Florida police seek driver in hit-and-run motorcycle accident

June 09, 2015

On behalf of Terence Gross of Gross & Schuster, P.A. posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Saturday, May 18, 2013.

You don’t have to be a seasoned motorcycle rider to realize how vulnerable drivers and passengers of these vehicles are when it comes to traffic accidents. Even bikers who wear helmets are in danger of suffering serious injuries in the event they collide with a car or truck. When an accident happens, motorcyclists may need to rely on the driver of the other vehicle involved to call for medical assistance or to provide an account of the accident to authorities. If the other driver chooses to leave the scene instead. the motorcyclist may have a tougher time recovering — both physically and financially.

Officials from the Florida Highway Patrol say they are still looking for the driver of a pickup truck that collided with a motorcycle last month in Molino. The investigation so far has only turned up dead ends, and police may be running out of options.

The crash happened on Highway 97 as the motorcycle was traveling a safe distance behind the truck and a car. The motorcyclist, a 72-year-old man from Pensacola, was attempting to pass the vehicles when the pickup truck made a sudden turn. This caused the motorcycle to collide with the side of the truck and crash.

Witnesses to the accident said the truck driver stopped briefly before continuing to turn and drive away — despite the fact that the motorcyclist suffered severe injuries.

No one has come forward to claim responsibility in the month and a half since the accident. Although police allegedly located the truck, it didn’t have damage that matched the accident and the three witnesses to the crash couldn’t identify the driver in a photo lineup.

Without a definitive answer as to exactly who the driver was or whether he or she exhibited negligence in the crash, it will be difficult for the injured motorcyclist to seek compensation for his injuries. Police are still searching for leads in hopes that the man will one day be able to recoup his medical expenses. In cases where the at-fault driver does stay at the scene, injured motorists would do well to consult an attorney who can help ensure that the negligent party is held responsible.

Source: NorthEscambia.com, “FHP Seeks Info In Two Motorcycle Hit And Run Accidents,” May 13, 2013