An 18-year-old student lost his life in a tragic accident that occurred in northwest Marion County, Florida on Tuesday, January 31, 2023. The accident took place at 8:30 a.m. on a foggy, rural road where the student collided with a Honda Civic while riding his dirt bike.
According to Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the driver of the Honda Civic, a 32-year-old woman, was driving slow in the southbound lane of Northwest 100th Avenue. The student was riding northbound on the same road. The Civic driver said that the student’s bike suddenly emerged out of nowhere, leading to the collision.
The impact of the crash caused the dirt bike to burst into flames. A school bus traveling in the same direction was first to arrive at the scene. The bus driver, a woman, was able to douse the fire with a fire extinguisher.
The student was rushed to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville for medical attention, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.
The victim was identified as James Wilkerson of Flemington. He studied in the 11th grade at North Marion High School.
Both the driver and a male passenger in the Civic were not injured.
If any nearby person or vehicle were injured/damaged as a result of the driver’s negligence, there would likely be a valid personal injury claim.
We at MANGAL, PLLC pride ourselves in pursuing justice for clients no matter the cost. We take seriously our obligation to serve you to the best of our ability. We will fight for you and make sure that you recover the full compensation you deserve. No one should be left holding the bill for an accident caused by another’s negligence. Contact us today at (352) 995-9945 to discuss your case.
