Motorcycle Accidents

December 23, 2016

Motorcyclist Killed in Pinellas County Collision

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Deputies are currently investigating a fatal crash that involved a motorcyclist.

The accident occurred around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday on 150th Avenue in Seminole.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office believes the 40-year-old man was traveling eastbound in the median lane of Bay Pines Boulevard when he lost control of his motorcycle.

The man hit a guardrail, was ejected from the motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.

Motorcycle accidents can occur because of many different factors and can be caused by numerous different parties. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

Drunk Driving
Motorcycle Defects
Road Defects
Reckless Driving

When a motorcycle accident occurs, the responsible party could be liable for damages related to injuries, wrongful death and pain and suffering.

The holidays are a time of increased travel and because of Florida’s pretty much year round temperate climate, there are still many motorcycles traversing the Tampa Bay roadways. Keep in mind that any time there are more drivers on the roads, there is an increased risk in becoming involved in a serious crash. Our Tampa Bay Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton urge you to exercise caution during the holidays and every other day of the year.

December 5, 2016

1 Killed In Thonotosassa Motorcycle-SUV Collision

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Hillsborough deputies are currently investigating a fatal crash involving a motorcycle rider colliding with an SUV in Thonotosassa Friday.

Deputies believe the motorcycle and the SUV were both traveling south on Tom Folsom Road Friday around 4:31 p.m. As the SUV slowed to make a left turn onto Reylinda Avenue, the motorcyclist attempted to pass in the northbound lane.

The motorcycle then hit the SUV on the driver’s front side. The 30-year-old driver was ejected from the bike on impact.

The man and the bike slid into the grass off the southeast corner of the intersection. He was transported to Florida Hospital on Fletcher Avenue, where he died from his injuries.

The driver of the SUV, a 38-year-old woman, was not injured.

Alcohol is not thought to be a factor in the crash at this time.

Several car and motorcycle accidents are reported every day on Tampa Bay area roads and highways. Some are the direct result of speeding or disobeying traffic laws, and others are due to careless driving and even drunk driving. It is always important to exercise caution when driving any vehicle, including a motorcycle. You must pay attention any time you are in the driver’s seat to ensure your safety and that of your passengers.

November 30, 2016

Man Killed In Fatal Motorcycle Crash In Tampa

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 31-year-old Land O’ Lakes man was killed Wednesday morning in Tampa in a crash involving a motorcycle.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened at 56th Street and Hillsborough Avenue just before 7 a.m.

Troopers believe the motorcyclist ran the red light at the intersection while traveling west on Hillsborough Ave. He collided with a southbound Toyota pickup truck and was ejected from his motorcycle.

He died at the scene.

The 47-year-old driver of the pickup truck suffered minor injuries.

There can be many reasons a motorcyclist may run a red light. The driver might be in a new area, distracted by surroundings, or the traffic light could have malfunctioned, just to name a few. Running a red light is a top cause of auto accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, red light accidents are 47 percent more likely to result in injury or death.

November 17, 2016

Motorcyclist Killed In I-275 Accident In Tampa

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 38-year-old motorcyclist was killed early Thursday on Interstate 275 in downtown Tampa.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the man was killed when he lost control of his 2001 Suzuki motorcycle, was thrown from the bike and then run over accidentally by a sheriff deputy’s cruiser.

Troopers believe that when the man lost control, he crashed into a concrete barrier. He then was thrown over a wall onto the northbound lanes of the highway.

He was then struck by an oncoming Pinellas County deputy’s cruiser. The 26-year-old deputy was not injured.

The motorcyclist died at the scene.

Losing a loved one unexpectedly in a motorcycle accident is devastating. When a motorcycle accident occurs, the injuries to the motorcyclist are often serious, and could result in death. The families of motorcyclists who are killed in accidents not only have to deal with the emotional loss, but they could face financial strain as a result of the loss.

