The Charges and Plea
In Branch County, Jacob Daniel Ward, a 28-year-old Coldwater resident, recently entered a no contest plea after a grievous incident. Two years prior, under the influence of drugs, Ward struck a bicyclist, resulting in tragic consequences. Ward faced the courtroom on March 20. The charges included operating while intoxicated causing death, which is a serious felony. Although several minor charges were dismissed, the plea agreement he secured with the prosecutor’s office means Ward could face 2-15 years in prison.
The Incident in Detail
On the fateful day, Ward confessed to the Michigan State Police troopers that he had consumed methamphetamine and marijuana before driving. While on South Angola Road, he collided with Era Denna Hall, a 25-year-old bicyclist also heading in the same direction. However, incidents like these aren’t isolated, with tragic accidents like when a semi-truck exploded pointing to the unpredictable nature of road accidents. The circumstances leading up to the accident were further complicated by findings that Hall had a blood alcohol level of .21, nearly thrice the legal limit, though this was ruled irrelevant for the defense during the trial. Disturbingly, Ward’s cellphone data indicated he was browsing for radio-controlled toy cars moments before the collision.
Investigations and the Law
MSP’s accident reconstructions led by expert Sgt. Brandon Davis painted a clear picture of the event. The findings showed Hall was positioned in the center of the lane when Ward’s truck rammed into her bicycle. “The alignment of the damages made to the bicycle and the truck’s front bumper fit like puzzle pieces,” Davis observed in his report. Importantly, Michigan Truck Accident Attorneys remind citizens that Michigan’s laws underwent a significant change just 12 days before the accident, granting bicyclists equal right-of-way as other vehicles. This change was spurred by a calamitous event in Kalamazoo in 2016, where five bicyclists tragically lost their lives.
The Vital Role of Attorneys
Amidst such complexities, the assistance of knowledgeable Attorneys becomes paramount. Coldwater Michigan Truck Accident Attorneys not only navigate the intricate legal systems for their clients but also ensure that justice is served. As incidents increase on the roads, having a specialized Truck Accident Attorney can make all the difference in understanding rights, responsibilities, and potential outcomes.
