South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

On Friday, a former resident of Live Oak, Florida was arrested in connection with a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred last spring. According to reports from the Florida Highway Patrol, the 47-year-old man was driving his motorcycle when it veered off the road and overturned.

The man's passenger, a 40-year-old woman also of Live Oak, died the following day. The cyclist, who was also hospitalized with critical injuries, has been charged with driving with a suspended license resulting in death or serious injury. Prison records show he is also charged with having no driver's license for a motorcycle.

Motorcycle accidents can be especially dangerous, because the rider does not have the protection of a car or bus around them. Serious injuries, such as broken bones, internal bleeding, or head trauma, can result, particularly if the rider is not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Source: Arrest made in fatal motorcycle crash, Sewanee Democrat, January 18, 2010

Continue reading "Former Florida Resident Arrested in Motorcycle Accident " »

Posted by David J. Halberg, Esq. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Motorcycle Accidents

Bookmark:

The widower of a woman who died in a 2007 motorcycle crash has filed a wrongful death suit against the owner of the motorcycle, claiming the owner was aware that he had not properly maintained the Harley Davidson.

The surviving spouse has sued the motorcycle's owner, a Palm Beach County resident, and seeks at least $15,000 in damages. The lawsuit claims the owner failed to maintain the motorcycle's brake and rear turning lights, preventing the truck driver from seeing the couple right before impact.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the woman was killed after the motorcycle she was riding in was hit by a pick-up truck in a hit-and-run accident. The woman was ejected from the motorcycle and left by the side of the road.

Source: Wrongful death suit filed in 2007 crash, WPTV.com, December 29, 2009

Continue reading "Palm Beach County Resident Sued in Wrongful Death Case" »

Posted by David J. Halberg, Esq. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Motorcycle Accidents , Wrongful Death

Bookmark:

This past weekend, two Floridians were killed in separate motorcycle accidents on Florida roads.

On Saturday, a single motorcycle accident in Okaloose County took the life of a 55-year-old Pensacola man who lost control of his Honda motorcycle. The cyclist was handling a curve his bike went onto the north shoulder of Old Bethel Road nad hit a concrete culvert. He was thrown from the motorcycle and was taken to Northa Okaloose Medical Center. The Florida Highway Patrol said the motorcycle accident victim was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Also on Saturday, in an unrelated motorcycle crash, another motorcyclist was killed after a car collided with his bke on State Road 292. The driver of the car was charged with DUI manslaughter in connection with the deadly accident and was being held without bond at Escambia County Jail. The motorcyclist was thrown from his bike and the FHP said he was also wearing a helmet.

Two Pensacolians die in motorcycle wrecks, PNJ.com, November 16, 2009

Continue reading "Motorcycle Crashes Kills Two Florida Cyclists" »

Posted by David J. Halberg, Esq. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Motorcycle Accidents

Bookmark:

Last Thursday, a woman was killed and a man seriously injured after a hit-and-run vehicle hit their motorcycle. Traffic homicide investigators say the suspected vehicle is a silver GMC SUV. Part of the left front bumper and front left headlight is broken.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver of the SUV dragged the 50-year-old woman's body for over a quarter of a mile while fleeing the motorcycle accident. A report by the FHP says the driver was swerving and trying to dislodge the body from the vehicle, but the driver never made an attempt to stop.

Dunkin R. Jackson, who was driving the Yamaha motorcycle, was thrown into the center lane. The 53-year-old Clermont man was seriously injured.

Hit-and-run claims life of motorcycle passenger, Orlando Sentinel, August 28, 2009

Continue reading "Motorcycle Passenger Dies in Florida Hit-And-Run " »

Posted by David J. Halberg, Esq. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Motorcycle Accidents

Bookmark:

On Thursday evening, a motorcycle rider was rushed to the hospital with a head injury following a motorcycle accident in Florida. The 21-year-old motorcycle accident victim rear-ended a van owned by the Okaloosa County Water and Sewer Department.

