A motorcyclist was killed in a crash in Lakeland, FL about 9 p.m. Saturday, November 28, 2009, Polk County authorities stated.
According to the Lakeland Ledger, Raymond Leo Horn III, 21, of Lakeland, FL,was driving a 2005 Kawasaki north on U.S. 98 North in Lakeland, FL, about 9 p.m., reports said.
A 2001 Hyundai, driven by Jaimee Lynn Piechota, 21, of Massachusetts, was driving south on U.S. 98 North in Lakeland, Fl, and pulled in front of Horn when turning onto Wedgewood Estates Boulevard and crashed into the motorcyclist, who was driving north on U.S. 98 in Lakeland, Fl, according to Polk County police reports.
Lakeland police blocked off northbound traffic on U.S. 98 between Sleepy Hill Road and Wedgewood Estates Boulevard in Lakeland, FL as they investigated the crash.
The impact of the crash ejected Horn from the motorcycle and he was declared dead at the scene, police said. Piechota received minor injuries and was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center for treatment. Piechota was wearing a seat belt and Horn was wearing a helmet, reports said.
According to the recently released, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles annual Traffic Crash Statistics Report for 2004, 388 motorcycle riders killed in crashes on Florida roads during 2004, over 51% were wearing safety helmets. The crash facts also demonstrate that riders wearing safety helmets were more likely to sustain injuries than non-helmeted riders. In each of the statistical focus topics presented in the study, the percentage numbers were very close between helmeted and non-helmeted riders, except for non-injury crashes.
In conjunction with the Florida legislature, American Bikers Aimed Towards Education(ABATE) is putting Billboards throughout the state to encourage drivers to be aware of motorcycles and to drive alertly. To take personal responsibility for their driving actions and to think about the way they operate their vehicles.
In my experience as a personal injury attorney, practicing in Polk County, FL, I represent victims of motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle accidents are typically very serious accidents as victims may sustain serious fractures or even fatalities. In such cases, it is critical to hire an experienced lawyer to investigate the crash and pursue damages.
