Florida State Football Player Involved in Serious Motorcycle Accident
Video has recently surfaced of a horrific motorcycle accident involving a Florida State football player and a black Lexus passenger car.
In the spring of 2013, junior tight end Nick O’Leary, who is golfer Jack Nicklaus’ grandson, was on his motorcycle when the Lexus seemingly pulled out in front of him. Video shows that the motorcycle flipped over the Lexus and then almost totally shattered. Mr. O’Leary not only survived the crash, but somehow managed to walk away. Mr. O’Leary was wearing a helmet.
Thousands of other Floridians are not nearly as lucky. The number of motorcycle crashes and injuries has nearly doubled in the past 10 years. The number of fatalities has gone up as well. Some experts cite several factors to explain the large number of motorcycle crashes and serious injuries in Florida:
- Florida hosts a large number of motorcycle riding events and conventions. Such events attract out-of-state riders and also encourage motorcycle riders to reside in Florida permanently.
- Fewer than half of Florida motorcycle riders use a safety helmet.
- In well over a third of Florida motorcycle crashes, the rider was under the influence of alcohol or a similar substance.
Because the motorcycle rider is almost completely unprotected, serious injuries are very common in motorcycle accidents. Such injuries commonly include injuries to the arms, legs, back and head. Many riders suffer internal injuries as well, due to the intense and sudden impact onto concrete or asphalt or a similar hard and unforgiving surface.
To prevent injury, the best thing a rider can do is wear a helmet. You can also try to increase your visibility by riding in the middle of the lane as opposed to the sides. Even if you take every precaution, motorcycle riders in Florida still ride at a very high risk every time they take to the streets. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, speak to an attorney right away to preserve any rights you may have.
