Florida Garbage Truck Driver Causes Fatal S.R. 417 Motorcycle Accident

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on January 14, 2015

Motorcycle accidents happen a lot in Florida. The state’s warm weather and flat surfaces are ideal conditions for motorcyclists to ride. The Governors Highway Safety Association says there were over 300 motorcycle accident deaths in Florida each year. And many times it is the fault of a motor vehicle driver who does not see the motorcyclist. According to Chanyoung Lee, a senior researcher at the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research, the motor vehicle is at fault nearly two-thirds of the time.

That is exactly what happened on Dec. 30 around 6:25 in the evening, according to a media report. On that day, a garbage truck, which was driven by Joseph Saint Marc, 59, was traveling westbound on Curry Ford Road near State Road 417. Law enforcement officials say Saint Marc turned left and attempted to merge onto State Road 417. He apparently did not see the motorcycle and ran his garbage truck into the path of it, which was traveling eastbound on Curry Ford Road.

The motorcycle was driven by 50-year-old Daryl Bernard, of Orlando. 24-year-old Brittany Haniff was a passenger on the motorcycle. Both the male and the female were thrown from the motorcycle when it collided with the garbage truck. Both riders landed on the road.

Barnard died at the scene. Haniff was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center where she was treated for minor injuries.

The cause of the accident is under investigation, and law enforcement officials have not decided if they want to file charges against Saint Marc. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the accident, but not seeing the motorcyclist does.

Motorcyclists should always drive defensively and assume motor vehicles cannot see them. They should wear bright clothing and always have a light on the motorcycle turned on, so there is a better chance of being seen. A helmet should be worn to prevent the chances of receiving a serious brain injury if an accident should occur.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. immediately at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) for a free initial consultation.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.