A pair of recent crashes involving motorcycles near The Villages are an unfortunate reminder of the risk that comes with traveling on two wheels.
A 65-year-old motorcyclist was killed in an accident in late February when his bike collided with a sedan on State Road 44 at County Road 44A near Lake Deaton, Villages-News reports. The tragic accident came just days before a separate motorcycle rider was seriously injured in a crash with a Tesla on County Road 466, west of Rolling Acres Road.
Nearly 600 people were killed in motorcycle accidents across the Sunshine State last year, according to data from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Nearly 8,000 people were injured in motorcycle crashes, the agency found.
The motorcyclist killed in the State Road 44 collision was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, Villages-News reports. He was reportedly thrown from the bike after the sedan rear-ended it.
The Tesla driver in the second accident pulled into the path of the motorcyclist, Villages-News reports. The Tesla driver was reportedly attempting to make a left turn onto County Road 466, despite signage stating that she was in a “right turn only” lane.
The 38-year-old motorcyclist reportedly was thrown from his bike when it collided with the front driver’s-side tire of the Tesla. He was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. The Tesla driver, who was not injured, was “ticketed for failure to yield,” according to Villages-News.
Wearing a Helmet Can Save Your Life
Some motorcycle riders continue to hit the road without a helmet, despite the significant evidence showing that the decision can mean the difference between life and death when collisions happen.
State law requires anyone getting on a motorcycle to wear protective headgear and eye protection. Yet, many motorcyclists continue to opt against using these valuable safety devices.
Bikers are at particular risk of injury or death when accidents occur because they have little physical protection from oncoming vehicles. They are also often thrown from their bikes in these crashes, sustaining head injuries when they hit the ground below.
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.
Speak with a Villages Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Florida, you have the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the crash. Villages accident attorney Tim Babiarz can help you understand your rights and explore your options for maximizing your compensation.
We are proud to represent clients in the Villages and 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.
