Motorcyclist Killed in Collision on U.S. 1 in Fort Pierce; Investigation Underway

The Fort Pierce Police Department is investigating a fatal crash involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle that occurred Tuesday afternoon on U.S. Highway 1.

According to police, officers responded around 3:15 p.m. to the 1400 block of U.S. Highway 1 at Avenue M following reports of a serious traffic collision. An initial investigation indicates a woman driving a sedan northbound on U.S. 1 attempted to turn west onto Avenue M when her vehicle collided with a motorcycle traveling southbound.

The motorcyclist, a man, was pronounced dead at the scene. The sedan driver was transported to a local hospital with injuries. Authorities temporarily shut down both northbound and southbound lanes of U.S. 1 while investigators processed the scene. Traffic reopened later in the evening. The crash remains under investigation.

Motorcycle crashes frequently occur when a vehicle turns across the path of an oncoming rider. These collisions are particularly dangerous because motorcycles offer little physical protection, and drivers often misjudge a rider’s speed or fail to see them entirely.

Common contributing factors in turn-related motorcycle crashes include:

• Failure to yield the right of way
• Driver distraction or inattention
• Misjudging speed or distance
• Limited visibility at intersections
• Unsafe turning maneuvers

Even when a rider has the right of way, a turning vehicle can create an unavoidable impact scenario.

Legal Options After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Florida

When a motorcycle crash results in death, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §§768.16–768.26).

Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs related to emergency treatment
• Loss of financial support and services
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence standard (§768.81). This means fault may be shared between parties, but recovery is barred only if the deceased is found to be more than 50% responsible. In intersection crashes, liability often centers on whether the turning driver failed to yield.

Law enforcement investigations determine how a crash occurred and whether traffic violations were involved. They do not pursue civil recovery for grieving families.

An independent legal investigation may examine:

• Intersection visibility and traffic patterns
• Vehicle speeds and braking evidence
• Crash reconstruction analysis
• Witness statements and surveillance footage
• Insurance coverage

Preserving evidence early is critical in motorcycle fatality cases where liability may be contested.

Compassionate Representation for Families After Motorcycle Fatalities

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida who have lost loved ones in serious and fatal motorcycle crashes.

We understand that no legal action can undo a tragic loss. Our role is to help families seek accountability, answers, and financial stability during an incredibly difficult time. We intentionally limit our caseload so clients work directly with experienced attorneys—not case managers.

Our firm can help by:

• Conducting an independent crash investigation
• Identifying all liable parties
• Handling communications with insurers
• Pursuing full compensation under Florida law

There are no upfront costs. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

📞 If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash in Fort Pierce or anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential consultation.