A St. Petersburg left-turn Accident sadly took the lives of two people last week. According to the NHTSA, 42% of fatal motorcycle accidents involve a common scenario: a motorcycle going straight, and a passenger turning left. Unfortunately, this deadly scenario occurred recent in St. Petersburg, at the intersection of 4th Street and Roser Park Drive South. The fatal accident occurred in the early morning hours of Friday March 5, 2021.
According to the news report by CBS Tampa Bay, a grey Chevrolet Trailblazer was traveling northbound on 4th Street South, when it turned left onto Roser Park Drive South. Meanwhile, a red Suzuki motorcycle was traveling southbound onto 4th Street South. The motorcycle collided with the passenger side of the Trailblazer. The motorcyclist passed away at the scene of the crash. The driver and two passengers of the Trailblazer were taken to the hospital, where one of the passengers passed away.
Cause of the March 5th St. Petersburg Motorcycle Crash
Very limited information was available regarding the cause of the accident and it is unclear how fast the vehicles were traveling and who was responsible. St. Petersburg Police are investigating the cause of the crash. Our thoughts go out to all involved in this horrific collision, and their family members. Being involved in a catastrophic accident is overwhelming and traumatic.
Florida Left-Turn Accidents Are Preventable Tragedies
Crashes such as this one are tragic because they are foreseeable and generally preventable. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests that drivers take extra time when turning left to look for anyone that might not be easily visible, such as a motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian.
Who Is Liable For a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycles are relatively small and have a narrow profile. Especially at dusk or at night when visibility is reduced, drivers may not see motorcycles. Or they may be distracted or impaired, reducing their focus and attention. Some drivers may see a motorcycle approaching, but may think it is a bicycle and misjudge the approaching speed.
Florida Statute 316.122 states “The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction, or vehicles lawfully passing on the left of the turning vehicle, which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.”
Get a Free Consultation With a St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyer
After an accident, victims and family members may benefit from speaking with an experienced and knowledgeable St. Petersburg Personal Injury lawyer. A lawyer can ensure victims’ rights are protected and they receive fair compensation for their personal injury or wrongful death claim.
The Coleman Law Group has more than a decade of experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims in Florida. We fight to protect the legal rights of accident victims and their family members. To speak to a lawyer about your case, contact a St. Petersburg Personal Injury lawyer at the Coleman Law Group as soon as possible. Call us at (877) 822-9292.
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