Drunk Driver Arrested After Striking Motorcyclist on W Main Rd in Portsmouth, MA

Portsmouth, MA (June 20, 2026) – A motorcyclist was seriously hurt on Thursday afternoon, June 18, after a driver suspected of DUI struck the rider at the intersection of West Main Road and Stringham Road in Portsmouth. 

The motorcyclist was turning left onto West Main Road to head northbound from Stringham Road when a southbound vehicle operated by Lesslie McDowell, 38, of Johnston, struck the motorcycle. The rider was transported by the Portsmouth Fire Department to Rhode Island Hospital with serious injuries.

McDowell was arrested on suspicion of DUI following the crash. The Portsmouth Police Department's Detective Division and Accident Reconstruction Team responded to investigate. 

We hope the motorcyclist receives the best possible care and makes as full a recovery as possible.

Can a Motorcyclist Sue a Drunk Driver After a Crash in Portsmouth, MA?

Yes, a motorcyclist hurt by a driver suspected of DUI in Portsmouth can pursue a civil personal injury claim, and that process can move forward independently of any criminal case against the driver. 

A criminal DUI charge focuses on whether the driver violated the law and may lead to penalties such as fines, probation, or license suspension. At the same time, a separate civil claim allows an injured motorcyclist to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other losses related to the collision. Because these are separate legal processes, the rider does not have to wait for the criminal case to be resolved before exploring potential civil options.

As the criminal investigation moves forward, evidence collected by law enforcement may also become important in the civil case. Field sobriety tests, breath or blood test results, officer observations, and other investigative findings can help establish whether impairment contributed to the crash. This evidence may provide valuable support when determining liability and assessing damages.

In addition to evidence related to impairment, investigators may conduct a detailed examination of how the collision occurred. When an accident reconstruction is performed, factors such as vehicle speeds, positions, braking patterns, and the sequence of events leading up to the crash can be analyzed. These findings can help create a clearer picture of responsibility and may strengthen a civil claim as additional information becomes available.

Meanwhile, the injured rider is often focused on recovery. Motorcyclists frequently suffer more extensive injuries than occupants of passenger vehicles because they have far less physical protection during a collision. Head injuries, fractures, road rash, internal injuries, and other forms of trauma can require lengthy medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work.

Given these challenges, it is important to evaluate the full impact of the crash before resolving any claim. A motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help identify all available insurance coverage, track developments in the criminal investigation, gather supporting evidence, and ensure that any potential settlement reflects the complete scope of the rider's current and future losses.

If you have questions about your situation, Attorney Christopher Fiorentino of Fiorentino Legal, P.C., can provide support after a motorcycle crash. You can contact him at (617) 990-2568 to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options moving forward.

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Fiorentino Legal, P.C. has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Fiorentino Legal, P.C. so we can promptly review and update the content.


Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fiorentino Legal, P.C. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.