Last week, two Pinellas County motorcycle accidents resulted in three deaths.
On Thursday night, Daniel B. Rivers was killed after crashing his motorcycle on Montclair Road in Clearwater. According to the Bay News 9 report, Mr. Rivers failed to negotiate a curve, lost control of the motorcycle and went off the road. His passenger, 32-year-old Starr Knotek of Clearwater, was also thrown off the motorcycle and was pronounced dead at the scene while Rivers was transported to the Mease Dunedin Hospital where he was pronounced dead. In addition to excessive speed, alcohol is being investigated as a contributing factor in the crash.
It is unfortunate that Starr Knotek had to die as a passenger on the motorcycle. All motorcyclists should take added caution while carrying passengers. To drink and ride is stupid. To do it with a friend or passenger on the bike is ridiculous.
The second motorcycle accident was on Friday morning in Dunedin. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, motorcyclist Daryl Miles was at the intersection of Curlew and Fisher Roads when he collided with a pickup truck being driven by 16-year-old Jordan Francis. Miles died in the crash.
According to the reports, Mr. Miles was traveling eastbound on Curlew road approaching the intersection of Fisher Road when he switched lanes to the median lane just before entering the intersection. Mr. Francis' pickup was making a left turn from northbound Fisher Road onto westbound Curlew when the motorcycle collided with the front end of the pickup truck, ejecting Miles from the motorcycle. Miles was taken to Mease Countryside Hospital and pronounced dead about 7:30 a.m. Investigators said alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash.
Motorcycle driving and riding can be dangerous in Florida. I encourage all drivers to pay added attention to some of the bone-head drivers of car. I also wish some of the motorcyclist wouldn't give other motorcycle drivers a bad name by the way they drive.
Drive and ride carefully and watch out for those who don't. For information about your rights after a motorcycle accident, click here to contact Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes. Remember, insurance companies have lawyers fighting for their best interest, so should you!
