Jim Key, of Winter Haven, was leaving work on Recker Highway for his lunch break on the morning of February 9th, when another driver slammed into him, ejecting him from his motorcycle.
As the other driver drove off, Key's bike went up in flames, and co-workers extinguished the fire, dragging Key away. Co-workers and witnesses hastily made a tourniquet, attempting to treat Key while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
According to NewsCheif.com, after being airlifted to Tampa General Hospital and undergoing an extensive 30 hour surgery, as well as spending one month in the hospital and attending weeks of physical therapy, Key is finally able to return home and to work. While he is thankful and glad to be back, he still faces another trying six months before he is able to walk.
Key states he is not holding a grudge against the other driver, but has no interest in meeting her. The woman, who was driving a minivan was arrested a few days following the accident, with charges of leaving the scene of a crash, which is a third-degree felony.
Motorcycle accidents occur every day in Florida. Many of these accidents cause significant injuries to the motorcyclist simply due to their lack of protection from the vehicle impacting it or the roadway itself. Motorists must use the utmost care to watch for motorcycles on the roadways. Although not required in Florida, our office recommends that our clients who ride carry extra uninsured motorist coverage to protect themselves against the medical expense and life expense associated with an accident. The Law Offices of John T. Grove handles motorcycle accident cases on a regular basis.
