Fatal Accident on U.S. 27

A motorcyclist is reported to have died as a result of an accident on US Highway 27 in Haines City.  Authorities closed US 27 from County Road 547 to Polk City Road for several hours.  According to reports referenced by The Ledger, the motorcycle was in the inside lane of US 27 going northbound when a 2014 Kia Sorrento crossed the northbound lane to attempt a turn.  The report does not mention the name of the motorcycle driver but does identify the driver of the Kia Sorrento as 29 year old Jessica Ann Burns.  The Ledger reports that alcohol or drugs are not suspected in this case but speed might be a factor.  

From an aerial image, there does not appear to be a traffic light at this intersection but there is a northbound left hand turn lane.  It is unclear which direction the Kia Sorrento was traveling.  The direction of travel may be a critical fact in determining a legal outcome.  Notwithstanding, my speculation is that the Sorrento was probably attempting to make a left hand turn from the median onto Patterson.  If that is in fact what happened, the Kia driver would be responsible for the collision as it would have been improper to cross the highway in front of traffic from the opposing direction without adequate opportunity to safely clear the roadway.  Again, this outcome is based on the assumption made above.  When the official crash report is released, the facts may be different.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an a Polk County motorcycle accident, you should contact a Polk County motorcycle accident attorney for a free consultation.