Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
A motorcyclist was killed Friday after troopers believe he crashed into a guardrail along I-275 in Manatee County.
The crash occurred at 12:05 p.m. in the southbound lanes of I-275 near the interchange with I-75.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the 64-year-old Tarpon Springs man was riding a 2011 Harley-Davidson south on I-275 when he failed to navigate a right curve in the road.
The motorcycle traveled off the north shoulder and hit a guardrail. The man, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected over the guardrail and landed on the grass shoulder.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision.
Collisions involving guardrails for motorcycle riders can result in tragic accidents, as this crash shows. Motorcycle riders sustain a significantly higher rate of fatality than occupants of other motor vehicles involved in a collision with a guardrail. While motorcyclists only account for around 2 percent of the vehicles on the road in the U.S., they make up 42 percent of all fatalities involving collisions with guardrails. The fatality risk for a collision involving a guardrail is nearly 80 times higher for motorcyclists compared to occupants of passenger vehicles.
While most motorcycle riders are safe and responsible drivers, the sad truth is that many road defects, including unsafe guardrails, have turned many Florida highways into deathtraps for bikers. Families of motorcyclists killed in collisions due to another person or entity’s negligence, may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit for compensation for damages. If you need someone on your side after a motorcycle accident, a Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online to get started with a free consultation.