If a family member was killed in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party that caused or contributed to the crash. Contact our Tampa Bay Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton who can help you understand your rights and how to recover the financial compensation you are entitled to.

September 22, 2016

Pinellas Park Motorcyclist In Critical Condition

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A motorcyclist is in critical condition after a crash in Pinellas County ejected him from his bike.

According to the Pinellas Park Police Department, the 41-year-old was driving his motorcycle near the western entrance of the Home Depot on 73rd Avenue North when a car pulled out in front of him.

The man was launched from his 2000 Honda motorcycle.

He was not wearing a helmet. After the crash, he was taken to Bayfront. The other driver and his passenger did not suffer any injuries.

The motorcyclist suffered severe injuries. He remains in critical condition. There are no criminal charges associated with this investigation, but officers said traffic citations are pending.

This article sheds some light on why it is so important to wear the proper safety gear on motorcycles. Even the most skilled riders cannot control the reckless and negligent actions of other drivers sharing the roadway.

The subject of whether a person should wear a motorcycle helmet comes up all the time. Some riders believe that they should have the freedom to ride without the constraints of wearing a helmet. Other riders recognize the dangers of riding without a helmet. Numerous studies have shown that a helmet can save a life. It can prevent a motorcyclist from brain damage and some severe neck injuries.

In the state of Florida, the law regarding motorcycle helmets is this:

A person over 21 years of age may operate or ride upon a motorcycle without wearing a helmet if they are covered by an insurance policy providing for at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle.

September 12, 2016

Excessive Speed Appears To Be Factor In Polk County Motorcycle Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A fatal crash occurred Friday evening in Lakeland involving a motorcyclist colliding with a pickup truck.

Officials believe that at approximately 3:20 p.m., a 37-year-old man was traveling southbound on Combee Road. He was riding a 2006 Honda 1000RR motorcycle.

Around the same time, a 70-year-old woman driving a 2002 Ford F 150 was pulling out into Combee Road from the parking lot of the Babcock store near the intersection of Combee and Tanglewood Street.

Deputies believe the woman crossed westbound across Combee Road toward Tanglewood Street, where the bike collided with the truck’s passenger side. The impact from the collision was enough to spin the woman’s truck clockwise, so it came to rest facing north.

The man was thrown from his motorcycle by the collision and sustained critical injuries. He later died while being transported by first responders to Lakeland Regional Hospital.

The woman in the truck was not injured in the crash.

At this time, investigators do not believe impairment was a factor in the crash. It was noted that excessive speeds appear to be a factor.

The man was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Motorcycle riders are more exposed when it comes to the road, which only increases their chances of suffering a serious injury in the event of a motor vehicle accident. What might not cause any damage to a car, could deliver devastating injuries to a motorcycle rider. Broken bones, burns, paralysis, and amputations are common injuries as a result of motorcycle accidents, especially when the accident involved high speeds.

Motorcycle accidents commonly occur due to the following:

Driver distractions
Failure to obey traffic signals
Failure to yield
Unexpected lane changes
Speeding

August 29, 2016

Motorcyclist Killed In Lakeland Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 53-year-old motorcyclist died in a crash with a truck early Monday morning.

It happened around 7 a.m. on Walt Williams Road and Walt William Loop.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 2014 Ford F-150 was traveling south on Walt Williams Road.

At the same time, the 53-year-old biker was traveling north on Walt Williams Road on a 2014 Harley-Davidson FXDB.

Troopers believe that as the Ford turned left into a business parking lot, it traveled into the path of the motorcyclist.

Troopers believe the motorcyclist applied the brakes and began to skid in an effort to avoid the collision, but the truck and motorcycle collided.

The biker was transported to Lakeland Regional where he later died from his injuries.

Regardless of how safe a motorcyclist is on the road or how much safety gear they are wearing, many motorcycle accidents result in death. These sudden, unexpected tragedies leave family members and other loved ones feeling lost, sad, confused and even angry.

