Two Motorcyclists Injured When Mattress Flies Off Truck

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on March 4, 2013

Orlando motorcycle accident attorneys are closely following developments in a case in south Florida involving two riders who were injured when they were struck by a mattress that flew off the back of a pickup truck. The accident occurred around 2 p.m. in San Carlos Park, a community near Fort Myers. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the 56-year-old motorcyclist and his 54-year-old female passenger were eastbound on Alico Road behind a 1996 Chevrolet pickup truck when a mattress became airborne and struck them.

Troopers say the truck was driven by a 60-year-old Fort Myers man who failed to properly secure the mattress. They report that the airborne mattress struck the motorcyclists and caused the operator to lose control of his bike, which fell on its right side. The impact threw the rider and his passenger, who were taken to Lee Memorial Hospital and treated for undisclosed injuries. The 56-year-old male victim is listed in critical condition, and his female passenger is listed in serious condition. The driver of the pickup is expected to be charged with failing to properly secure the mattress.

This accident may have occurred downstate, but accidents like this happen on a regular basis in Central Florida. Drivers of pickup trucks, heavy garbage haulers, tractor-trailers, passenger cars and other vehicles are responsible for securing any cargo in or on their vehicles. Occasionally, tools, trash, building materials, household goods and other improperly secured items become airborne and strike motorists, motorcyclists and pedestrians who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. In this case, the riders had little or no time to react and were very seriously injured.

From a legal standpoint, failing to properly secure cargo that injures another person is negligent and the at-fault party can be held liable for damages. If you or a close family member has been injured in an accident caused by negligence and you would like to learn more about your legal options, call 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) to schedule a free consultation with Orlando personal injury lawyer James O. Cunningham. Before you sign any documentation offered by the at-fault party, their insurance company or any other representative, call Mr. Cunningham to have him review it. Signing these documents usually results in the injured party waiving rights to seek damages. Don’t let this happen to you! Call Mr. Cunningham today for effective and experienced legal counsel.

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.