Orlando Motorcycle Accident Claims Life of Sheriff’s Deputy

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on January 12, 2012

A spokesperson for the Florida Highway Patrol has announced that a Seminole County Sheriff’s Deputy was killed recently in a motorcycle accident north of Orlando on December 26. FHP accident investigators say the 53-year-old deputy was on his motorcycle pursuing a speeding driver on Maitland Boulevard at Gateway Drive when a Volkswagen Jetta turned directly in front of him, causing the deputy’s motorcycle to collide with the Volkswagen. Orlando personal injury attorney James O. Cunningham was saddened to hear about this accident, citing another tragic instance where a vehicle turned directly into the path of a rider, giving little or no time to react.

FHP investigators say the driver of the Jetta was attempting to turn left onto Gateway Drive from eastbound Maitland Boulevard when it turned in front of the deputy’s motorcycle. The collision caused the Jetta to flip over onto its top, crushing the deputy and his motorcycle.

A witness described the horrific motorcycle accident, saying, “It sounded like an explosion, or a big rig truck hitting something solid. It was loud. It wasn’t just a screeching tire. It was all of a sudden, it was a fatal impact, and you’re seeing the devastation.”

Officers said that the deputy’s lights were flashing at the time of the accident but did not know if his siren was on or how fast he was going while pursuing the speeder. Flags at the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and other county agencies were flown at half-staff to honor the fallen deputy.

This tragic accident is all too common in Florida. Our state is among the worst in the country for motorcycle accidents each year. To illustrate the scope of the problem in our state, consider that in 2010, there were 7,484 motorcycle accidents in Florida, which killed 383 people and injured at least 7,400 riders and passengers. Many of these victims were injured or killed in accidents similar to this one in which a car turns directly into the path of a motorcycle.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need an effective, experienced Orlando personal injury lawyer to protect your rights, advise you of your legal options, work hard to help you seek compensation and inform your decisions through this difficult time. Call Orlando motorcycle accident attorney James O. Cunningham today at 888-425-2004 or 407-425-2000 to schedule a free consultation and get the skilled and experienced legal representation you deserve.

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.