Investigators say the school bus driver was traveling westbound in the left lane of Old Winter Garden Road at the intersection with Good Homes Road when he pulled into the intersection while the traffic signal was red. At that moment, the 52-year-old driver of a Kia passenger car was headed southbound in the left turn lane of Good Homes Road and entered the intersection on a green light. As he entered the intersection, his car was struck on the driver’s side by the school bus. The accident sent both drivers to Orlando Regional Medical Center for treatment. The driver of the bus is listed in serious condition, and the driver of the Kia is listed in critical condition after emergency responders had to use hydraulic equipment to extricate him from the wreckage of his car. The Florida Highway Patrol’s investigation is ongoing, but a spokesperson said they expect to file charges against the school bus driver.

Fortunately, there were no schoolchildren aboard the bus when the accident occurred. However, Orlando auto accident attorney James O. Cunningham remains very concerned about the critically injured driver of the Kia. A small car weighing less than three thousand pounds is no match for a school bus weighing tens of thousands, and if FHP troopers determine that the school bus driver was negligent, he can be liable for damages.

It’s no secret that the Orlando metropolitan area is one of the most dangerous in the state for auto accidents, but people injured by negligent drivers do have a strong advocate in their corner. Orlando personal injury lawyer James O. Cunningham has been helping injured people since 1977 and has a proven record of success helping them receive the compensation they deserve. If you or someone in your family has been injured in an accident and you want to speak with an attorney, call Mr. Cunningham today at 888-425-2004 or 407-425-2000 to schedule a free consultation.

Emergency response personnel say that the victim was eastbound on Indiantown Road about 6:20 a.m. when a 53-year-old pickup truck driver pulled his truck out of the Sierra Square Shopping Center and drove into the path of the oncoming motorcycle.

Lt. Frith said, “For years, this guy [the driver of the pickup] has had a routine—he works at Pratt Whitney and stops there for a cup of coffee.” However, when the driver pulled out of the parking lot this time, he looked through the motorcycle and pulled right out in front of him,” he said.

Having no time to react, the motorcycle rider hit the door of the truck.

Lt. Frith also said, “For some reason, especially when the motorcycles are close, people look over them and through them. We suggest riders wear a reflective vest…or something.”

Only California and Texas have more deaths caused by motorcycle accidents each year than Florida. Although the victim killed in the motorcycle accident was wearing a helmet, the State of Florida does not require motorcycle riders over the age of 20 to wear a helmet while riding. Florida’s agreeable climate for motorcycle riding coupled with higher gas prices has inspired more people to save money by riding a motorcycle. However, the rising number of riders means more motorcyclists will be injured and killed by negligent drivers.

If a motorcyclist is injured or killed due to the negligence of another motorcyclist or driver, he or she may be able to recover financial compensation from the negligent party or the negligent party’s insurance carrier to pay medical bills, reimburse lost wages and for pain and suffering. Orlando motorcycle accident attorney James Cunningham has been helping accident victims receive just compensation since 1977. If you or someone you care for has been injured or killed in a Central Florida motorcycle accident, call The Law Offices of James O. Cunningham to schedule a free consultation.