Motorcyclist Killed After Driver Fails to Yield in Lantana Collision, PBSO Reports

A deadly motorcycle crash in Lantana on Tuesday evening has left a local family grieving and raised renewed concerns about driver awareness and motorcycle safety in Palm Beach County. According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), 39-year-old Joshua R. Rene of Lantana was killed when a driver failed to spot his approaching motorcycle and turned directly into his path.

Investigators say the crash occurred around 6:50 p.m. near 6200 South Congress Avenue, at the entrance of Atlantis Plaza. A 2003 GMC Sierra 1500, driven by a 50-year-old Stuart man, was traveling southbound and attempting to make a left turn into the plaza. At the same time, Rene was riding his 2013 Harley-Davidson northbound in the outside lane.

According to the PBSO report, the driver of the GMC failed to identify the oncoming motorcycle and turned directly into its lane. The impact threw Rene from his bike, causing him to land in the northbound lane. Despite wearing a helmet, he suffered catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:57 p.m.

The driver of the GMC truck was uninjured. PBSO noted that the crash occurred at a T-intersection with no traffic controls in place.

Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable when drivers fail to yield during left turns—one of the most common scenarios for fatal motorcycle collisions in Florida. Factors that often contribute to these crashes include:

• Drivers misjudging a motorcycle’s speed or distance
• Failure to yield while turning left
• Distracted or inattentive driving
• Limited lighting during evening or nighttime hours
• Motorcycles’ smaller size and reduced visibility

Even when helmets and safety gear are used, the force of these impacts often leads to fatal or life-altering injuries.

Who May Be Liable in a Fatal Left-Turn Motorcycle Crash

In cases like this, liability typically centers on whether the turning driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic. Under Florida Statute §316.122, drivers making left turns must yield the right of way to all approaching vehicles that pose an immediate hazard.

If the driver:

• Turned into the path of an oncoming motorcycle
• Failed to properly scan for traffic
• Was distracted or inattentive
• Misjudged the motorcycle’s speed

they may be held civilly liable for wrongful death.

Florida follows a comparative negligence system (§768.81), meaning fault can be shared, but a victim’s family may still recover compensation even if multiple factors contributed to the crash.

Wrongful Death Claims for Families After Motorcycle Fatalities

When a loved one is killed due to another driver’s negligence, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§768.16–§768.26).

Recoverable damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of future income and financial support
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support
• Mental pain and suffering for surviving family
• Medical costs incurred before death

Early legal action can help preserve critical evidence like vehicle damage, skid marks, roadway debris, surveillance video, and witness statements—elements that can make a significant difference in proving fault.

Important Evidence in Motorcycle Fatality Investigations

An attorney can help obtain and analyze:

• Traffic camera or business surveillance footage
• Event data recorder (“black box”) information
• Cell phone records
• 911 and dispatch audio
• Crash reconstruction reports
• Weather and visibility conditions
• Eyewitness testimony

Motorcycle crashes unfold in seconds, making a thorough investigation essential for uncovering what truly happened.

Motorcycle fatalities like this are devastating for families and communities. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we understand the profound loss families experience after a preventable crash. Our team is committed to helping victims’ families navigate the legal process with compassion, diligence, and the personal attention they deserve.

We offer free consultations and handle wrongful death cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash anywhere in South Florida, we are here to help you understand your legal options and pursue justice.