Manatee County Sees Four Motorcycle Deaths in Six Weeks
A Florida Highway Patrol officer has called for Manatee County motorists to be very careful after the county saw deaths in serious motorcycle accidents in about six weeks. The Bradenton Herald reported that the latest accident happened early on Jan. 11, when a van's driver pulled out of a driveway in front of an oncoming motorcycle. The ensuing crash threw the motorcyclist off his bike and killed him. The van's driver has been charged.
In two of the other fatal South Florida motorcycle accidents, motorcyclists were killed by passenger vehicles that turned in front of them. In at least one of those accidents, the driver of the car was allegedly impaired. The fourth fatality was a single-vehicle crash in which the motorcyclist lost control. Unfortunately, the article says this tracks larger motorcycle accident trends. According to the 2007 accident statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, deaths in Florida motorcycle accidents more than doubled between 2000 and 2007, and the number of Florida motorcycle crashes overall almost doubled, from 5,075 to 9,205.
In response, FHP Lt. Chris Miller suggested that both motorcyclists and drivers take a little more care on the road. Noting that most fatal crashes are caused by drivers pulling out or turning in front of an oncoming motorcycle -- an assertion backed by statistical evidence -- he said drivers should be sure to look for motorcycles, especially at driveways and intersections. He also told motorcyclists to avoid speeding, make eye contact with drivers, wear bright colors and be ready to take evasive action if they must.
With more motorcycles on the road than ever, that's good advice for everyone -- riders and drivers alike. My wife and I both ride, so this is personal to me. As a motorcycle accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale, I see the life-shattering results of motorcycle accidents every day: Unnecessary deaths or disabilities, six or seven figures in medical bills, lost jobs and sometimes an uphill battle with an insurance company. At Cohn, Smith & Cohn, we are proud to help our clients get back on their feet by dealing with insurance and winning the money they need to pay their bills, make up for lost income and get back on the road. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a motorcycle accident with a careless driver and you would like to talk about how we can help, please contact us online to set up a free consultation.
