Motorcyclist Killed During Wrong-Way Crash in Polk County

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on May 15, 2023

A 60-year-old motorcyclist suffered life-ending injuries over the weekend after he was involved in a wrong-way collision with a pickup truck along U.S. Highway 27, according to authorities with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Preliminary auto accident reports from the responding officers with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office indicate that it was approximately 7:58 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2023, when 24-year-old Avon Park resident Jesus Palafox-Luberto was driving a black 2010 Dodge 2500 pickup in the southbound direction of U.S. Highway 27 in Dundee with four additional passengers.

Palafox-Luberto later told officials during a witness interview that as he approached the upcoming intersection with Dundee Road, he noticed a black 2001 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide traveling in the wrong direction and heading directly toward his truck. Both drivers attempted to avoid a collision, but their efforts were unsuccessful and the motorcycle and truck crashed into each other. The momentum from the accident propelled the pickup to the side of the road where it struck a curb and flipped over onto its roof.

Emergency medical teams and first responders with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene of the two-vehicle crash and quickly transported the severely injured motorcyclist to a nearby hospital. The driver of the motorcycle, later identified as 60-year-old Garry Restifo from Lake Wales, was unable to survive and passed away shortly thereafter.

The driver of the Dodge pickup, 24-year-old Jesus Palafox-Luberto and the rest of the passengers in the truck, including an infant, were uninjured during the accident. Polk County authorities said that everyone was wearing a seatbelt and the baby was properly restrained in a car safety seat.

The 60-year-old victim in this accident was not wearing a motorcycle helmet when the crash occurred.

This fatal collision is currently under investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. No further information is known at this time.

Since 1977, Polk County wrongful death lawyer James O. Cunningham has worked diligently to provide compassionate legal services to families who have tragically lost a loved one during an auto accident. To schedule a free 30-minute case evaluation, please contact us today at 877-FL-INJURY.

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.