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[09-10-24] Woman Arrested on DUI Charges Following Fiery Crash That Left Motorcyclist Dead

A woman is facing DUI charges after causing a deadly and fiery crash in Pasco County overnight, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

At 1:10 a.m. on Sunday, a 25-year-old Hudson woman in a Chevy Impala was traveling northbound on US-19, approaching the intersection of Sea Ranch Drive.

At the same time, a 21-year-old Inverness man on a Kawasaki motorcycle was heading southbound on US-19.

Troopers said the woman, later identified as Melissa Lopez, made a left turn at the intersection, under a flashing yellow turn signal in front of the motorcycle.

This caused him to collide with the right side of the Chevy, sending Lopez’s vehicle up in flames, according to FHP.

The motorcyclist was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Lopez was arrested by troopers and taken to the Pasco County Jail. She was charged with DUI manslaughter, DUI property damage, and driving without a driver’s license involving a death.

Source : News Channel 8

(Credit : NBC News)

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If you or a loved one were involved in or affected by this accident and would like the incident’s official Police Report, Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas might be able to help.
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT STATISTICS

Florida is considered one of the most dangerous states for motorcycle riders. Motorcycle fatalities in Florida have more than doubled over the past twenty years. According to The National Highway Safety Administration, motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2020 in the US, there were 5,458 motorcycle fatalities and 84,000 motorcycle accident-related injuries.

Some additional numbers and facts from Florida High Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and Ride Smart Florida:

Motorcycles account for only 3% of registered motor vehicles but represent 17% of traffic crash deaths in Florida, with the state observing a total of 8,045 motorcycle crashes in 2020 and 8,614 crashes in the year 2021. That upwards trend is unfortunately present with the rate of motorcycle fatalities with Florida seeing 578 motorcycle fatalities in 2021 which is an increase from the 572 fatalities observed in 2020.

Several factors cause these collisions. The leading causes of motorcycle accidents are failure to yield and speeding. Here are a few other common dangerous driving behaviors that can lead to a collision with a motorcycle:

  • Left turns (made by vehicle operators)
  • Reckless driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Driving while intoxicated
  • Driving in inclement weather
  • Wrong-way driving
  • Failing to obey traffic laws
  • Motorcycle lane splitting

FLORIDA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY FOR VICTIMS OF MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS

Our Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorneys specialize in representing victims of motorcycle accidents. Family members who have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident also have the right to receive damages for wrongful death, medical bills, and other expenses.

Anyone who has sustained injuries in a Florida motorcycle accident has the right to recover damages from the at-fault party. An experienced Florida motorcycle accident attorney will be able to guide you through the entire claims process, deal with insurance companies and attorneys on your behalf, and make your life easier. Proper legal advocacy is the only way to ensure you win the total compensation that you are entitled to.

Fatal motorcycle accidents are horrific tragedies that can have a tremendous impact on all involved. A wrongful death lawsuit will never be able to replace the loss of a loved one, but it can be a small step towards holding the negligent party(s) accountable.

Individuals and families may often make sacrifices to pay for costly medical care treatment after a motorcycle accident. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a Florida motorcycle accident, contact us now.

Our Florida motorcycle accident attorneys understand how complicated it can be to tackle a legal battle while trying to recover from injuries and gain good health again. We cater to our customers’ needs and do our best to make their experience as smooth as possible. No one should have to deal with the aftermath of a motorcycle alone, especially without adequate legal representation.

Our firm’s Florida motorcycle accident attorneys can help you receive the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and all other non-accident-related fees. Call us today for your free no-obligation initial consultation.

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