The motorcycle crash occurred just after 5pm during the evening rush hour, and the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet. None of the people in the county van sustained injuries.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol trooper, traffic was backed up from the signal at State Road 85 to Poquito Road at the time of the accident. The rider was alert and talking when he was transported to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center.

Man injured in rush hour motorcycle wreck, NFDailyNews.com, August 20, 2009

Continue reading "Florida Motorcycle Crash Injures Man" »

Posted by David J. Halberg, Esq. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Motorcycle Accidents

Bookmark:

In Ormond Beach, six motorcycle officers who were escorting relatives of a motorcycle crash victim to the funeral got into an accident of their own when the lead rider reportedly slowed down and the other riders did not, resulting in a chain-reaction collision. According to authorities, two officers were hurt but their injuries were not serious. The impact on the motorcycles was minor.

The motorcycle accident occurred last Tuesday in conjunction with Bruce Rossmeyer's funeral. Rossmeyer, 66, died in a motorcycle crash in Wyoming the previous week during an annual trip with friends. He was the owner of 15 Harley-Davidson dealerships, many of them in Florida.

Rossmeyer's family issued a statement on July 31 thanking the community for its outpouring of support in the wake of the motorcycle mogul's death.

6 motorcycle officers crash in funeral procession, Miami Herald, August 5, 2009

Motorcycle mogul's family thanks community, BizJournals.com, August 3, 2009

Continue reading "Two Officers Injured in Funeral Procession for Motorycle Mogul" »

Posted by David J. Halberg, Esq. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Motorcycle Accidents

Bookmark:

On Saturday evening, a motorcycle accident on Bayside Bridge in Clearwater, Florida injured five people. The motorcycle crash occurred around 11pm and involved four motorcycles. A report released by the Florida Highway Patrol states that the motorcycles were traveling south on Bayside Bridge when one of the motorcycles started to brake and caused the other cyclists to collide because they could not stop in time.

Four drivers and one passenger were thrown from their vehicles and slid several hundred feet across the bridge. Two of the bikers were seriously injured. All of the motorcycle accident victims were transported to Bayfront Medical Center for treatment. Authorities are investigating the crash and charges are pending.

Accidents involving motorcycles, cars, trucks, SUVS, and other vehicles can have life-altering effects for those involved. Injuries can include paralysis, burns, broken or crushed bones, head injuries, and even death.

Motorcycles crash on Bayside Bridge, MyFoxTampaBay.com, June 21, 2009

5 people injuried in motorcycle accident, ABCActionNews.com, June 21, 2009

Continue reading "Florida Motorcycle Accident Injures Five" »

Posted by David J. Halberg, Esq. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Motorcycle Accidents

Bookmark:

On Friday evening, a motorcycle accident killed a 54-year-old man who was traveling in the inside lane of Interstate 95 South. According to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol, the man's 2009 Honda Gold Wing suddenly veered into the outside lane and hit a concrete barrier wall.

The motorcycle accident occurred near Jacksonville's Emerson Street at 6:39pm. The accident victim, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, was taken to Shands Jacksonville Medical center and was later pronounced dead.

Highway Patrol Troopers say the accident is still under investigation to determine if alcohol was a factor. The motorcycle crash reportedly caused $11,000 in damage to the motorcycle.

Gastonia man dies in Florida motorcycle crash, GastonGazette.com, June 13, 2009

Motorcyclist Killed After Collision with Wall on I-95FirstCoastNews.com, June 13, 2009

Continue reading "On Florida's I-95, Motorcycle Crash Kills Man" »

Posted by David J. Halberg, Esq. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Motorcycle Accidents

Bookmark:

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a Micanopy man, 42, died in a motorcycle crash on Saturday night after he turned his cycle in front of an oncoming vehicle.

