Motorcyclist Killed in Crash on State Road 681 Near Venice

A motorcyclist was killed Tuesday evening in a collision at an intersection near Venice, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers say the crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. when a van driven by a 32-year-old Cape Coral man was preparing to turn left from En Theos Lane onto State Road 681. At the same time, a motorcycle was traveling southbound on SR 681 and approaching a yellow flashing signal at the intersection.

Investigators report the van entered the intersection in front of the motorcycle, resulting in a collision. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity.

The crash remains under active investigation.

Left-turn crashes are one of the most common and deadly types of motorcycle collisions. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than passenger vehicles, which increases the risk of drivers misjudging distance or speed when turning.

Because riders lack the structural protection of a car, even a single intersection impact can result in catastrophic injuries, including:

• Severe head trauma
• Spinal injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Fatal blunt force injuries

Flashing yellow signals require heightened caution, but they do not eliminate a driver’s duty to yield safely.

Crash investigators typically examine whether the collision involved:

• Failure to yield while turning
• Misjudging motorcycle speed or distance
• Distracted driving
• Obstructed visibility
• Traffic signal compliance

Under Florida traffic law, drivers making a left turn must yield to oncoming vehicles that are close enough to pose a hazard.

Legal Options After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Florida

When a motorcycle crash results from another driver’s negligence, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law. Potential compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering

Florida applies a comparative fault framework (§768.81, Florida Statutes), meaning liability is evaluated based on each party’s actions.

Law enforcement focuses on documenting the crash and determining traffic violations. Civil accountability requires deeper review, which may include:

• Intersection reconstruction
• Vehicle positioning and damage analysis
• Witness interviews
• Surveillance or dashcam footage
• Traffic signal timing review

Early evidence preservation can be critical in motorcycle fatality cases.

Representation for Families After Fatal Motorcycle Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families affected by serious and fatal motorcycle crashes throughout Florida.

We intentionally limit our caseload so families receive direct attorney access and careful, thorough investigation.

Our firm assists by:

• Conducting independent crash investigations
• Identifying liable parties
• Preserving critical evidence
• Pursuing compensation under Florida law

There are no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we recover compensation.

📞 If your family has lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential consultation.