One Killed, One Hospitalized After Motorcycle and E-Bike Collision in Charlotte County

A tragic accident in Charlotte County has left one man dead and another critically injured following a motorcycle and e-bike collision Friday night, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities say the crash occurred on Marion Avenue near Florida Street as both men—ages 76 and 64—were traveling westbound.

Investigators reported that the 76-year-old man, who was riding a motorcycle, attempted to pass the 64-year-old man on an electric bicycle when the two vehicles collided. The impact caused the motorcyclist to be thrown from his bike, and despite life-saving efforts, he died at the scene.

The e-bike rider sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to Gulf Coast Medical Center for emergency treatment.

Authorities have not yet released the names of those involved, and the Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash, including whether speed, visibility, or roadway conditions played a role.

Florida continues to see a rise in motorcycle and electric bicycle accidents, especially in regions like Charlotte County, where roads are shared by cars, motorcycles, and a growing number of e-bikes.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), over 600 motorcyclists die each year in Florida, and thousands more are seriously injured. E-bikes—while smaller and quieter—pose unique safety challenges, often lacking the same visibility, stability, and protective equipment as motorcycles or cars.

These collisions can be devastating due to:

• Speed differentials between vehicles
• Limited visibility, especially at night
• Improper passing or lane-sharing
• Inadequate road space or bike lanes

Legal Rights After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident

When a fatal crash like this occurs, the surviving family of the deceased may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (Fla. Stat. §768.16–§768.26).

Potential compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
• Lost income or support the deceased would have provided
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death

The injured e-bike rider (or his family, if injuries prove fatal) may also have grounds for a personal injury claim, depending on the outcome of the investigation.

Determining liability in such cases can be complex. Investigators will assess:

• Whether either rider was negligent (e.g., unsafe passing, speeding, or failure to yield)
• Roadway design or visibility issues that may have contributed to the collision
• Whether equipment malfunction—such as lighting, brakes, or tires—played a role

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, our attorneys have extensive experience representing victims of motorcycle, e-bike, and wrongful death accidents across Southwest Florida. We handle every aspect of the case, including:

• Accident reconstruction and witness interviews
• Reviewing police and medical reports
• Negotiating with insurance companies for maximum compensation
• Filing lawsuits if the responsible party or their insurer refuses fair payment

Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no fees unless we win their case.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a motorcycle or e-bike accident in Charlotte County, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Our attorneys can help your family seek justice and financial recovery.

We proudly represent families throughout Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and all of Southwest Florida in serious injury and wrongful death cases.