A recent dirt bike accident in Sarasota involved an eight-year-old child colliding with a police officer. The child sustained serious injuries that required both hospitalization and emergency surgery. According to a WFLA report, the incident occurred at the intersection of 22nd Street and Maple Road. Police blocked off the area to investigate. Rescue transported the child to a nearby pediatric hospital for surgery, while the officer remained unharmed. It is clear the child should not have been riding the dirt bike on public roads. It is unclear where he was coming from or why he was unsupervised at the time, as Florida law requires.
Florida Law on Dirt Bikes and Off-Road Vehicles
Florida law mandates that anyone riding a dirt bike on public roads must have a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. Riders may use dirt bikes only on private property with the owner’s consent or on designated off-highway trails. Additionally, no one under 16 may legally operate a dirt bike without direct adult supervision. Riders under 16 must wear a helmet and protective eyewear when operating on both public and private property.
The Dangers of Dirt Bikes
Although the details remain unclear, this dirt bike accident highlights the serious risks posed by riding dirt bikes without proper safety measures or supervision. When a minor operates a dirt bike unsupervised and without essential protective gear, the likelihood of injury significantly increases. This accident underscores why Florida’s laws are strict regarding the operation of these vehicles on public roads.
Contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley
At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., our experienced personal injury attorneys bring over 200 years of combined experience representing victims of motor vehicle accidents and other injuries in Florida. We understand the unique challenges presented by accidents involving dirt bikes and off-road vehicles. If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A. today at 877-694-6079 or [email protected] for a free consultation.
