Two Motorcyclists Dead in Crash

Two motorcyclists are dead after a crash with a Jeep Cherokee in Ruskin, Florida.  The motorcyclists were on a Suzuki motorcycle on College Avenue when the Jeep Cherokee turned left into their path.  The motorcyclists were not wearing helmets.  The motorcycle was driven by Daniel James Walters, 22 and his passenger was Ryan Michael Modrow, 18, of Wimauma, Florida.  When police arrived on the scene, the motorcyclists were severely injured and were transported to South Bay Hospital where they later died from their injuries.  The Jeep Cherokee was driven by Gabrielle Desiree Durand, 23, of Ruskin, Florida.  Durand was apparently not injured in the crash.  Police are still investigating this accident.

Motorcycle accidents and wrongful death cases have unique characteristics under Florida law.  There is no requirement that motorcyclists carry any insurance of their own.  Further, the standard automobile insurance policy specifically excludes coverage while driving or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle.  That is something to think about before you ride on a motorcycle.  While drivers of automobiles currently have no legal requirement to carry bodily injury liability coverage, the driver or owner of an automobile must be able to respond in damages of at least $10,000 or face driver license suspension after an accident.  Oddly, this does not occur until after an accident has occurred and very frequently leaves the injured person holding an empty bag.  Nonetheless, if there is insurance coverage, there are many pitfalls that you need to be aware of.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in the greater Central Florida area, please contact a personal injury attorney with Moody Law to discuss your case.  A consultation with a personal injury attorney is free.