Mark D. Wiggins was riding east on Silver Lake Drive as Lisa M. Mason, 36, of Palatka was traveling west on Silver Lake drive. Both were driving Suzuki motorcycles. As they approached the intersection, Wiggins pulled into Mason's path because he did not see her turn left. The two motorcycles collided and the riders were taken to Putnam Medical Center, where Wiggins later died. Mason survived the motorcycle accident with minor injuries.

The Florida Highway Patrol said both drivers had alcohol in their system and charges in the crash are pending.

Micanopy man killed in crash on motorcycle, Gainesville Sun, May 18, 2009

Motorcycle crash claims man, St. Auguestine Record, May 18, 2009

Continue reading "Florida Man Killed in Motorcycle Accident " »

Posted by David J. Halberg, Esq. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Motorcycle Accidents

Bookmark:

Earlier today, a motorcyclist ran into a city of Delray Beach utility truck on Linton Boulevard near August Circle. Police say the cyclist is in critical condition after the collision sent him flying. The name of the injured cyclist has not been released, but he was wearing a helmet and is being treated for injuries at Delray Medical Center.

Police say they are investigating how the motorcycle accident occurred.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 76,000 motorcyclists were injured in traffic accidents in 2004. Another 4,008 motorcyclists died on the road, which represents an 8% increase over 2003 statistics. A serious accident can have life-changing results for those involved, including head injuries, broken bones, and even death.

Motorcyclist in intensive care after crash in Delray Beach, South Florida Sun Sentinel, April 29, 2009

Traffic Safety Facts, 2004 Data (PDF)

Continue reading "Delray Beach Motorcycle Crash Injures Cyclist " »

Posted by David J. Halberg, Esq. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Motorcycle Accidents

Bookmark:

On Sunday, a Tampa motorcycle accident left one man dead and critically injured his wife, who was riding on the back of the cycle. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, neither one was wearing a helmet.

Troopers said Gregory L. Lewis, 55, was driving a Harley-Davidson northbound on Interstate 275 when he veered across multiple lanes and hit a concrete wall. The impact of the motorcycle crash sent Lewis and his passenger, 52-year-old Bonnie Lewis, over the wall. They landed on the grassy shoulder below.

Gregory Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Emergency medical responders took Bonnie Lewis to St. Joseph's Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition as of Monday.

One dead, another critically injured after I-275 motorcycle accident, TampaBay.com, April 13, 2009

Motorcycle Accident Claims Life Of Mansfield Man, WMFD.com, April 13, 2009

Continue reading "Florida Motorcycle Accident Kills Man, Injures His Wife" »

Posted by David J. Halberg, Esq. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Motorcycle Accidents

Bookmark:

In Florida, 24-year-old Miramar resident Errol Michael Etosha Dodd died on Sunday when he lost control of his motorcycle on I-95 and fell down 60 feet onto the riverbank. The deadly Florida motorcycle accident happened around 3:30 in the morning as Dodd was making his way from I-95s to the New River bridge. He was riding toward the bridge overpass when he struck an SUV that he was trying to pass. Dodd’s motorcycle then hit the concrete barrier before plunging off the road.

This is not the first time that someone has died on or close to one of the many ramps on I-95. In April, a 30-year-old man jumped over the low-lying barrier to relieve himself and fell. In February, three men died when their car fell onto the riverbank after vaulting the exit ramp.

The Florida Department of Transportation Is taking a new look at the ramp design. They are also taking steps to improve the signs and lighting. A 4-foot chain link fence will be installed onto the I-95's barrier walls close to the New River overpass.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 5,154 motorcycle deaths in 2007, which is the highest number of motorcycle accidents to occur within a year since the NHTSA began collecting crash statistics 28 years ago. This means that of the 41,059 motor vehicle deaths that occurred in 2007, motorcycle fatalities made up 13% of the overall total. The NHTSA also reported a significant increase in motorcycle injuries from 88,000 in 2006 to 103,000 in 2007.

While some motorcycle crashes happen because of a motorcyclist’s negligence, there are many catastrophic accidents that occur because another motorist was negligent, there was an unsafe condition on the road, or the motorcycle was defective.

