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1 Killed, 1 Injured in Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Crash in Hillsborough

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Motorcycles are dangerous vehicles to ride. A motorcyclist is 28 times more likely to die in a crash than an occupant of a passenger car. This because motorcyclists are less visible than other vehicles. Plus, they have nothing to shield them from the impact of a crash.

Unfortunately, a crash in Florida has led to fatality for a motorcycle rider. A Hillsborough crash on the evening of March 30 has left one person killed and another injured. On top of that, the driver of the car that hit the motorcycle fled the accident scene. The good news is that the driver later turned himself in to police.

A man driving a Hyundai was attempting to pass multiple vehicles on U.S. 301 near Sun City Center Boulevard. He was heading south when he veered into a no passing zone. At the same time, a motorcycle was heading north. A 48-year-old man from Wimauma was driving the motorcycle. He had a passenger, a 45-year-old woman.

The driver of the Hyundai crashed into motorcycle, ejecting both riders. Despite both wearing helmets, the man died from his injuries. The woman was taken to a local hospital with unknown injuries.

The driver of the Hyundai fled the accident scene. Authorities spent the following day looking for him. The man came into the Florida Highway Patrol’s Tampa office on April 1 and confessed to the crime. He was arrested and now faces charges for two crimes: leaving the scene of a crash with serious injury and leaving the scene of a fatal crash.

Helmet Laws in Florida

Helmet use can help prevent head injuries and fatalities. They are 67% effective at preventing brain injuries and 37% effective at preventing fatalities. They cannot prevent all injuries and deaths, though. The victim in this case was wearing a helmet and still died. However, the passenger is still alive, likely because she protected her head with a helmet.

While helmets have been known to save lives, only 19 of the 50 states require them for all  motorcycle riders. Under Florida law, only riders under the age of 21 have to wear helmets. Helmet use is not required for older riders. However, wearing a helmet is still a good idea.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

A hit-and-run accident occurs when someone involved in a crash flees the scene before providing sufficient information or medical aid to the others involved. Unfortunately, hit-and-run crashes are increasing. In 2016, they hit an all-time high, with 2,049 deaths in the United States. Of those, 65% were pedestrians or bicyclists. Poor visibility and inclement weather are the top reasons for hit-and-run crashes. Florida is one of the top states for hit-and-run fatalities.

Seek Help for Your Motorcycle Accident Case

As seen in this case, motorcycle accidents can be serious in nature. Riders are not given much protection in the event of a crash. Even when helmets are worn, an accident can result in fatality.

If you or a loved one was seriously injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, it’s important that you receive the compensation you deserve for your damages. The Dade City motorcycle accident attorneys at Madonna Law Group can assess your case and fight for your rights. To schedule a consultation, contact our office at (800) 557-0411.

Resources:

iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-motorcycle-crashes

abcnews.go.com/US/hit-run-deaths-time-high-aaa-study/story?id=54733792

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