Tragic Christmas Day Crash Takes Life of Florida Motorcyclist

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on January 11, 2016

A motorcyclist was killed in a tragic Christmas Day crash in Riverview. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened just before 3 p.m. in the northbound lanes of U.S. 301 near Big Bend Road. Troopers said 43-year-old Louis Matthew Bruno from Valrico was riding his motorcycle in the northbound lane on 301 when a southbound Chevy Impala turned left in front of him at Summerfield Square Drive. The front of the motorcycle collided with the passenger side of the Impala, being driven by 82-year-old Carole Sue Rink of Brandon. Bruno was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries. Rink and her 15-year-old passenger suffered minor injuries.

Florida’s frequent biker rallies and festivals, combined with its scenic routes and notorious warm weather, invite more motorcyclists year round than nearly any other state. Unfortunately, this also means more motorcycle accidents per year than our firm would like to handle.

Most motorcycle accident lawsuits are based on negligence, or the other driver’s failure to exercise a reasonable standard of care. An initial investigation by a seasoned motorcycle accident attorney will help to prove that the other party acted negligently, failed to follow traffic laws, or failed to pay attention to their surroundings. To succeed in a negligence lawsuit, your attorney must show that the defendant did not exercise an appropriate standard of care, that their negligence caused the accident, and the accident caused the motorcyclist’s injuries or wrongful death. In the case of negligence, motorcyclists do not have to pass an injury threshold to seek compensation for damages, which may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Florida insurance regulations and dishonest insurance carriers can also complicate the process of recovering compensation for injured motorcyclists or loved ones acting on their behalf. While each case is different and damages will vary, the attorneys at the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. have a successful history of handling claims against insurance companies and are committed to helping motorcyclists in Florida recover compensation for their losses.

If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to retain an attorney who has experience handling these types of claims. The compassionate and experienced attorneys at James O. Cunningham have been representing injured motorcyclists and their families for more than thirty years and can get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) for additional information.

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.