A semi truck can easily smash a passenger car, so when a semi truck and motorcycle collide, it’s pretty clear that the motorcyclist has a very little chance of survival. Sadly, this was the case in Brevard County, near Miami, when a semi truck hit a motorcycle and ran over the driver, a 65-year-old man.
The fatal motorcycle accident occurred on the morning of Oct. 11. The motorcycle was in the inside lane traveling south on I-95, just south of SR 46, when police believe the motorcycle broke down. The motorcyclist was in the outside lane moving the bike out of the road when the big rig hit the motorcycle and subsequently ran over the man.
The New Smyrna man died at the scene. The motorcycle accident closed down the southbound lanes of I-95 for several hours. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the accident scene.
Motorcycle accidents are often fatal because although motorcycles can be fun to ride, they offer very little protection for riders. When a motorcycle becomes disabled on a busy highway, the risk of an accident is much greater, especially since it can be difficult for truck drivers to see such small motor vehicles. The semi truck was much bigger and able to produce a deadly impact.
Hopefully it will be possible for investigators to re-enact the accident scene to determine if the truck driver should have been able to see the motorcycle and slow down in time to avoid fatally injuring the man. If the truck driver is held liable, the family of the deceased man may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit in order to receive financial compensation for their loss. This money can pay for funeral expenses and lost wages, especially if he was supporting a family. There are many other types of damages available as well.
Source: Space Coast Daily, “Fatal Accident on I-95 near SR 46” No author given, Oct. 11, 2013