Some of the same aspects of motorcycle riding that make it such an enjoyable and exhilarating experience also make getting from Point A to Point B on two wheels dangerous. Even the most experienced riders face unique hazards because of the minimal physical protections that bikes offer in the event of a crash. A freak accident out of Volusia County is an example of one less expected hazard: lightning strikes.
A 27-year-old man was recently killed when he was struck by lightning on I-95 in Volusia County, according to a local CBS news station. The fatal accident occurred on a Sunday afternoon as the man was traveling southbound on I-95 in Ormond Beach.
Witnesses told police that they saw a bolt of lightning strike the rider, hitting his helmet and causing it to shatter. The lightning strike forced the motorcycle to veer off of the road.
Lightning strikes are relatively rare occurrences, but the risk is higher in Florida. The Sunshine State is the lightning capital of the world, where heavy storms are more common than other parts of the country. Floridians have a 1 in 3,000 chance of being struck by lightning over their lifetimes, according to research from Florida State University. About 10 people are killed by lightning strikes in Florida each year, while another 40 are seriously injured.
Legal Protections for Motorcycle Riders
The Volusia accident is a tragic reminder that motorcyclists should take shelter in lightning storms. It is also a reminder of the particular safety hazards posed to motorcycle riders, who are largely exposed in the event of an accident.
The good news is that a person injured in a motorcycle accident has the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the crash. That includes negligent car drivers, road crews that leave highways in dangerous conditions and parts manufacturers that make bikes malfunction.
That’s true even if you are partly to blame for the collision. Under Florida’s comparative negligence standard, a person who is partly responsible for an accident can still get some compensation based on proportionate responsibility.* It is important to have a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer in your corner in order to understand your legal rights and options.
Schedule an Appointment With a Villages Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you have the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the crash. An experienced attorney can help you build the strongest possible case for money damages.
Villages motorcycle accident attorney Tim Babiarz has been representing people involved in motorcycle and other accidents for more than two decades. Our office is conveniently located in The Villages. Our firm is proud to fight for clients in Ocala, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Summerfield and beyond. Call (352) 205-7599 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Villages motorcycle accident attorney.
*Note that Florida Law was changed in March of 2023, which impacts how injured men and women who are found to be at fault can receive partial compensation. Florida applies a modified comparative negligence standard, which means that an injured party can recover damages if they are at fault, as long their percentage of fault is less than the defendant's.
