Motorcyclist Critically Injured in Manatee County Crash on State Road 64

A 28-year-old Parrish man was left in critical condition Sunday afternoon after his motorcycle collided with a Toyota Corolla in Manatee County, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. on State Road 64 near the intersection of River Heritage Boulevard, an area that has seen repeated serious collisions due to heavy weekend traffic and limited visibility during late afternoon hours.

According to troopers, the Toyota Corolla, driven by a 75-year-old Bradenton woman, was traveling westbound in the outside lane on S.R. 64 as it approached the River Heritage Boulevard intersection.

Meanwhile, the motorcyclist was stopped in the left turn lane facing eastbound on S.R. 64.

As the Corolla continued through the intersection, the driver reportedly drove directly into the motorcyclist’s path. The Parrish man attempted to swerve to avoid the collision, but his motorcycle struck the right side of the Toyota, causing him to be thrown from the bike.

Emergency responders from Manatee County EMS and Bayflite Air Medical Services arrived at the scene, where the motorcyclist was stabilized and airlifted to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in critical condition.

The Corolla’s driver and her 73-year-old male passenger suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.

Troopers are continuing to investigate the crash and have not yet announced whether any citations will be issued.

Motorcycle accidents like this one highlight the dangers riders face daily on Florida’s roads. State Road 64, in particular, is a common corridor for weekend travelers and local traffic heading to and from Bradenton and Parrish — creating a dangerous environment for motorcyclists when drivers fail to yield or properly scan intersections.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), nearly 9,000 motorcycle crashes occur in the state each year, resulting in over 550 fatalities. Many of these collisions happen when a driver fails to yield the right-of-way to a motorcyclist — especially when turning or merging at intersections.

Common contributing factors in these types of crashes include:

• Driver inattention or distraction
• Failure to yield at intersections
• Poor distance judgment when turning left or crossing lanes
• Reduced visibility during sunset hours
• Speeding or abrupt lane changes

Motorcyclists are at a unique disadvantage due to their exposure and lack of protection, meaning even a low-speed crash can result in life-threatening injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Compound fractures
• Road rash and severe burns

Legal Rights After a Florida Motorcycle Accident

Under Florida law, injured motorcyclists are entitled to pursue compensation from negligent drivers who cause a collision. However, motorcycle cases differ from standard car accidents because motorcyclists are not covered by Florida’s no-fault PIP insurance system.

That means injured riders must file a liability claim directly against the at-fault driver’s insurance company — or pursue a personal injury lawsuit if damages exceed policy limits.

Victims may be able to recover compensation for:

• Emergency medical care and hospitalization
• Rehabilitation and long-term treatment
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Emotional trauma and loss of quality of life

If a driver’s negligence — such as failing to yield, distracted driving, or reckless behavior — caused the crash, the victim’s family may also be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida Statute §768.19.

How Our Law Firm Helps Motorcycle Accident Victims

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent victims of serious motorcycle accidents throughout Florida — including Manatee, Sarasota, and Hillsborough Counties.

Our legal team investigates every detail of the crash, including:

• Scene evidence and traffic camera footage
• Vehicle damage reports and black box data
• Eyewitness and expert testimony
• Road design and signage conditions
• Police and FHP findings

We work to hold negligent drivers accountable while pursuing maximum compensation for injured riders and their families.

Our firm has extensive experience handling complex motorcycle crash cases, including those involving catastrophic injuries, multiple vehicles, and disputes over fault.

The team at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm extends our heartfelt support to the Parrish motorcyclist and his loved ones during this difficult time. Motorcycle crashes can have devastating and long-lasting consequences, but victims do not have to face the aftermath alone.

If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a motorcycle crash in Manatee County or anywhere in Florida, you may be entitled to significant compensation.

Our experienced attorneys are ready to investigate your case, identify all sources of liability, and fight for your recovery.

📞 Call (305) 638-4143 or contact us online for a free consultation. You pay no fees unless we win.