The tragic death of a teen motorcycle rider in the Villages is an unfortunate reminder of the risk that comes with traveling on two wheels.
The 18-year-old Oxford resident was killed in late July when his motorcycle collided with a car on Woodbridge Drive in the Villages, according to Villages-News. The young man was thrown from his bike in the accident and later died after being transported to a nearby hospital.
The 93-year-old driver of the other vehicle blew through a stop sign, a Florida Highway Patrol accident report indicated. The man, who was reportedly making a left turn at the time of the crash, and a 77-year-old passenger suffered minor injuries in the crash.
It is not clear if the driver was ticketed or charged with a crime. Villages-News notes that the motorcyclist was said to be wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
Motorcycle Accidents in Florida
Some 8,000 motorcycle accidents happen across Florida every year, resulting in roughly 500 deaths.
Bikers are particularly at risk when crashes occur because they have very little physical protection from oncoming vehicles and are often ejected from their motorcycles. Even when they survive these collisions, motorcyclists can incur serious and life-changing injuries.
Accidents happen for a number of reasons, from biker or driver mistakes to poor weather conditions, vehicle defects and intoxicated driving. Sadly, many motorists are simply not properly aware that they are sharing the road with people on motorcycles.
Legal Rights After a Motorcycle Crash
Anyone who is injured in a motorcycle accident in the Villages or across Florida has the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the collision. That includes money for medical bills, property damage, missed wages and other financial consequences of the crash.
In the tragic instance that a person dies in a motorcycle accident, his or her family members can seek similar compensation from those responsible by suing for wrongful death. The money damages in these cases will not bring back or replace your loved one. But, compensation can help cover some of the economic consequences, such as the loss of his or her earnings and companionship, as well as mental anguish and suffering, medical and funeral expenses.
To get compensation, you have to be able to prove fault. Motorcycle and other traffic accident claims are based on negligence, a legal theory that holds people and entities liable when they do not live up to a certain “duty of care.”
How Our Lawyers Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, Villages accident lawyer Tim Babiarz can help you take action against those responsible and get compensation for the harm caused.
Our firm is pleased to represent clients in the Villages and throughout the area, including in Ocala, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Summerfield, and beyond. Call (352) 205-7559 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
