Motorcyclist Killed, Two Injured in Palm Coast Crash at Whiteview Parkway: Legal Considerations for Wrongful Death and Injury Claims

A tragic collision in Palm Coast, Florida claimed the life of a motorcyclist and left two others injured on Friday night. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the crash occurred around 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. Highway 1 and Whiteview Parkway.

Troopers reported that a 38-year-old Palm Coast man was driving a sedan southbound on U.S. 1, with a 73-year-old passenger in the vehicle. At the same time, a 35-year-old Palm Coast man was riding a motorcycle northbound on U.S. 1.

As the sedan attempted to make a left turn onto Whiteview Parkway, it entered the intersection and crossed into the path of the oncoming motorcycle. The motorcycle struck the passenger side of the sedan with significant force.

The impact threw the motorcyclist from his bike. Despite wearing a helmet, he suffered fatal injuries. Both occupants of the sedan sustained minor injuries and were transported for treatment.

This crash highlights a common and deadly scenario for motorcyclists: collisions with vehicles making left-hand turns. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 42% of fatal motorcycle crashes involve a vehicle turning left across a motorcyclist’s path.

Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than passenger vehicles, making them particularly vulnerable in intersections. Even when riders take proper precautions, such as wearing helmets, reflective gear, and maintaining safe speeds, they remain at high risk when drivers fail to properly yield.

Determining fault in this type of accident depends on whether the sedan’s driver failed to yield the right-of-way to the oncoming motorcycle. Under Florida traffic law, a driver making a left turn must yield to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction if they are close enough to pose a hazard.

If the sedan’s driver violated this statute, it may constitute negligence per se, a legal doctrine that establishes negligence when a driver breaks a safety law designed to prevent the very type of harm that occurred.

Wrongful Death Claims After a Motorcycle Accident

When a motorcyclist is killed in a collision caused by another driver’s negligence, the victim’s surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §§ 768.16–768.26).

Recoverable damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and household services provided by the deceased
• Loss of companionship, protection, and guidance
• Mental pain and suffering for surviving spouses, children, or parents

These claims hold negligent drivers accountable and help families cope with the devastating financial and emotional toll of losing a loved one.

In Florida, personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits must generally be filed within two years of the date of the injury or death.

Delaying legal action can jeopardize a family’s ability to recover compensation. Prompt investigation also helps preserve critical evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones in motorcycle accidents as well as victims injured in collisions. Our team investigates every detail of a crash, working with accident reconstruction experts to determine liability and hold negligent drivers accountable.

We understand the unique dangers faced by Florida motorcyclists and fight tirelessly for the rights of victims and their families.

If you have lost a loved one or suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer today at 305-638-4143 or through our online form for a free, confidential consultation.