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

A motorcyclist was killed Friday evening in a traffic crash at the intersection of 50th Street and Washington Street in Tampa, according to the Tampa Police Department (TPD).

The fatal crash occurred shortly before 6:00 p.m., prompting an active investigation and roadway closures as officers worked the scene.

According to Tampa police:

• The crash happened Friday evening at 50th Street and Washington Street
• The motorcyclist died at the scene from injuries sustained in the collision
• Another vehicle was involved, and that driver remained at the scene
• The cause of the crash is still under investigation

Authorities shut down southbound 50th Street from East Adamo Drive to Washington Street, asking drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes.

No additional details regarding the motorcyclist’s identity or the circumstances leading up to the crash have been released at this time.

Motorcyclists face a significantly higher risk of fatal injuries compared to occupants of passenger vehicles. Without the protection of a vehicle frame, airbags, or seatbelts, riders are extremely vulnerable to:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Internal organ injuries
• Severe fractures
• Fatal blunt-force trauma

Even crashes at moderate speeds can be deadly, especially at intersections where vehicles frequently turn, merge, or fail to yield.

Common Causes of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Tampa

While this crash remains under investigation, fatal motorcycle accidents in Tampa often involve:

• Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way
• Left-turn collisions
• Distracted or inattentive driving
• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Impaired driving
• Poor visibility or roadway design issues

In many cases, what initially appears to be a “simple” crash later reveals negligence by another driver or dangerous roadway conditions.

Determining Liability After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash

In deadly motorcycle collisions, investigators carefully examine:

• Whether a driver violated traffic laws
• Vehicle speeds and braking data
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Witness statements
• Roadway lighting, signage, and visibility
• Cell phone use or impairment

If another party’s negligence contributed to the crash, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law.

Legal Options for Families After a Motorcycle Fatality

Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, eligible family members may seek compensation for:

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

Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend beyond a single driver to include vehicle owners, employers, or government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County who have lost loved ones in preventable motorcycle crashes.

We intentionally maintain a small caseload, ensuring every family has direct access to an attorney—not a case manager. Our firm acts quickly to:

• Launch an independent investigation
• Preserve critical crash evidence
• Obtain traffic camera and surveillance footage
• Work with accident reconstruction experts
• Identify all available insurance coverage
• Handle all communication with insurers and investigators

Families pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation.

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