Teen Motorcyclist Killed by Impaired Driver

A Goshen woman is facing charges after causing a crash resulting in the death of a 17-year old motorcyclist. The crash occurred at the intersection of State Road 15 and County Road 26 on Tuesday afternoon. According to investigators, the woman exiting a private driveway in a Ford Mustang failed to yield to the oncoming Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle. In the collision, the teen was ejected from the motorcycle and died from her injuries at the scene.

Authorities said the Mustang driver was uninjured and was operating under the influence of marijuana at the time of the collision. She was arrested and transported to Elkhart County Jail on charges of operating while intoxicated, causing death under the influence of cannabis. She is being held without bail.

Operating a vehicle under the influence of marijuana is a serious offense in Indiana. Under state law, it is unlawful for any individual to drive with THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, in their system. A first-time offense can result in fines, imprisonment, and possible license suspension.

Charges escalate to a felony with more severe penalties in OUI accidents resulting in bodily injury or death, including longer imprisonment and substantial fines. Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties.

Additionally, failing to yield to oncoming traffic at an intersection is also considered a significant traffic violation in Indiana with potentially severe consequences. Drivers are required to give the right-of-way to vehicles already in an intersection or those approaching closely enough to pose a collision risk.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, Wilson & Kinsman, LLC can help. Call 574-522-1900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, we serve clients in St. Joseph County and throughout the state.

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Went out of their way to help me with my case

Tom Wilson and his team went out of their way to help me with my case. I had different attorneys throughout the 4.5 years, Tom and the team picked up and finished my case at awesome time. Thank you Tom and your team are very awesome!!!!!

L.S.

5 stars from start to finish

5 Stars from start to finish – Tom is real and knew exactly what to do to navigate through the obstacles and achieve the best outcome in my case. He got it done, well-done, but more importantly, time and again, Tom and his team demonstrated that they possessed the empathy, foresight, professionalism, and organizational capability to make the difference I needed as they managed my case to a successful conclusion. The team at Wilson Law were attentive and supportive, the terms were fair and affordable, the relationship was forthcoming and they enabled me to confidently understand and manage my own role in my own case.

M.L.

Honest and professional

I was charged with an OWI in Elkhart County and Eric was my first call. He was very helpful and personable throughout the entire process. I certainly appreciated his honesty and professionalism. Eric is definitely well experienced in handling these matters. Thanks to his help and guidance, we were able to have all of our necessary steps done before going to court that helped to retain driving privileges. The judge even remarked at how well the case had been managed during the hearing. With Eric’s help, I was able to obtain specialized driving privileges very promptly. I am still able to tend to my life’s responsibilities and my work. I would highly recommend Eric to anyone else needing help with OWI/DUI charges.

anonymous

A man of utmost integrity

Tom is very kind and personable. He is a great attorney to work for and work with. He is a man of the utmost integrity and is forthright in his practice. I would confidently recommend his legal services to any person I cared about.

Kayla Christofeno

Eternally grateful to Eric Kinsman and his staff

Eric Kinsman is a kind, professional, and compassionate lawyer who saved our lives when we were falsely accused. We were terrified, confused, and stunned by the situation and he gave us guidance and help in the most stressful moment in our lives. He knows how to break down the game plan in easy to understand language so you know what is going to happen and you don’t feel disconnected or unsure of what is happening. He is very talented and knowledgeable and knows how to work with the prosecutor and really help his clients through the whole process. You’re not a number in Eric’s office – you’re a person and his staff treats you that way too. I will be eternally grateful to Eric Kinsman and his staff and their kindness and compassion.

L.M.

Fought my case relentlessly

This law firm fought my case relentlessly for two years to get the settlement that I was seeking.

C.A.

Incredibly thankful

I would like to first give thanks to Eric Kinsman for all he has done for me. I got a criminal mischief charge and was facing a year in jail, this is because I have a past that didn’t look good on me. The prosecutor was determined to get me jail time which gave me high stress, it’s been a long 6 months. What Eric did behind the scenes was incredible not only did he keep me informed on everything the whole time dealing with this case, he also managed to talk the prosecutor into giving me good behavior for a year. I didn’t think there was a chance in the world to make this happen but with the great knowledge he carries he seen things most would have not in this case. He was determined to keep me out of jail and off papers. I’m incredibly thankful to have chosen him as my attorney in this case.

N.W.