A 73-year-old Sumter County man recently died in a motorcycle collision with a pickup truck, a tragic reminder of the risk that comes with getting on a bike and the importance of strapping on a helmet.
The biker was traveling on County Road 48 when his Harley Davidson collided with a Ford 350, Villages-News reports. The 71-year-old Webster man failed to yield to the motorcycle turning into his path, police determined.
The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, according to a police report. He reportedly died after being transported to a local hospital.
The pickup driver and a 71-year-old passenger walked away without injuries.
Motorcycle Accidents in Florida
Motorcycle accidents are unfortunately common in Florida.
More than 8,000 motorcycle crashes happen in the Sunshine State each year, causing more than 500 deaths. These crashes can be caused by a number of factors, including biker or driver negligence, vehicle and equipment malfunction, road hazards and inclement weather.
When crashes happen, bikers are at particular risk of injury or death because they have little physical protection from oncoming vehicles. That is particularly true for motorcyclists who hit the road without a helmet.
State law requires anyone getting on a motorcycle to wear protective headgear and eye protection. More importantly, bikers who do not wear helmets have a significantly higher risk of injury or death than those who use the safety devices.
Helmets reduce the risk of death for motorcyclists by nearly 40 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Motorcyclists who wear helmets are also nearly 70 percent less likely than others to suffer head injuries in the event of a crash.
Injured in a Florida Motorcycle Accident? Know Your Rights
Anyone who gets hurt in a motorcycle crash in Florida has the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the accident.
The money damages often available in these cases include compensation for medical bills, property damage, missed wages during recuperation and any long-term impact on a person’s ability to work. In the tragic event that a person dies in a motorcycle accident, his or her loved ones can seek similar compensation for wrongful death.
It is important to understand, however, that an injured biker who is not wearing a helmet is likely to be deemed at least partly to blame for his or her injuries.
Speak with Villages Motorcycle Accident Attorney Tim Babiarz
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a motorcycle in Florida, Villages motorcycle accident attorney Tim Babiarz can help you seek compensation for your injuries.
Tim is a seasoned trial lawyer and skilled negotiator who has been fighting for clients in The Villages and across the country for decades. He has a strong track record of successful results for the people and families that he represents.
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 motorcycle accident attorney.
