a response with regard to your questions or concerns. If you contact Grossman Law Offices using this online form, your message will not create an attorney-client relationship and will not necessarily be treated as privileged or confidential! You should not send sensitive or confidential information via the Internet. Since the Internet is not necessarily a secure environment, it is not possible to ensure that your message sent via the Internet might be kept secure and confidential. When you fill out a contact or comment form, send us an email directly, initiate a chat session or call us, you acknowledge we may use your contact information to communicate with you in the future for marketing purposes, but such marketing will always be done consistent with the advertising ethics rules established by the State Bar of Texas and you will have the option to opt out of future communications.
