Florida Jury Awards $2.8 Million to Victim’s Family in Wrongful Death Suit

Earlier this month, a Florida jury awarded $2.8 million to the family of a 23-year-old man killed in a motorcycle accident in Daytona Beach. On May 30, 2007, the victim was riding his motorcycle near Halifax Health Medical Center. The defendant failed to yield the right of way in his Ford Mustang and struck the motorcycle, according to the complaint. The motorcyclist died from his injuries. The family’s lawsuit alleged damages for pain, suffering and mental anguish.

The plaintiffs claimed that the defendant was negligent and the jury agreed. The jury awarded $1 million to the victim’s 5-year-old daughter and $500,000 to each of his parents. The jury awarded an additional $798,000 for economic damages and funeral expenses. Overall, the award was twice the amount than what the plaintiffs requested.

According to the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR), injuries and deaths from motorcycle accidents have more than doubled between 1997 and 2008. In 2008, motorcycle fatalities accounted for 17.8 percent of all traffic fatalities in Florida.

Florida is home to many motorcycle enthusiasts. Unfortunately, inattentive drivers can cause catastrophic injuries to riders. Our law firm has been privileged to represent injured motorcycle drivers in cases over many years, and we continue to do so. We have successfully tried motorcycle accident cases causing serious and permanent injury to our clients. Contact a Florida injury lawyer if you or a loved one suffers injuries in any type of motorcycle or motor vehicle accident. A skilled Florida injury attorney can explain your options for a fair financial recovery.