Motorcyclists Killed in Two Separate Accidents in One Day
Last Friday, two motorcyclists were killed in separate crashes in Brevard County, according to a spokesperson for the Florida Highway Patrol. The first victim was Jessica Nicole Batts, 21, who died in Melbourne when a car turned into her motorcycle’s path on Palm Bay Road. Mr. Batts was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, and she was taken to Holmes Regional Medical Center where she died.
The driver of the car, Charles Mosley, 41, told police at the scene that he was stopped at a traffic signal preparing to turn onto Hollywood Boulevard about 10:10 p.m. when the light changed for eastbound traffic to move through the intersection. He thought the signal change permitted him to turn left, though the light in his lane was still red. Mr. Mosley had three passengers in the car at the time of the accident, all under the age of three years old, who were all unharmed in the incident.
The second accident on Friday occurred shortly before noon when a car pulled into the path of a motorcyclist on State Road 520 near Lake Poinsett Road in Cocoa. The second victim, Jerome Blake, 69, was declared dead at the scene and his passenger, Sharon Fletcher, 56, was transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center in critical condition. Neither Mr. Blake nor Ms. Fletcher was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The Florida Highway Patrol identified the driver of the car in this accident as Marissa Carroll, 22, of Cocoa. As of now, both accidents are still under investigation and no charges have been filed.
Florida Motorcycle Accidents
Because of its year-round warm weather, miles of beach roadway, and scenic drives, Florida is one of the most popular states for motorcycle drivers. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2013 there were a total of 9,549 motorcycle drivers involved in accidents across the state. Of those, 3,856 received non-incapacitating injuries, 2,141 drivers sustained incapacitating injuries, and 444 drivers died. In addition, a total of 1,032 motorcycle passengers were involved in traffic accidents in Florida for the same year. Of those, 392 received non-incapacitating injuries, 233 suffered incapacitating injuries, and eighteen passengers died.
Between 2012 and 2013, there was a three percent increase in the number of motorcycle accidents across the state in Florida. Additionally, there was an increase of one percent in the number of fatal accidents and crashes that resulted in injury. As a result of this increase and accidents like the ones that occurred recently, Florida Highway Patrol officials are urging motorcycle drivers to be safe and drivers of other vehicles to be cognizant of motorcyclists on the road.
Call a Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or someone that you know has been hurt or killed in a motorcycle accident in Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, or West Palm Beach, let the experienced personal injury and wrongful death lawyers at The Pendas Law Firm help. Call the office or contact us today for a free and confidential consultation of your case.
