Spring Hill Motorcyclist in Critical Condition Following Collision with SUV on U.S. 19

July 11, 2012

A 21-year-old Spring Hill man was left in critical condition after his motorcycle was broadsided by an SUV at the intersection of U.S. 19 and Spring Hill Drive Sunday evening.

Both vehicles were traveling along U.S. 19 when the accident occurred at 5:29 p.m.

Reports indicate the man was heading north on U.S. 19 when the driver of a Chevy Avalanche attempted to make a left turn from southbound U.S. 19 onto Spring Hill Drive.

The driver of the Chevy Avalanche, a 69-year-old Brooksville woman, attempted to turn left when the motorcyclist slammed into the passenger side of her SUV. The man was ejected from his motorcycle and thrown onto the hood and windshield of the woman’s vehicle.

The man was taken to Bayonet Point Regional Medical Center for medical treatment.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation. As of now, charges are pending.

Motorcycles are more likely to be involved in collisions with other vehicles due to the fact that they are less visible to other motorists and less stable than four-wheeled vehicles like trucks and cars. Additionally, they lack structural protection so when accidents do happen they are often quite serious. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle riders are nearly 37 more times likely to be killed and nine times more likely to be injured in an accident compared to other drivers.

Many motorcycle enthusiasts love the freedom and power that come along with riding a motorcycle. Unfortunately, bike riders are often labeled as reckless and careless drivers. While most motorcyclists err on the side of caution, sometimes more so than other drivers, insurance companies often stereotype riders as negligent and try to blame them for accidents that happen. The Hernando County Motorcycle Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton understand the confusion and strain that follow a serious motorcycle accident. We fight for the rights of injured motorcyclists throughout Hernando County, including Spring Hill, Brooksville, Ridge Manor, Weeki Wachee, Hernando Beach and Masaryktown.

After a motorcycle accident occurs, your first priority should be to make sure you receive medical treatment for any injuries. Even if you don’t feel any pain, you should still get checked out by a doctor. Injuries are not always obvious right away. Remember to never give a written or recorded statement to the insurance company without speaking to the Hernando County Motorcycle Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton first. We can handle the insurance adjustors for you so that you can focus on your health and recovery.

If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident in Hernando County, contact the Hernando County Personal Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton online or call us at 352-666-2121.