Motorcyclist Killed in Tampa Crash at 50th Street and Washington Street

A fatal motorcycle crash in Tampa Friday evening claimed the life of a motorcyclist and shut down a major roadway as police investigated the scene, according to the Tampa Police Department (TPD).

Officers responded shortly before 6 p.m. to the intersection of 50th Street and Washington Street, where the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that the driver of the other vehicle involved remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

According to TPD:

• The crash occurred at 50th Street and Washington Street
• The motorcyclist suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene
• Another vehicle was involved, and that driver did not flee
• Southbound 50th Street was closed between East Adamo Drive and Washington Street
• Drivers were urged to use alternate routes while traffic homicide investigators processed the scene

At this time, police have not released the identity of the motorcyclist or details regarding how the collision occurred.

Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable roadway users in Florida. Unlike occupants of passenger vehicles, riders have no external protection, making even low-speed collisions potentially fatal.

Common causes of fatal motorcycle crashes include:

• Drivers failing to yield or misjudging a motorcycle’s speed
• Unsafe left turns or lane changes
• Distracted driving
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Impaired driving
• Poor roadway lighting or dangerous intersections

In many cases, initial reports provide limited information, and critical evidence emerges later through accident reconstruction, surveillance footage, or witness statements.

How Fault Is Determined in Fatal Motorcycle Crashes

When a motorcyclist is killed, investigators and attorneys examine multiple factors, including:

• Whether the other driver violated traffic laws
• Vehicle speed and braking patterns
• Visibility, lighting, and road design
• Surveillance cameras or dashcam footage
• Cell phone or impairment evidence
• Physical evidence such as skid marks and debris

Even when another driver remains at the scene, liability is not automatically ruled out. Many fatal motorcycle cases involve negligence that only becomes clear after a thorough investigation.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident

Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation if negligence contributed to the crash.

Potential damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death

Depending on the facts, claims may be brought against:

• The at-fault driver
• A vehicle owner or employer
• Government entities (dangerous road design or maintenance issues)
• Manufacturers (vehicle or motorcycle defects)

These cases are time-sensitive, and early legal action is often critical to preserving evidence.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Motorcycle Accident Families

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

Unlike high-volume firms, we intentionally maintain a small caseload, ensuring every family receives direct access to an experienced wrongful death attorney—not a case manager.

Our firm acts quickly to:

• Launch an independent investigation
• Preserve surveillance and traffic camera footage
• Work with accident reconstruction experts
• Identify all sources of insurance coverage
• Handle all communications with law enforcement and insurers

Families pay nothing upfront—we only recover fees if we secure compensation.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation.