Poinciana Motorcyclist Killed in Polk County Crash on Ronald Reagan Parkway

A tragic motorcycle crash in northeast Polk County claimed the life of a 41-year-old Poinciana man Saturday night, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The fatal collision occurred on Ronald Reagan Parkway, just west of the intersection with Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Loughman.

Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the scene at approximately 9:02 p.m. Traffic homicide investigators determined that the motorcyclist was traveling westbound on Ronald Reagan Parkway when a 2015 Mercedes-Benz sedan, traveling eastbound, attempted a U-turn at Thousand Oaks Boulevard in order to head west.

During the U-turn, the Mercedes entered the motorcycle’s path, causing a collision. The motorcyclist, identified as Reinaldo Lopez Jr. of Poinciana, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The Mercedes was driven by a 30-year-old woman from Davenport, with a 25-year-old passenger from Winter Garden. Both occupants were wearing seat belts and were not injured.

Ronald Reagan Parkway was closed for approximately three hours while investigators processed the scene. Officials stated that speed does not appear to have been a factor, and while criminal charges are not expected, the investigation remains ongoing.

U-turn collisions are a common and extremely dangerous scenario for motorcyclists. Motorcycles are smaller, harder to see, and far more vulnerable when a vehicle suddenly turns across their lane of travel. Even when a rider is obeying traffic laws and wearing protective gear, these crashes often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries.

Common contributing factors in U-turn motorcycle crashes include:

• Failure to yield the right of way
• Misjudging the speed or distance of an oncoming motorcycle
• Limited visibility at night
• Improper or unsafe turning maneuvers

Legal Options After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Florida

Even when criminal charges are not filed, a fatal crash may still give rise to a wrongful death claim under Florida law. These cases are civil—not criminal—and focus on financial accountability rather than punishment.

Depending on the circumstances, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for:

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

In U-turn collisions, liability often turns on whether the turning driver failed to yield or made an unsafe maneuver. Accident reconstruction, vehicle positioning, visibility, and roadway design can all play a role in determining fault.

Why an Independent Investigation Matters

Law enforcement investigations are focused on traffic enforcement and criminal violations—not on fully identifying civil liability or insurance coverage. An independent investigation can uncover critical evidence such as:

• Surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Vehicle data and damage analysis
• Witness statements
• Roadway layout and signage issues

This evidence can be essential to protecting a family’s legal rights.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones in fatal motorcycle crashes across Florida. We intentionally keep a small caseload so families work directly with experienced attorneys—not case managers.

Our firm can:

• Conduct a thorough, independent investigation
• Analyze fault and insurance coverage
• Handle all communications with insurers
• Pursue wrongful death claims with care, urgency, and respect

There are no upfront costs. We only recover fees if we recover compensation.

📞 If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash in Polk County or anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential consultation.