When a motorist is turning onto a different road, it’s always important to look for oncoming traffic before doing so. Failure to yield a result in serious injury or even death to the driver or other motorists. Unfortunately, this situation recently led to the death of a 20-year-old man on a Florida highway.
A woman was traveling eastbound on State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, several hours outside Miami, when she stopped to make a left turn. She waited for a van coming in the other direction to pass but apparently did not see a motorcycle coming behind the van. She turned in the motorcyclist’s path. The motorcyclist could not stop in time, and he ended up hitting the left side of the car.
The impact caused the man to be thrown from the motorcycle. Despite wearing a helmet, he could not be saved. He died at the accident scene. Police are still investigating the motorcycle accident.
It is important for motorists to be aware of all vehicles on the roadway, especially motorcycles. Motorcycles are small and often difficult to see, making them the subject of many crashes. These crashes are often fatal, because although motorcycles can be fun to ride, they offer very little protection in the event of a crash.
If the driver of the other vehicle is considered to be the negligent party, she could be liable for any expenses caused by the man’s death if his family files a wrongful death lawsuit. These could include funeral expenses, loss of companionship and lost wages, as well as other damages.
Source: Tampa Bay Times, “Man, 20, dies in Wesley Chapel motorcycle crash” No author given, Jan. 29, 2014
