A motorcycle ride in Central Florida recently turned tragic for a motorcyclist and his infant stepdaughter, who was sitting in the man’s lap when the bike crashed.
The 17-month-old girl was sent to a local hospital in Clearwater and remained in critical condition following the April accident, according to Click Orlando. Her stepfather was reportedly arrested and charged with child neglect and operating a motorcycle without a license.
Clearwater Police told Click Orlando that the man ran a stop sign and then laid down his bike to avoid colliding with a car. The infant was ejected from the bike and landed underneath the car, they said.
According to the nonprofit Florida Motorcycle Safety Coalition, more than 500 people die in motorcycle accidents in Florida each year. That is roughly 15 percent of all traffic fatalities statewide.
It is easy to point out that operating a motorcycle without a license and with an infant in your lap is a bad idea. In addition to avoiding that kind of behavior, motorcycle riders can take several steps to protect themselves and others on the road.
It starts with wearing a helmet and other protective gear, complying with traffic laws, and maintaining appropriate speeds at all times. Riders should also avoid hitting the road while fatigued, distracted, or intoxicated and when severe weather strikes.
Money Damages for Florida Motorcycle Accidents
Although motorcycle accidents are unfortunately common, many can be prevented.
Motorcycle riders and anyone behind the wheel of a car in Florida are required to operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe manner. Those who do not live up to this responsibility - by running stop signs and traffic lights, speeding, driving aggressively, or hitting the road while intoxicated - are considered legally liable for any accidents that they cause as a result.
When a crash is caused by a negligent motorcycle rider or another driver, those injured can seek compensation from the person responsible for the crash and his or her insurer. The money damages often available in these cases are designed to put the injured person back in the financial position that he or she was in before the collision.
How Villages Motorcycle Accident Attorney Tim Babiarz Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a motorcycle in Florida, you have the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the collision. Villages motorcycle accident attorney Tim Babiarz can help you understand your rights and options.
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 dedicated his career to helping people get the full compensation available under the law.
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 accident attorney.
