2 Killed in Motorcycle Crash in Lakeland
When a motorcycle and a car collide, the motorcycle unfortunately ends up with the brunt of the damage. In motorcycle accidents, the rider and passengers of the motorcycle can suffer serious injuries and even death.
Sadly, this was recently the case in Florida. A crash between a motorcycle and a vehicle in Lakeland caused two deaths. The fatal accident occurred on the evening of November 3 at East Gary Road and Interlachen Parkway.
A 24-year-old man from Bartow was driving a Suzuki motorcycle when he collided with a Dodge Caliber driven by a 40-year-old man. The driver of the Dodge stopped at the intersection, but then turned left into the path of the motorcycle. The motorcyclist was unable to avoid hitting the other driver.
The motorcyclist and his passenger, a 22-year-old woman from Lakeland, were both ejected from the motorcycle. Both died at the accident scene. The driver of the Dodge was not injured. The road was closed for more than four hours as police investigated.
Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcycle accidents and fatalities can happen for a variety of reasons. Left turns and other right of way errors are one of the main reasons why accidents occur. Unsafe lane changes are also common. These occur often because motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles and cannot be easily seen.
Speeding is another cause of motorcycle crashes. Whether the motorcyclist or the other motorist is the one speeding, these accidents can cause serious injuries, particularly at higher speeds.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also lead to serious accidents. Driving while intoxicated is illegal and can lead to both criminal and civil liability.
Road conditions can also lead to motorcycle crashes. While road debris, puddles and potholes pose little danger to larger vehicles, these are serious hazards to motorcycles. This is because motorcycles have just two wheels and any road conditions can cause the motorcycle to lose stability and crash.
Inexperience is also a factor. Motorcycles require a significant amount of skill to drive. They require more balance than a passenger car and are different in that they use handlebars as opposed to a steering wheel. Special driving courses can help riders gain the skills they need to drive safely on the open road.
Motorcycle defects can also lead to crashes. Riders are supposed to maintain their vehicles, which means changing the oil regularly and checking for wear and tear on tires. However, if the manufacturer was negligent and created a defective part that led to an accident, they can be held liable.
Seek Help for Your Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycles offer a lot of fun and freedom. They also offer no protection in the event of a crash. Because of this, these accidents often result in fatality.
If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle accident, the Dade City & Zephyrhills motorcycle accident lawyers at Madonna Law Group can help you obtain compensation for damages. Call our office at (800) 557-0411 to schedule a free consultation.
Resource:
theledger.com/news/20191107/fatal-polk-crash-claims-2-lives-in-lakeland
https://www.manderlawgroup.com/motorcyclist-killed-in-crash-in-cocoa-beach/