An 82-year-old Winter Haven man is in the hospital while Florida Highway Patrol troopers search for the driver who caused him to wreck his motorcycle.
On April 13 at around 5 p.m., the man was on his red Harley Davidson motorcycle, traveling south on U.S. 17 in Wauchula, Florida.
At the same time, FHP says the driver of a pickup truck was leaving the Wauchula Supermarket parking lot. Troopers say the driver crossed through the southbound lanes, toward the median, violating the motorcycle’s right of way. This caused the man to crash his motorcycle into the left side of the truck.
A man who sells fruit by the road witnessed it all. There were other witnesses as well.
Troopers hope with so many witnesses, they will find the driver quickly.
FHP says the driver of the truck took off, traveling north on U.S. 17.
The motorcyclist was rushed to Lakeland Regional Medical Center with critical injuries. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Florida Highway Patrol at 239-938-1800 or Crime Stoppers.
While it may seem unimaginable that someone would hit another human being with their vehicle and simply drive away, without stopping to see if the individual needs help, it happens every day across the state of Florida. Negligent or careless drivers usually flee the scene of an accident they caused in a state of panic because they don’t have a valid driver’s license or insurance, they were driving intoxicated, or they simply don’t want to face the consequences of their actions.
Fleeing the scene of an accident is a very serious offense, especially when another person suffers injuries. Drivers who hit a motorcyclist and then leave the scene without exchanging identifying information or rendering aid are subject to ticketing, fines, and possible jail time.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a hit and run motorcycle accident in the Tampa Bay area, our Tampa Bay Motorcycle Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help. Even if you have no idea who hit you, we can put our resources to work for you and investigate your claim and work to identify the at-fault party. Your consultation is free and offered on a contingency basis, so there is no fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf.
Call us today at 813-221-3200 or contact us online.