Spring Hill Motorcyclist Seriously Injured After Pickup Truck Turns Into His Path, FHP Says

A 25-year-old Spring Hill motorcyclist suffered serious injuries Thursday morning after being struck by a pickup truck in Hernando County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The collision happened just before 8 a.m. on Nov. 20 along Mariner Boulevard, south of Hearth Road.

Troopers say a 68-year-old Spring Hill woman driving a Toyota Tacoma was traveling southbound when she attempted to make a left turn into a driveway in the 4100 block of Mariner Boulevard. During the turn, the pickup truck entered the path of a northbound motorcyclist, resulting in a violent impact.

The motorcyclist was transported to a hospital with serious injuries. No information was provided regarding the driver of the truck’s condition, but FHP confirmed she remained at the scene.

The crash remains under active investigation.

Motorcycle accidents involving left-turning vehicles are among the most common — and most deadly — collisions in Florida. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), a significant percentage of motorcycle injuries occur when a driver fails to yield while turning left.

Common causes include:

• Misjudging a motorcycle’s speed or distance
• Driver distraction
• Failing to check for oncoming traffic before turning
• Obstructed visibility
• Violating right-of-way laws

Because motorcycles offer limited protection, even low-speed crashes can result in catastrophic injuries such as fractures, internal injuries, spinal trauma, and traumatic brain injuries.

Legal Rights for Injured Motorcyclists in Florida

Motorcyclists struck by negligent drivers may have legal options under Florida law, including pursuing compensation through a personal injury claim.

Victims may be entitled to recover damages for:

• Emergency medical care
• Surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment
• Lost wages and diminished earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Future medical expenses
• Permanent disability or scarring

If a driver violated traffic laws — such as failing to yield during a left turn — this can significantly strengthen a liability claim.

Even if fault is shared, Florida’s comparative negligence system allows injured motorcyclists to seek compensation proportional to the other driver’s responsibility.

Is the Pickup Truck Driver Liable?

Liability typically depends on:

Failure to Yield

Florida Statute §316.122 requires drivers making left turns to yield to oncoming vehicles that present an immediate hazard. If the pickup truck turned without ensuring the roadway was clear, the driver may be deemed negligent.

Improper Turn or Misjudgment

Drivers are required to exercise reasonable care. Turning across traffic without adequate time or visibility may constitute a breach of that duty.

Driver Distraction

If the driver was inattentive, using a phone, or otherwise distracted, she may be held legally responsible.

Property Conditions

If a blocked driveway, signage issue, or landscaping obscured the driver’s view, other parties — such as property owners — could share liability.

An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can investigate the crash scene, obtain witness statements, review surveillance footage, and secure the vehicle’s event data recorder (EDR) to determine liability.

What Injured Motorcyclists Should Do After a Crash

• Seek immediate medical treatment
• Document injuries, hospital visits, and follow-up care
• Preserve clothing, helmet, and damaged gear
• Request copies of the crash report
• Avoid speaking with the at-fault driver’s insurance company
• Contact an attorney as early as possible

Time is crucial, as evidence deteriorates and witnesses become harder to locate.

We Represent Motorcycle Accident Victims Across Florida

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we advocate for injured motorcyclists throughout Hernando County and the state of Florida. We understand how devastating motorcycle injuries can be — physically, emotionally, and financially — and we work aggressively to hold negligent drivers accountable.

Our firm offers:

• Free consultations
• No upfront fees
• Direct access to trial attorneys
• Personalized attention and comprehensive case investigation

If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle crash in Spring Hill or anywhere in Florida, contact us today to learn your rights and explore your options for compensation.