Putnam County Motorcyclist Killed in Saturday Night Crash Near Huntington

A 56-year-old motorcyclist from Georgetown was killed Saturday night after being struck from behind by a car on Huntington Road (County Road 308) near Browns Hammock Road in Putnam County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Authorities say the crash happened around 7:20 p.m., when a 19-year-old driver from Crescent City collided with the back of the motorcycle while both vehicles were traveling eastbound.

The impact threw the motorcyclist from the bike. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The driver of the sedan was not reported injured.

The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.

Rear-end motorcycle accidents, like the one that claimed this man’s life, are among the most preventable yet most fatal types of crashes on Florida’s roads. Motorcycles are lighter, smaller, and more exposed than passenger cars — meaning even a minor impact can cause catastrophic or deadly injuries.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), over 600 motorcyclists die each year in Florida, and nearly one in five of those deaths involve a vehicle striking the rear of the motorcycle.

Common causes of rear-end motorcycle crashes include:

• Distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting GPS.
• Following too closely without adequate stopping distance.
• Driver inexperience or misjudgment of a motorcycle’s speed.
• Speeding or failure to brake in time.
• Low visibility during dusk or nighttime conditions.

Because motorcycles decelerate faster than cars and often lack visible brake lights at certain angles, drivers who are not paying close attention can easily collide with them — especially on rural two-lane roads like Huntington Road.

Legal Liability in Rear-End Motorcycle Crashes

Under Florida law, drivers who rear-end another vehicle are presumed to be at fault, unless they can prove a valid, unforeseen reason for the crash (such as a sudden mechanical failure or a traffic obstruction).

In this case, the 19-year-old driver could face liability if investigators determine that speeding, distraction, or negligence caused the collision.

If negligence is proven, the victim’s family may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§§768.16–768.26).

Recoverable damages can include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs incurred before death
• Loss of companionship and emotional support
• Lost income and future earning potential
• Mental pain and suffering for surviving family members

Because wrongful death claims often involve multiple insurance companies and complex legal issues, it’s essential for families to seek guidance from an attorney experienced in motorcycle accident litigation.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Families After Fatal Motorcycle Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent grieving families throughout Florida who have lost loved ones in motorcycle, car, and truck collisions caused by negligence.

Our attorneys understand the unique challenges motorcycle victims face — including bias from insurers, complex liability disputes, and unfair settlement tactics. We handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the crash scene to negotiating with insurers and litigating in court if necessary.

When you hire our firm, you can expect:

• Direct communication with an attorney, not case managers.
• A thorough independent investigation into what caused the crash.
• No upfront fees — you pay nothing unless we win.
• Access to expert witnesses, accident reconstructionists, and economists.
• Compassionate, personalized representation during your most difficult time.

We intentionally maintain a limited caseload so every client receives the focus and attention they deserve.

If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash in Putnam County, Huntington, or anywhere in North Florida, the attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm are ready to help your family seek justice and closure.

You pay no legal fees unless we win, and we handle all litigation costs upfront.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we fight for truth, accountability, and financial security for families who have lost loved ones in preventable crashes — because every life lost on Florida’s roads deserves justice.

📞 Call 305-638-4143 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation in English or Spanish.