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The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. Your trusted legal advisors since 1976

Fatal Left Turn Motorcycle Crash In Town ‘n Country

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Another left turn crash killed another Tampa motorcycle rider and another driver faces no criminal law consequences because of it.

The wreck occurred near the intersection of Hillsborough Avenue and Countrywide Boulevard. According to witnesses and emergency responders, a 50-year-old man was eastbound on Hillsborough in a Toyota Sienna. As he turned left onto Countrywide, he crossed directly into the path of another man, killing him instantly.

Authorities say that although their investigation continues, they probably will not file charges in this case.

Breaking Down a Tampa Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle-on vehicle collisions are thirty times more deadly than vehicle-on-vehicle collisions. In many wrecks, four-wheel vehicles can absorb some or most of the impact. So, the physical injuries may not be as bad. But motorcycle riders have no such protection. They are completely exposed to danger, and that fact largely explains the high fatality rate.

Additionally, many motorcycle-on-vehicle crashes involve sudden bursts of speed. If the tortfeasor (negligent driver) turns left against traffic, the tortfeasor usually accelerates suddenly to shoot through a gap in traffic. As a result, the collision is much worse than it would have been otherwise. Vehicle Event Data Recorders usually contain data about engine RPM, and this number is often critical in these cases.

About a third of Tampa motorcycle wrecks are left-turn collisions. Many drivers are fairly adept at watching out for other vehicles, but they are inattentive when it comes to motorcycles. That’s especially the case if there were any large vehicles, like SUVs, in the area. These vehicles are hard to see around.

The combination of sudden acceleration and driver inattention often causes catastrophic injuries, like wrongful death. Damages in these cases include money for economic losses, such as lost future support, and noneconomic losses, such as the decedent’s pain and suffering. Additionally, survivors may be able to file a negligent infliction of emotional distress claim against the tortfeasor and obtain additional compensation.

In addition to compensation, motorcycle crash victims also obtain justice. If the authorities do not hold tortfeasors accountable for their negligence, it’s up to a personal injury attorney to stand in the gap.

If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet, Can I Still File a Claim in Florida?

Many people believe the answer to this question is “no.” After all, they reason, Florida has a limited helmet law and helmets are proven to reduce the risk of head injury. While these things are true, it’s usually still possible to obtain significant compensation in these situations.

If the rider is not wearing a helmet, the insurance company may try to reduce the amount of compensation the victim receives. But this reduction is easier said than done. It’s not enough to simply introduce safety statistics. Instead, the insurance company must present compelling evidence that a helmet would have reduced or eliminated the victim’s injuries. Obviously, the victim’s attorney may rebut this evidence. So, the jury has the final say in the matter.

Connect with Experienced Lawyers

Motorcycle crash victims deserve justice and compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Tampa, contact The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. We routinely handle cases in Hillsborough County and nearby jurisdictions.

Resource:

tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/accidents/e-SClBTown-N-Country-crash-kills-24-year-old-Tampa-man-on-motorcycle_171819436

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