Tragic Death of 19-Year-Old Motorcyclist in SR-776 Crash in Englewood

A tragic Sunday afternoon crash on State Road 776 in Englewood claimed the life of a 19-year-old local man, leaving family, friends, and the Charlotte County community mourning a devastating loss.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the collision occurred shortly after 1 p.m. on December 21, 2025, at the intersection of SR-776 (El Jobean Road) and Jacobs Street. Troopers report the young man was riding a motorcycle southbound in the outside lane through a heavily traveled stretch of roadway. At the same time, a sport-utility vehicle driven by a 39-year-old woman from North Port was stopped in the dedicated left-turn lane at Jacobs Street, with a 9-year-old passenger in the vehicle.

Investigators state the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed as it approached the intersection. As the SUV began its left turn, it crossed into the motorcycle’s path. The front of the motorcycle struck the right side of the SUV, separating the rider from the bike. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The occupants of the SUV were not injured. The crash remains under investigation.

For those who live and drive in Englewood and across Charlotte County, this loss is a painful reminder of how quickly an ordinary afternoon can turn into a life-altering tragedy. Our thoughts are with the young man’s loved ones as they face the shock and heartbreak that follow such a sudden death.

What Happened in the SR-776 and Jacobs Street Motorcycle Crash

According to the Florida Highway Patrol’s initial findings, the crash occurred as the motorcyclist traveled southbound on SR-776 and the SUV attempted a left turn onto Jacobs Street. Investigators noted speed as a factorfor the motorcycle, while the SUV crossed into the rider’s path during the turn. Left-turn motorcycle crashes at busy intersections often involve split-second decisions, limited reaction time, and severe consequences due to the lack of protection afforded to riders.

Why Speed and Left Turns Are Central Issues in Many Florida Motorcycle Crashes

When a crash involves a left turn and an allegation of speed, determining responsibility becomes more complex. Motorcycles are smaller and harder for drivers to judge for distance and closing speed, especially on multi-lane roadways.
A driver waiting to turn may believe there is sufficient time to proceed, only for that gap to close rapidly if the motorcycle is traveling faster than expected. These dynamics frequently become central points of investigation in serious Florida motorcycle crashes.

How Left-Turn Motorcycle Crashes Often Result in Catastrophic Injuries and Legal Disputes

“Left-turn motorcycle crashes are some of the most devastating cases we see,” said attorney Corbin Sutter of All Injuries Law Firm. “The rider has almost no protection, and the impact is often direct and violent. These cases frequently involve catastrophic injuries and immediate disputes over fault, which is why they so often turn into serious legal claims.”

In left-turn collisions, riders are often struck broadside with little ability to avoid impact. Even when helmets are worn and traffic laws are followed, these crashes can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and fatal outcomes that permanently change families’ lives. Learn more about attorney Corbin Sutter: Attorney Corbin Sutter

How Speed Affects Fault After a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident in Florida

Speed can influence how fault is evaluated, but it does not automatically determine responsibility. Investigators and insurers must consider whether the turning driver waited for a safe gap in traffic and whether the motorcycle was close enough to pose
an immediate hazard at the time of the turn. In left-turn motorcycle crashes, fault is often disputed because both drivers’ actions occur within seconds, leaving room for differing interpretations of what could reasonably have been avoided.

How Florida Law Determines Fault in Motorcycle Crashes Involving Speed

“Fault in a motorcycle crash isn’t determined by one factor alone,” said Brian O. Sutter, managing partner of All Injuries Law Firm. “Florida law requires looking at the totality of the circumstances — including the turn itself, traffic conditions, visibility,and timing. Speed is part of the analysis, but it’s rarely the entire answer.”

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system in most negligence cases, including motorcycle accidents. If a person is found more than 50 percent at fault, they are generally barred from recovering damages. If they are 50 percent or less at fault, any recovery is reduced by their percentage of responsibility. Learn more about Brian O. Sutter: Attorney Brian O. Sutter

Does a Crash Report Mentioning Speed Decide Fault in Florida

“Insurance companies tend to put a lot of weight on early crash reports, especially when speed is mentioned,” said attorney Bryan Greenberg of All Injuries Law Firm. “But those reports are often preliminary and don’t tell the whole story. In many cases,
later evidence like vehicle data or video footage paints a very different picture than what’s assumed at the scene.”

