Recent Gainesville Motorcycle Accidents
Like any metropolitan area with heavy traffic, Gainesville experiences serious vehicle accidents every day. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to contact an experienced, aggressive attorney who will protect your right to compensation.
Dangers on the road are especially problematic for motorcyclists, who are both harder for other drivers to see and more likely to be injured in a collision with a larger vehicle. Here are just a few of the recent motorcycle accidents that have occurred in the Gainesville area:
On September 4, 2016, John Clark was riding on Northwest Thirteenth Street in north Gainesville. He failed to negotiate the curve at the merger with Northwest Sixth Street. Clark was pronounced dead at UF Health Shands Hospital.
On March 20, 2017, UF student Joe Wagner was hit while riding his Kawasaki motorcycle. He was hit in front of the UF Health trauma center, and a nearby emergency room doctor was able to immediately render medical treatment. Depsite this, and the fact that Wagner was in critical condition, Gainesville Police Department began a traffic homicide investigation due to the severity of the crash. Wagner was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
On March 26, 2017, Todd Kirby – a parts manager at the Gainseville Harley Davidson dealership – was riding his 1999 Harley Davidson south on Country Road 225. He took a sharp left curve, his bike went right, and Kirby lost control and was thrown from his bike. He was pronounced dead at UF Health Shands Hospital. Kirby was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
What Can Motorcyclists Do to Stay Safe?
Always wear a helmet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that, for every one hundred motorcyclists killed while not wearing a helmet, thirty-seven of them could have been saved by wearing a helmet.
Never ride so fast that you are unable to respond to changes in the roadway or obstructions ahead. Reduce your speed when conditions such as traffic, visibility, or Florida’s infamous hurricane season weather demand it. The best way to avoid a motorcycle accident is to allow yourself enough time to respond to dangers in the road.
Stay visible to other vehicles. Motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles, and therefore more difficult for other drivers to see. Use your headlight, signals, and reflective clothing to ensure you can be seen in the road.
Take ongoing safety courses and certification. No matter how long you have been riding or how familiar you are with motorcycles, you must always be vigilant and prepared to respond to driving hazards.
Contact an Experienced Gainesville Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, or have other questions about motorcycle driver liability, contact the experienced team at Meldon Law. We have decades of experience in protecting the rights of Gainesville motorcycle riders. You can also call 800-373-8000 to schedule your free consultation. We provide the personalized attention necessary to get the compensation you deserve.
