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Fatal Motorcycle Crash in St. Lucie County

A motorcycle rider is dead after a car pulled out in front of him and caused a collision.

According to police and witnesses, 25-year-old David Staub Jr. was riding southbound on US-1 in the center lane, when another vehicle failed to yield the right of way and entered Mr. Staub’s lane. The collision force launched him off his bike; Mr. Staub eventually hit the pavement on the northbound side of US-1. First responders rushed him to a local hospital, but doctors were unable to save his life.

The driver, 65-year-old Oswald Bryan, is not facing charges at this time, although the investigation is continuing.

Motorcycle Crash Causes

SMIDSY (an English acronym which stands for “sorry, mate, I didn’t see you”) is much more than a rather catchy turn of phrase because it is indicative of at least two serious problems in motorcycle-vehicle collision cases.

The first aspect is motorcycle visibility, a problem that has been a source of concern for decades. The 1980 Hurt Report concluded that two-thirds of motorcycle-vehicle collisions occur when the vehicle operator turns directly into the path of the motorcycle rider. Common scenarios include cars making left turns against traffic or, as illustrated in the above story, cars cutting off motorcycles in traffic.

The visibility problem is worse now. Back in 1980, most four-wheel vehicles on the road were either smallish passenger cars or low-profile station wagons. Since then, the number of large pickup trucks and SUVs has grown exponentially, and many drivers simply do not make a sufficient effort to look around these vehicles and drive safely.

SMIDSY also captures the essence of the motorcycle prejudice. This idea is not as strong as it once was, but many vehicle operators still view motorcycle riders as reckless and unsafe. As a result, they are often unwilling to “share the road,” despite roadside signage that implores them to make room for motorcycles.

Motorcycle Crash Injuries

The Hurt Report touched on this topic as well because it pointed out what most riders already know. While helmets reduce the risk of head injuries, they offer no protection against other kinds of serious injuries, including:

  • Neck and Spine Injuries: These areas are completely exposed to danger in motorcycle-vehicle crashes, and the jarring motion nearly always causes temporary or permanent loss of function.
  • Broken Bones: The older we get, the more difficult it is to recover from broken bones. Many adults require intensive surgical intervention, like metal plates or artificial joints, to regain mobility.
  • Biker’s Arm: When they extend their arms to break their falls, riders often sustain serious and permanent injury to the brachial plexus nerves under their arms.

A 2014 study revealed that motorcycle riders are twenty-seven times more likely to die in motor vehicle crashes than vehicle occupants.

Damages in a motorcycle crash case early always include compensation for economic losses, like medical bills, and noneconomic losses, like emotional distress. In some cases, punitive damages are also available.

Rely on Experienced Attorneys

At Eighmie Law Firm P.A., we are committed to maximum recovery for injury victims. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Port St. Lucie. We routinely handle matters in St. Lucie County and throughout the Treasure Coast area.

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