Motorcycle Accident Gulf Blvd.
An accident between a car and a motorcycle occurred at the intersection of Gulf Boulevard and 55th Avenue. The accident happened at approximately 7:29 a.m. near the TradeWinds Resort. The motorcycle, driven by Boris Buncic, was headed southbound on Gulf Boulevard and was going straight through the intersection when the car, driven by Diems Duverlus, attempted a left hand turn into the parking lot of the TradeWinds resort. Buncic was ejected from the motorcycle upon impact and was taken to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. His injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
This image from Google Maps shows the perspective of the motorcycle. There is a turn lane going northbound, where I would expect that the car made its move from. There is not a traffic light at this particular intersection. Section 316.122, Florida Statutes states that "the driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction, or vehicles lawfully passing on the left of the turning vehicle, which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard."
In this particular instance, the car had a legal obligation to yield to the driver of the motorcycle. Clearly, the impact with the motorcyclist was "so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard" and the car should have waited rather than making its turn when it did. The failure to observe this "rule of the road" is considered negligence under Florida law and the driver of the car will likely be held legally liable for damages caused by this accident.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Central Florida, please contact a Central Florida motorcycle accident lawyer for a free consultation.
