RSSFatal Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident Closes I-4 for Several Hours
A fatal hit-and-run motorcycle accident that killed a Virginia man closed Interstate 4 for several hours recently as accident investigators reconstructed the accident and debris was cleared from the roadway. Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers report that the victim was a 42-year-old man from Brightwood, Va., who may have participated in Bike Week festivities. The accident occurred around 1:15 a.m. on March 10 near Sanford, and law enforcement agencies are trying to contact the owner of a red 1998 Saturn that they believe was involved in the accident.
Troopers report that the victim was riding westbound near mile marker 101 when he was struck by the Saturn. The impact caused the victim to be ejected from his bike, and he landed on the roadway. Witnesses say that the driver of the Saturn drove off immediately without stopping to render assistance. A FHP investigation revealed that the Saturn may be owned by a Seffner man who has spoken with an attorney and has not yet cooperated with accident investigators. The victim was pronounced dead from his injuries at the scene, and the Saturn was found parked on the shoulder of I-4 about a half-mile from the scene of the accident. The accident closed all westbound lanes of I-4 for about eight hours, and it was reopened around 9 a.m. that morning.
Central Florida residents know that Bike Week is the unofficial start to the motorcycle season and is the first of many festivals that attracts hundreds of thousands of riders to our area. A few things to consider when sharing the road with motorcycles include these:
- Allowing adequate space between vehicles
- Obeying the posted speed limit
- Turning off cell phones when driving
- Driving sober
- Looking for riders before pulling onto roadways or changing lanes
- Slowing down when approaching traffic signals
- Observing riders’ right-of-way
Mr. Cunningham and other Orlando motorcycle accident lawyers want 2013 to be the safest motorcycle season yet and for all Floridians to share the road safely and responsibly. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident and would like to speak with an experienced attorney, call Mr. Cunningham today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) to schedule a free 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.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.