Family of P.E.I. man killed in motorcycle crash settles suit against province for $1.35M
Crash happened in August of 2020, with the settlement reached in February of this year
A Prince Edward Island family has reached a settlement for $1.35 million in its lawsuit against the province after a fatal crash five years ago.
According to court documents, Ryan Mullally was driving his motorcycle on the Trans-Canada between the Maypoint and Milky Way roundabouts after 11 p.m. on Aug. 15, 2020, when he hit a government truck.
The provincial vehicle was there to cleanup a downed light pole, and had either slowed down or stopped in the left lane.
The 33-year-old Kingston man rear-ended the back of the vehicle and died of his injuries.
The family's lawyer claimed the government vehicle — a 2012 Dodge Ram — had its LED flashing light bar obstructed by tools. They also argued the vehicle had "insufficient" or "worn out" reflective tape and had no sign board or warning signals on.
Lawyers defending the province argued in turn that Mullally was not keeping a proper lookout, had not maintained his motorcycle properly, and was driving too fast.
Mullally and his wife had four children together, one of whom died in December of 2024 at the age of 14. The family's initial claim was for around $4.5 million.
In February of this year, after years of revisiting offers and exchanges with the defence, the family settled for $1.35 million. After legal fees, probate and funeral costs, the family will receive $935,289.
Because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Mullally's visitation and funeral were private.
However, a week after Mullally died, there was a motorcycle ride in his honour that brought out roughly 150 bikes to the North River area to support the family through donations and honour his memory.