Florida has great weather for traveling by motorcycle, but a bike’s design, size and weight can mean serious injuries when it is involved in an accident.
Two people, both from Apollo Beach, Florida, in the Tampa area, sustained serious injuries when their motorcycle collided with a car near the Florida State Fairgrounds on U.S. 301. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the 54-year-old male motorcyclist was northbound approaching Elm Fair Boulevard with a 28-year-old female passenger. The 29-year-old driver of a southbound car turned left in front of the motorcycle, which collided with the vehicle’s passenger side.
Both the motorcyclist and his passenger were thrown from the bike, and responders transported them to Tampa General Hospital. The woman is in a stable condition, and the motorcyclist is listed in serious condition. The FHP stated that charges are pending.
Motorcycles are considerably lighter than other motor vehicles, and they do not offer a lot of protection to riders, who are vulnerable to serious injuries in an accident. Motorcycle accident injuries can range from minor to catastrophic, and they can have a substantial financial and emotional impact on the victim and the victim’s family.
One of the best ways to avoid an accident is to follow the rules of the road and to stay focused on driving. Sharing the road is also important. Driving through an intersection requires a driver to look for traffic. In this case, who was at fault is unclear, but who suffered the most is evident.
The victim of a motorcycle accident may claim compensation from a negligent driver. In so doing, the victim would be wise to speak with a legal professional who can help establish the driver’s liability and press a successful claim for the proper amount of compensation.
Source: The Tampa Tribune, “Apollo Beach Pair Hospitalized After Motorcycle Crash,” Dec. 12, 2013
