Motorcycles can be fun to ride, but they are also dangerous. They are hard to see by other vehicles, making them prone to serious crashes. Many motorcycle accidents even lead to death. Sadly, this was the case for a Florida motorcyclist who was hit by a truck.
The fatal accident occurred on the morning of Oct. 4 in Alacuha, Florida, when a man driving a Alacuha County School District truck was heading to Santa Fe High School. The man was traveling southbound on U.S. 441 while the motorcycle was going northbound. The truck driver was making a left turn when he hit the motorcyclist. The motorcycle flipped over and landed on the rider.
The 36-year-old motorcyclist was killed in the accident. The truck driver suffered no injuries. Police are still investigating the accident. No charges have been filed yet, but police think the truck driver may have violated the right of way.
This is the first accident for the truck driver since he was hired by the school district in 1989. He will be required to submit to a drug test per district requirements. He will also be taking administrative leave.
There are many factors that could have led to the accident, including the possibility that the truck driver may not have seen the motorcyclist, or the motorcycle rider was going to fast and the truck driver, consequently, misjudged the turn. Also, drugs or alcohol are an ever-present possibilitiy when it comes to accidents on the road.
If the police report shows the truck driver at fault, the man’s family may be able to file a wrongful death suit against him. The family may be able to recover damages for funeral expenses and lost wages, especially if he was supporting a family. Although any amount of financial recovery cannot bring back a loved one, focusing on financial hardship should not have to take time away from grieving and recovering from such a painful time. Money recovered via a lawsuit can certainly help with the expenses that can sadly pile up after a loved one’s death.
Source:
Gainesville.com, “Motorcyclist dies in crash with School District truck” Cindy Swirko, Oct. 04, 2013
