Dion Schaffer Killed in St. Louis County Motorcycle Accident
The 60-year-old motorcyclist collided with a pickup truck making a left turn at Lemay Ferry Road and Telegraph Road
Dion Schaffer, 60, of St. Louis County, was killed in a motorcycle crash Saturday near the corner of Lemay Ferry Road and Telegraph Road, according to the St. Louis County Police Department.
Schaffer was traveling northbound on Lemay Ferry Road collided with a pickup truck that was making a left turn onto Telegraph Road from the southbound lanes. The driver of the truck remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.
Schaffer was taken to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities responded to the crash just after 6 p.m. to begin their inquiry. The crash remains under investigation.
The sudden loss of a loved one leaves families searching for answers, especially when a rider is struck by a turning vehicle. Securing independent legal guidance is a beneficial step for the estate while police investigate the sequence of events on Lemay Ferry Road.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Left-turn collisions at intersections consistently rank among the deadliest scenarios motorcyclists encounter, and when a rider is killed by a turning vehicle, the families left behind are immediately confronted with grief, financial pressure, and unanswered questions about what happened."
"Legal counsel acts quickly to preserve evidence and protect the family's interests," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
Why are left-turn crashes so deadly for motorcyclists?
Left-turn collisions frequently occur when drivers fail to accurately judge the speed or distance of an approaching motorcycle. Investigators will examine the truck driver's sightlines, potential distractions, and intersection signal timing.
"Drivers frequently misjudge the speed and closing distance of oncoming motorcycles, creating deadly gaps in judgment that leave riders with no time to react," noted Stefano Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News and of counsel at Bond Legal.
"Experienced legal counsel examines vehicle data, roadway geometry, and witness accounts to reconstruct exactly how a collision unfolded."
Missouri wrongful death statute
Under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.080, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Missouri applies pure comparative fault. The statute of limitations is 3 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and aggravating circumstances damages.