August 4, 2016

Speed May Have Been Factor in St. Petersburg Motorcycle Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A motorcyclist was injured in a collision with a vehicle and transported to the hospital early Wednesday morning in St. Pete Beach.

The crash occurred at about 7:30 A.M. near the intersection of Gulf Boulevard and 55th Avenue in St. Pete Beach.

According to investigators, the 20-year-old biker was driving his Honda motorcycle southbound in the median lane of Gulf Boulevard approaching the intersection of 55th Avenue.

The driver of a 2005 Chrysler 300, 39, was making a left westbound turn into the entrance of the TradeWinds Island Resort located at 5500 Gulf Boulevard.

Investigators believe the man’s motorcycle hit the Chrysler 300, ejecting the motorcyclist from the bike and onto the roadway. He was transported to Bayfront Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators do think that speed may have been a factor in the crash. There were no signs of alcohol involved, according to reports.

Speed is one of the main factors when it comes to motorcycle collisions. It is so important to always obey the posted speed limits as speeding can result in serious collisions leading to debilitating injuries, especially for bikers. Motorcyclists lack the protection of a vehicle, like other motorists, which means motorcyclists can easily suffer catastrophic injuries and the driver of the car, truck or SUV involved can walk away unscathed. A helmet can reduce your chances of a head and neck injury, but riders should also take extra precautions including wearing a face shield, closed-toe shoes, gloves, jackets and pants to protect against the abrasion of the road should you crash.

June 1, 2016

1 Motorcyclist Killed, 1 Injured in Crash With Van in Tampa Bay

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

One motorcyclist died and another was critically injured Saturday in an accident in Tampa involving both riders colliding with a van.

According to Florida Highway Patrol troopers, the accident happened just after 4 p.m. at North Florida Avenue and Palm Drive. Two bikers, one 19 and the other 20, were riding southbound on North Florida Avenue when a van driven by by a 69-year-old man pulled into the road from Palm Drive into the motorcycle’s path.

The man reportedly failed to see the bikers as he pulled into the roadway to make a left turn onto North Florida Avenue. The bikers were both traveling in the left lane at high rates of speed, and both struck the van, according to reports.

The 19-year-old suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. The 20-year-old suffered serious injuries and was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital. Both riders were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

The driver of the van was transported to Florida Hospital Fletcher and treated for minor injuries.

Charges in the case are pending the results of the investigation.

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident with a passenger vehicle, you stand little chance of escaping the accident without any injuries. Bikers that are clipped by larger vehicles are much more susceptible to bodily injuries and even death due to their direct exposure to contact and lack of protection.

The most common injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries
Broken Bones & Fractures
Road Rash
Catastrophic Spine & Neck Injuries
Wrongful Death

April 14, 2016

Motorcyclist Dies in Palmetto Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 62-year-old man died Sunday when he crashed into a car on U.S. 301 in Palmetto.

Palmetto Police believe the motorcyclist struck the rear of a Hyundai sedan just west of Canal Road at 8:30 p.m. The man was not wearing a helmet and died from his injuries at the scene.

The driver of the sedan, and her passenger, a four-year-old boy, were not injured in the incident.

The crash investigation closed westbound U.S. 301 between Canal Road and 12th Street East for approximately 3 hours.

No further information is available at this time.

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries, and as this case shows, sometimes death for the biker and any passengers. The lack of protection that a motorcycle provides its riders is a big factor as to why collisions lead to such tragedies. Not wearing a helmet usually only increases a biker’s risk for suffering a life-altering injury or death as a helmet equips a rider with an extra layer of protection in the event they are thrown from the bike.

The following are 4 reasons you should wear a helmet when on a motorcycle:

It Reduces Your Risk of Head Injuries
It Makes you Easier to See
It Protects you from Road Debris
It Protects you from the Elements

When considering a helmet, make sure to look for the DOT or SNELL sticker inside or outside the helmet. This sticker means that the helmet adheres to the safety standards of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and/or the Snell Memorial Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to research, education, testing and development of helmet safety standards.