Talking and Texting While Driving

An Orange County motorcycle accident has killed one rider and seriously injured another, according to accident investigators with the Florida Highway Patrol. FHP officials say that the accident occurred on State Road 520 at Beachline around 11:00 a.m. on September 3. They say a motorcycle carrying two riders was being pulled over by an Orange County Sherriff’s Deputy for speeding when it was struck from behind by a pickup truck. Officers say the rider had slowed to pull over when the truck came from behind quickly and collided with the motorcycle without slowing to avoid the collision.

FHP troopers said the collision threw both riders from the motorcycle and they suffered critical injuries. The man driving the motorcycle was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he is listed in critical but stable condition. His female passenger was airlifted to Florida Hospital East, where she was pronounced dead from her injuries. The accident closed the westbound lanes of S.R. 520 for a few hours while FHP troopers investigated the accident, and charges are pending against the pickup driver.

It’s difficult to imagine that a driver could fail to notice the oscillating lights and loud siren of a police vehicle attempting to pull someone over, but that appears to be what happened in this tragic motorcycle accident. Troopers have not yet released details about the accident, but the driver of the truck could have been texting or talking on a cell phone, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, eating while driving, reaching for an object on the floor or otherwise failing to devote full attention to the safe operation of the vehicle. If officers determine that the truck driver was negligent, he or she may be liable for damages in a wrongful death and/or personal injury case.

If a negligent driver has injured you or a close family member and you want to speak with an Orlando personal injury lawyer to learn more about the law, your rights and your legal options, call James O. Cunningham today at 888-425-2004 or 407-425-2000. He has been helping injured people throughout Florida since 1977 and has a reputation of working hard to help each client receive the maximum amount of damages. He assists clients from law offices conveniently located throughout Central Florida. Call today to get an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney on your side.

America’s state governments are now getting help from the federal government agencies in cracking down on drivers who use cell phones while behind the wheel.

Recent reports indicate federal groups are lending support to a “distracted driving” campaign aimed at limiting the use of cell phones on the road and advertising strict policies about talking or texting while driving in many states.
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