Florida Motorcycle Accident Results in Citations for Motorcyclist and Driver

A recent accident that seriously injured a motorcyclist has resulted in the rider and the driver who struck him with his pickup truck having citations for different moving violations. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident occurred on U.S. 19 just north of County Road 351A when the 21-year-old driver of a 2007 Chevrolet pickup truck violated the right-of-way of the motorcyclist by driving directly into the rider’s path. A 41-year-old passenger in the truck also suffered injuries in the collision. The 52-year-old motorcyclist was riding a 2006 Yamaha when he attempted to enter the four-lane divided highway but was cut off by the pickup truck.

The rider was issued a citation for failing to have a motorcycle endorsement on his driver’s license and was taken to Shands at the University of Florida shortly after the crash where he is listed in serious condition. The truck driver received a citation for violating the rider’s right-of-way. Troopers say he either overlooked the cyclist trying to lawfully merge with traffic on the freeway or deliberately failed to observe his right-of-way to intimidate the rider. The motorcyclist was attempting to merge onto the freeway from an onramp on the left when the left side of the pickup struck him.

Regrettably, this is an all-too-familiar scenario for Florida motorcyclists. They report that they have to be extra alert for drivers of passenger cars and trucks who deliberately try to intimidate them by failing to observe their right-of-way, following too closely from behind, slamming on their brakes in order to make the rider take evasive action and other negligent acts. Some Florida drivers dangerously think that our state’s streets and highways are for their use and no one else’s, and they use these road rage episodes to frighten riders. In many cases, these episodes lead to serious motorcycle accidents that injure and kill riders.

Have you or someone in your family been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a driver engaged in these or other negligent acts? If so, you may be entitled to damages to help pay medical bills, replace lost wages and cover other related costs. For more information about your rights and legal options, contact Orlando personal injury lawyer James O. Cunningham today at 386-243-4994. Mr. Cunningham has represented riders and their families since 1977 and is very skilled and experienced in helping them receive compensation through settlements and court awards. Call today to get an aggressive Orlando personal injury attorney on your side!

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.