As fun as riding on a motorcycle can be, it is an activity that comes with a fair amount of risk. Even when motorcycle drivers and their passengers follow traffic laws, they may be at the mercy of other motorists they encounter. A recent motorcycle accident here in Florida cost one man his life after authorities say the SUV driver involved struck the motorcycle because he did not see it.
Police say the fatal crash happened on a recent Sunday evening. A motorcycle was traveling south on a county road behind an SUV going in the same direction. Official reports say that the motorbike attempted to legally pass the SUV on the left. At that time, authorities allege, the SUV tried to make a left turn into a driveway, resulting in the motorcycle hitting it on the driver’s side.
The motorcyclist was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, but did not survive. The driver of the SUV was temporarily trapped in his vehicle, but first responders were able to free him. He suffered injuries, but it is believed he will survive.
At this time, police have not announced any intention to file criminal charges, though their investigation is ongoing. In addition to saying that the SUV driver failed to see the motorcyclist, police may find other contributing factors. Some crashes like this involve an intoxicated driver or one that may have been using a mobile device while driving.
Even if police decide not to charge the SUV driver, the family of the motorcyclist could have another legal option available. They could choose to file a wrongful death claim with the assistance of a personal injury attorney here in Florida. An attorney with experience in handling motorcycle accident litigation may be a family’s best chance at justice in the face of tragedy.
