An elderly woman has been charged after an accident that killed 64-year-old motorcyclist Charles Bixler. According to the Orlando Sentinel, 77-year-old Barbara Dunn reportedly veered into oncoming traffic and her van struck Bixler’s motorcycle, killing him despite him wearing a helmet.
Two other motorcyclists with Bixler were run off the road where their vehicles overturned; but they were treated at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona for non-life-threatening injuries. Dunn failed to appear at her first court appearance and has been charged with driving under the influence, DUI manslaughter, and DUI with property damage.
The accident occurred on Ocean Shore Boulevard near Highbridge Road in Ormond Beach, located in northern Volusia County, Florida. Dunn was allegedly traveling northbound when she veered into the southbound lanes of State Road A1A and into the path of the three motorcyclists. Bixler hailed from Concord, North Carolina and Dunn is from Chatham, Massachussetts. Dunn was not injured, and has been booked in Volusia County jail.
In addition to Bixler’s untimely death, another motorcyclist died of injuries in Florida on the same Sunday night. On U.S. 1 in Ormond Beach, 78-year-old Charles Fuller’s SUV struck 42-year-old Anthony Fretto’s motorcycle as he tried to turn in front of Fretto’s motorcycle. Fretto was not wearing a helmet and was pronounced later on Sunday. So far, eight motorcycle-related deaths have been recorded during this year’s Bike Week, still less than the 16 tragic deaths during Bike Week 2006.
Even without driving under the influence, motorcycle accidents are a serious dilemma in Florida and the country, as the nature of motorcycles makes their riders more prone to accidents and injuries. Statistics illustrate this problem, as crashes hold a 98 percent chance of injury for motorcyclists in a crash. It is a common misconception that the motorcycle is the cause of most accidents, because most motorcycle accidents are actually the fault of the other driver.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a DUI or motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to receive remuneration for your lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Contact a dedicated motorcycle accident attorney to see if you could be entitled to monetary compensation for your accident.
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