After a four month Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) homicide investigation, it has been determined that a driver who turned left in front of Seminole County Deputy Sheriff’s motorcycle, failed to yield right-of-way and is to blame for the fatal crash.
According to investigators, it appeared that neither the driver of the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta nor the motorcycle officer took any kind of evasive action to avoid the early afternoon crash that occurred on December 26 at Maitland Boulevard and Gateway Drive in Altamonte Springs.
The 24-year police veteran, who apparently didn’t have his motorcycle siren or front lights activated, had been on his way to catch up with a speeding motorist when the fatal motorcycle collision in Florida occurred. Witnesses said that the trooper was traveling between 65 to 70 mph and FHP concluded that the motorcycle had to have hit the Jetta going at least 59 mph for it to have sustained the damage that it did.
Witnesses also stated the driver had plenty of time to turn left, but seemed to hesitate and then turned slowly in front of the motorcycle officer.
Both were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center. The driver sustained serious injuries in the crash and the officer died at the hospital.
Motorists should always be attentive on the road and be aware that because a motorcycle is smaller than cars and trucks, it may appear farther away than what it really is. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident and a negligent driver is to blame, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other damages. Call Farah & Farah’s Orlando motorcycle accident lawyers today at (800) 533-3555 for a free, no-obligation consultation concerning your accident.
