A Villages man busted for riding a motorcycle while intoxicated to ring in the new year recently lost his license.
The 72-year-old Village of Summerhill man in September pleaded no contest to a charge of driving under the influence, Villages-News reports. A judge revoked his driver’s license for six months, ordered him to perform 50 hours of community service, and placed the man on probation for one year.
Cops reportedly nabbed the motorcyclist after he crashed his bike in a roundabout on Buena Vista Boulevard near Palmer Legends Country Club. Police said the man, who told them that he had “missed the curve,” smelled of alcohol and had “extremely slurred speech.”
The motorcycle rider performed poorly in field sobriety exercises before declining to continue, according to a police report. He submitted breath samples showing his blood alcohol content as high as 0.144%, well past the legal limit of 0.08%.
Drunk driving is sadly a routine occurrence in The Villages, whether it is on a motorcycle or behind the wheel of a car or golf cart.
The same week that the motorcyclist was stripped of his license, a 73-year-old Villager had his driving privileges revoked after pleading no contest to a DUI charge. The man was reportedly popped by cops after being found in a running car outside of the assisted living facility where he resides.
Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries
Nearly 400 people have been killed in motorcycle crashes across the state so far this year, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Bikers are particularly at risk when crashes happen. 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.
A 42-year-old Webster man died in September, for example, when his Harley-Davidson motorcycle collided with a car on U.S. 301 in Hernando County. The motorcyclist reportedly was thrown from his bike and struck another oncoming vehicle.
Anyone who is injured in a motorcycle accident 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.
In the tragic event 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. Compensation can never replace a loved one, but pursuing a claim can help ease the financial burden that often comes with these situations.
Speak With a Villages Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle, car, truck, golf cart or other accident, it is vital to seek the advice of an experienced lawyer. Villages injury attorney Tim Babiarz has been fighting for people and families across the community for more than two decades.
Our office is conveniently located in the Villages. We are also proud to represent clients 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 with a Villages injury attorney.
