In a story that almost seems surreal, a St. Johns County Sheriff’s motorcycle deputy was struck and critically injured by a car while escorting a charity motorcycle run.
The officer was flown to Shands Jacksonville from the crash scene where he was initially listed in critical condition with multiple injuries. His condition has since been upgraded to serious condition.
The victim, along with other officers from the St. Johns department and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, was escorting the motorcycle ride that benefits “Rides for Smiles”, a charitable group that provides medical treatment for children. The ride started in Jacksonville and went through St. Augustine and wound back to Jacksonville.
Along the way, the 16-year veteran officer stopped a motorist for not obeying another officer who had tried to stop traffic at an intersection. After the stop, the officer rode back to rejoin the run and was struck by another motorist, even though the emergency lights and siren were activated on his motorcycle.
The Florida Times-Union reported that the officer is alert and talking. Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the collision.
Yielding to an officer on a motorcycle with emergency lights on and siren blaring should be a no-brainer, but this incident shows how distracted and careless some motorists can be on Florida’s highways and roads. Whether the motorist was attempting to “beat” the procession or just wasn’t paying attention, the fact remains that a motorcyclist was severely injured as a result. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to a careless motorist, you have the right to hold the negligent party responsible. Call a Jacksonville motorcycle accident attorney at Farah & Farah today to find out how we can help you.