Deadly wreck happened on Melody Lane at the intersection with Deen Still Road, authorities say
LAKELAND, FL, (August 23, 2024) - A Friday evening traffic collision in North Lakeland claimed the life of a 44-year-old motorcyclist from Mulberry, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Michael Goodman, a 44-year-old resident of Mulberry, was fatally injured after his motorcycle collided with a car in North Lakeland Friday evening, the sheriff's office said.
The crash happened along Melody Lane at the intersection with Deen Still Road.
Reports suggest a black 2001 Mustang was stopped at the bus stop when, around 6:20 p.m., its driver attempted a U-turn in the intersection to head the opposite way on Melody. That is when, authorities say, a 2009 Ducati motorcycle traveling west on Deen Still crashed into the Mustang.
The motorcycle operator, Michael Goodman, was transported to the hospital, where he passed away.
No other person was hurt, the report said.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
“Motorcycle riders are arguably the most vulnerable motorists on the roadways, given the fact that there are no airbags or sturdy windows to protect them from an impact,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
In 2017, 5,172 motorcyclists died in motorcycle crashes, down 3% from 5,337 in 2016, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision,” said Bond, an experienced accident attorney.
Bond stressed that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation into the crash conducted by a seasoned lawyer to protect the rights of the victim’s family.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Michael Goodman may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Newsline's national legal analysts Candice Bond and Stefano Formica are experienced in motorcycle accidents, and if you or a family member need help they are available for a free consultation to guide you
(Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for Newsline. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).