While Florida’s PIP (personal injury protection) provides drivers some coverage when they are injured in motor vehicle accidents regardless of who was at fault, this coverage does not extend to motorcyclists.

Motorcyclist's 60-foot plunge renews calls for safety at I-95 ramp, Sun-Sentinel.com, August 25, 2008

Related Web Resources

Florida Department Transportation

Bodily Injury Locations in Fatally Injured Motorcycle Riders (PDF)

Continue reading "Florida Motorcyclist’s Fatal Fall Off I-95 Renews Calls for Better Safety Measures" »

Posted by David J. Halberg, Esq. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Motor Vehicle Accidents , Motorcycle Accidents

Bookmark:

In Pembrooke Pines, police have identified the motorcyclist that died after he was struck by a car in a Florida traffic accident. Miami resident Ricardo F. DeCastro died on Wednesday when the motorcycle he was riding was rear ended by a Honda Civic driven by Miami Gardens resident Larry Beltran.

Police report that Beltran was following too closely behind DeCastro, which led him to crash into the motorcycle. DeCastro was thrown from the motorcycle and then struck by Beltran, before he was able to stop his car. An investigation is ongoing and no criminal charges have been filed.

If you or someone you love was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash that you believe was caused by another party’s negligence, a good Florida motorcycle crash attorney can help you file a claim or lawsuit against the liable party or parties.

2006 Motorcycle Accidents Facts

• About 104,000 motorcycles were involved in traffic crashes.

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 4,810 motorcycle deaths.

• These deaths comprised 11% of all traffic deaths that year.

• 88,000 motorcyclists were injured.

Our Florida motorcycle crash law firm has law offices in Miami, Port St. Lucie, and West Palm Beach. Our personal injury and wrongful death lawyers work with experienced accident reconstructionists and medical experts to prove our clients’ cases so that they can receive the maximum recovery for their injuries and losses.

Motorcyclist killed in Pembroke Pines identified as Miami man, Sun-Sentinel.com, July 24, 2008

Florida State Motorcycle Laws, American Motorcyclist

The Hurt Report

Continue reading "Florida Police Identify Motorcyclist Killed in Rear-End Collision " »

Posted by David J. Halberg, Esq. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Motorcycle Accidents

Bookmark:

The wife of Timothy Powers, the 49-year-old Vero Beach motorcyclist who was killed in a crash with a tractor-trailer on US 1 on January 24 is suing the trucker and the driver’s truck company for wrongful death.

The Florida Highway Patrol says Powers could not see the truck due to the heavy morning fog. He tried safely laying down his motorcycle but was thrown off as the truck struck him as it tried to make a U-turn. Powers died at the truck accident scene.

In her lawsuit, Jennifer Powers is accusing truck driver Felix Villa of negligence. She also alleges that Torres Trucking & Tree Hauling Corp was vicariously liable for her husband’s death.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 5,212 truck accident fatalities in 2005—a large truck being defined as a truck with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 lbs.

18-wheeler trucks, tractor-trailers, big rig trucks, large delivery trucks, and other large trucks can be a serious injury hazard to motorcyclists, the drivers and passengers of other cars, pedestrians, and bicyclists if a truck driver is negligent on the road and causes a traffic accident. Trucking companies are prepared to deal with these injury cases, and many of them will act fast to minimize liability on their part.

Our South Florida truck accident law firm is knowledgeable about dealing with large truck companies, their representatives, and their insurance companies, and we will protect your right to financial recovery.

We know how to investigate the truck crash scene and the vehicles involved to prove liability, and we will zealously pursue your compensation for you.

