Tampa Bay Injury Attorney Blog
A 26-year-old man is dead after he was hit by a drunk driver while riding his motorcycle in Tampa.
The crash happened at 12:34 a.m. on Dale Mabry Highway near the intersection with Cypress Street.
Police the victim, from Wesley Chapel, was riding his 2002 Yamaha motorcycle south when a 1997 Chevrolet pick-up truck made a left turn in front of him.
The man was declared dead at the scene. Police said Wednesday was his 26th birthday.
The driver of the truck, a 37-year-old Tampa man, showed signs of impairment, so police arrested him on charges of DUI manslaughter. His blood was drawn and submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
When a motorist makes the choice to operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they place everyone sharing the roadway with them in serious danger. While a DUI is a criminal offense that is punished in criminal court, this does nothing to compensate motorcycle accident injury victims or the families of those who have lost loved ones in these types of accidents.
The drunk driver can actually be held financially liable for any injuries, damages and losses suffered by a victim or their family. Victims of motorcycle DUI crashes that survive often suffer severe physical injuries in addition to financial stress and emotional grief. Family members who have lost loved ones in drunk driving crashes might be struggling to pay the bills and provide for their families. Motorcycle DUI injury victims and the families of those killed can seek compensation for their losses, including medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, funeral expenses, future income and pain and suffering.
For a free consultation to discuss your potential options, call a Tampa Bay Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton at 727-823-0000 or contact us online.