High-Speed Chase at Daytona Beach Bike Week Injures Fleeing Rider

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on March 5, 2023

While most motorcyclists were enjoying the local festivities on the first day of the 82nd Annual Bike Week in Daytona Beach, one group of bikers took their celebrations a little too far last Friday evening resulting in a T-bone collision on Old Dixie Highway.

According to a first-hand account from Deputy Jacob Bissonnette with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, it was close to 3 a.m. on March 3, 2023, when several motorcyclists were witnessed popping wheelies and driving in an erratic manner down Old Dixie Highway in Daytona Beach. The officer tried to make a routine traffic stop, but the group ignored his attempts and fled the area at a high rate of speed. Additional Volusia County authorities were dispatched to the scene to assist Deputy Bissonnette and a high-speed pursuit began.

Dashcam footage recorded the bikers weaving in and out of traffic before approaching a red light at the intersection of North Beach Street and West Granada Boulevard. Multiple motorcycles blew through the red light, including Joshua Richardson, who allegedly turned around and gave deputies the middle finger before following suit with the rest of the crowd. He entered the intersection on his motorcycle and was struck by an oncoming truck that had the right-of-way.

The injured motorcyclist tried to leave the crash site on foot but was quickly apprehended by Volusia County officers. He was transported to a nearby hospital to receive treatment for a leg injury and has been charged with fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, leaving the scene of a crash, resisting without violence, and an extensive list of traffic violations including passing in a no-passing zone and failure to stop at a red light.

“We’re being chased by twelve cops in the middle of nowhere. What am I supposed to do?” said Richardson when questioned about his behavior by Volusia County deputies. “Stop and figure out why we’re chasing you,” they replied.

The driver of the pickup truck stopped immediately after the accident occurred, but it is unknown if they were injured during the incident. No other injuries have been reported and no other charges have been filed at this time.

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.