Vero Beach widow files lawsuit against truck driver, TC Palm.com, July 1, 2008

Large Truck Fatal Crash Statistics, 1975-2005, FMCSA.dot.gov

Related Web Resource:

Truck Safety Coalition

Continue reading "Florida Motorcyclist’s Widow Sues Tractor-Trailer Driver and Trucking Company for Wrongful Death" »

Posted by David J. Halberg, Esq. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Motorcycle Accidents , Truck Accidents , Wrongful Death

Bookmark:

In St. Lucie County, the female passenger who was ejected from a motorcycle during a motor vehicle crash on Friday has died from her injuries. Elizabeth Williams, a 40-year-old Vero Beach resident, and driver Nicholson Pierre were riding a motorcycle on US 1 when a jeep, driven by Charles Curtis, pulled in front of them.

The motorcycle hit the Jeep’s front bumper, and Williams and Curtis were both thrown from the motorcycle. Pierre was also treated for injuries. He has been charged with failing to yield.

According to the Insurance Information Institute’s Web Site:

• There were 4,810 motorcycle fatalities in 2006.
• Approximately 104,000 motorcyclists were involved in motor vehicle collisions during the same year.
• Motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash than the passengers of other motor vehicles.

Motorcycle injuries are usually catastrophic injuries and can include traumatic brain injuries, severed limbs, spinal cord injuries, neck injuries, helmet injuries, paralysis, coma, severed limbs, and wrongful death.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Driver inexperience
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Failure to yield
• Driver inattention

In South Florida, our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you file a claim for personal injury compensation from a negligent motorist or the manufacturer of a defective motorcycle. We will work with accident reconstructionists and medical experts to get you the maximum recovery. If we are unable to negotiate a settlement, we will file a Florida motorcycle crash lawsuit and go to court.

Vero Beach woman dies from accident injuries, TCPalm.com, June 11, 2008

Motorcycle Crashes, III.org

Related Web Resource:

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Continue reading "Vero Beach Motorcycle Passenger Dies in Florida Motor Vehicle Crash" »

Posted by David J. Halberg, Esq. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Motorcycle Accidents , Wrongful Death

Bookmark:

In Florida, the wife and children of Tampa Master Patrol Officer Victor Guerrero say they plan on suing Pasco County for his wrongful death. The 20-year police veteran died on May 1 when his motorcycle was struck by a government Ford F-150 pickup. The truck reportedly crashed into the motorcycle while turning left in front of it on US 41. Guerrero was thrown across the lane and onto the shoulder of the road.

The family reportedly plans to sue the county for $200,000 in damages. This is the maximum allowed under Florida law related to civil lawsuits against governments. Guerrero's family intends to ask the Florida Legislature to pass a claims bill that will let them receive damages above this financial cap.

The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation of the crash. The motor vehicle driver, county employee Daniel Whipple, says he did not see Guerrero's motorcycle.

Motorcycle Accidents
If you or someone you love was seriously injured in a Florida motorcycle crash, one of our South Florida motorcycle collision lawyers can discuss your injury case during a free consultation.

The state of Florida does not require motorcyclists to wear helmets. This makes it even more important for motorists to take extra care when sharing the roads with motorcyclists.There were 521 motorcycle deaths in Florida in 2006. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that 4,810 motorcyclists died across the United States during the same year.

Motorcycle riders are prone to serious injuries when they are involved in motor vehicle accidents. They don’t have anything—except for protective gear—to protect them from the force of a crash or being thrown from their motorcycle onto the road. Motorcycle collision injuries can include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, severe burn injuries, and permanent disfigurement.

Our South Florida motorcycle crash lawyers can help you file a claim or lawsuit for financial recovery against the negligent party. We have law offices conveniently located in Miami and West Palm Beach and we work with clients throughout Florida.

Officer's Family To Sue County Over Fatal Crash, The Tampa Tribune, May 19, 2008

The Florida Wrongful Death Statute

Related Web Resources:

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, Motorcycle-USA.com, May 5, 2008

Motorcycle Safety, NHTSA

Continue reading "Florida Family of Tampa Police Officer To File Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Pasco County Following Deadly Motor Vehicle Accident" »

Posted by David J. Halberg, Esq. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Motorcycle Accidents , Wrongful Death

Bookmark: