Motorcycles are much smaller than cars and trucks, making them difficult to see on the roadways. This often leads to serious car-motorcycle accidents. When these happen, the bigger vehicle usually “wins,” leaving the motorcyclist with serious or even fatal injuries.
Sadly, this was the case in a motorcycle accident that occurred in Melbourne, Florida, on the morning of July 11. The motorcyclist, a 65-year-old man from Palm Bay, died from his injuries after getting hit by a car traveling in the opposite direction.
The driver of a Toyota, a 57-year-old Orlando resident, attempted to make a left turn and instead turned into the motorcycle’s path. The motorcycle struck the car, ejecting the motorcyclist. Despite wearing a helmet, the motorcyclist died at the scene. The driver of the Toyota was taken to Viera Hospital.
The Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating how the accident occurred. Charges are pending for the driver.
There are many factors that could have caused the driver to not see the motorcyclist. Sun and glare can affect a driver’s vision and cause one to hit objects. Reckless driving and driving while under the influence can also be factors in accidents, but these elements don’t seem to apply in this case.
Another thing to consider is that the motorcyclist could be partly responsible for the accident. Was he obeying traffic signs and signals? Was he speeding? Perhaps the driver of the car though the motorcyclist wasn’t going as slow as he thought and ended up misjudging the amount of time he had to safely complete the turn.
This could have just been a simple accident — the driver of the car didn’t see the motorcyclist and ended up hitting him. However, the driver could possibly face serious charges — including involuntary manslaughter — and should seek legal advice from a lawyer.
Source: Brevard Times, “Man Identified In Wickham Road Fatal Motorcycle Crash” No author given, Jul. 11, 2013
