Motorcycle Accident Caused by Driver with Multiple DUI Convictions

A man charged with multiple offenses after a hit-and-run accident with a motorcycle in Jacksonville has been arrested at least five other times for driving under the influence and causing accidents. Matthew David Frye, 33, has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident, failing to register as a sex offender in Florida and various other crimes after the accident last Thursday night.

According to the police report, the accident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Gate Parkway in Jacksonville. John C. Leone, 19, was driving his motorcycle eastbound on Gate Parkway when Mr. Frye turned left in front of him to get into the parking lot of Thornton Park Apartments. He failed to yield the right of way to Mr. Leone and the motorcycle was struck by the front of the car.

After the accident, security footage shows that Mr. Frye pulled into the apartment complex, stopped near the clubhouse, walked back towards the scene of the accident, and then ran back to his car. He backed his car out of its parking space, drove it further into the parking lot, got out of the car, and started to walk into the complex.

When questioned by the police, one of his passengers admitted that Mr. Frye was driving the car at the time of the accident and had been drinking margaritas prior to getting behind the wheel. The passenger had wanted to check on Mr. Leone but Mr. Frye said that they should not because he had been drinking. Mr. Frye had bloodshot eyes, alcohol on his breath, and slurred speech when speaking with the police.

He told the police after the accident that he had moved the car so that it would be more visible, and he was walking back to the accident when the police arrived. He also admitted that he had three previous convictions for driving under the influence in Oklahoma, another out of state DUI, Jacksonville, Duval County, and twice in Nassau County. He is also a registered sex offender in Tennessee and Georgia. Mr. Leone remains in critical condition at UF Shands Hospital.

Motorcycle Accident Compensation

Motorcyclists face much more serious injuries and damages in accidents because of the lack of protection that a regular vehicle provides. As such, compensation for these types of accidents can be substantial and covers many different costs involved in the accident. Damages that can be collected for a motorcycle accident include:

• Present and future medical expenses;
• Lost wages;
• Impaired earning ability;
• Disability payments;
• Scarring and disfigurement;
• Pain and suffering;
• Property damage;
• Wrongful death;
• Funeral costs;

…and other compensation that is reasonably related to the costs of the motorcycle accident.

Call a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you or someone that you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa, Fort Myers, or West Palm Beach, let the experienced personal injury lawyers at The Pendas Law Firm help. Call the office or contact us today for a free and confidential consultation of your claims.