Crash reports document initial observations and are generally not admissible as evidence at trial in Florida. Despite this, insurers frequently rely on early report language when evaluating claims, making later evidence especially important in disputed motorcycle crashes. Learn more about Bryan Greenberg: Attorney Bryan Greenberg

What Families Can Do After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Florida

“Families don’t always realize how fast evidence can be lost after a fatal motorcycle crash,” said attorney Jenna Kakley of All Injuries Law Firm. “Preserving the bike, helmet, and any photos or videos — and avoiding recorded insurance statements before getting legal guidance — can make a real difference. In most Florida wrongful death cases, families also face a two-year deadline to protect their rights.”

For families coping with the sudden loss of a loved one, references to speed in a crash report can feel overwhelming or unfair. From a legal standpoint, shared responsibility is common in left-turn motorcycle crashes, and families may still have viable wrongful death claims depending on how fault is ultimately divided under Florida law. Learn more about Jenna Kakley: Attorney Jenna Kakley

Why Experience With Motorcycle Wrongful Death Cases Matters

For more than 35 years, All Injuries Law Firm has represented injured people and grieving families across Englewood, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, and Southwest Florida in serious auto, motorcycle, and wrongful death cases. The firm focuses
exclusively on personal injury law and has secured numerous million-dollar and high six-figure recoveries. Managing partner Brian O. Sutter has been board-certified since 1990. Attorney Bryan Greenberg is also board-certified and brings prior insurance defense experience. Attorney Corbin Sutter, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, focuses on catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. This experience informs the firm’s Victory for the Injured philosophy — helping families regain stability, access care, and find peace of mind after life-altering crashes. Explore our practice areas: Practice Areas Motor vehicle injury help:
Auto Accidents Lawyer See case results: Injury Case Results Meet the full team: Our Attorneys If you or your family have questions after a serious motorcycle crash anywhere in Southwest Florida, you can contact All Injuries Law Firm for a free consultation. There is no fee unless there is a recovery. Contact us
here: Free Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions About Speed and Left-Turn Motorcycle Crashes in Florida

Is the driver who turns left in front of a motorcycle always at fault

Not always. Florida law requires drivers making a left turn to yield to oncoming traffic when it is close enough to be an immediate hazard. But investigators may also look at whether the motorcycle was speeding, whether visibility was limited, and whether
either driver was distracted. Responsibility can be shared between the turning driver and the rider, depending on the facts of the crash.

If the crash report says the motorcycle was going at a high rate of speed, does that end the case

No. High rate of speed is often a preliminary observation, not a precise measurement. Later, black-box data, skid marks, camera footage, and expert reconstruction can show what really happened. Insurance companies may point to that phrase
to argue against the rider, but it does not automatically decide fault or end a potential claim.

What does Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule mean in a motorcycle case

Under Florida’s current rules, if a person is found more than 50 percent at fault, they generally cannot recover damages in most negligence cases. If they are 50 percent or less at fault, their recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault. In a motorcycle
crash involving speed and a left turn, a court, jury, or insurance adjuster could divide fault between the rider and the turning driver based on all the evidence.

Does it matter that the rider was only 19 years old

Legally, a 19-year-old is treated as an adult. But age can still matter in understanding the circumstances of the crash and the impact on the family. Young riders may have less experience judging risk and speed, and they may make impulsive decisions.
At the same time, Florida law recognizes the devastating impact of a young person’s wrongful death on parents and other family members, and death itself satisfies the serious injury threshold for pain and suffering claims in auto cases.

If my child or sibling was partly at fault, can our family still bring a wrongful death claim

Possibly. Even if the rider made a mistake, other drivers, vehicle owners, or third parties may share responsibility. As long as the rider is not found more than 50 percent at fault under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rules, surviving family
members may still have viable claims. Every case is fact-specific and should be reviewed individually.

Does the order of vehicles in the crash report (Vehicle 1, Vehicle 2) mean someone is being blamed

No. The numbering is mainly for identification and does not by itself indicate who the officer believes caused the crash. Fault decisions are based on the totality of the evidence, not just the vehicle numbering on the form.

How important is the crash report in a Florida motorcycle case

Crash reports are important for understanding the basic facts and for insurance processing, but they are generally not admissible as evidence at trial, and they do not control the outcome of a civil case. Insurance companies rely on them heavily early
on, which is why errors or incomplete information can be a problem, but additional evidence often carries more weight in the long run.

How long do we have to take legal action after a fatal motorcycle crash

In most Florida negligence and auto cases, including wrongful death, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the crash, though there can be exceptions and special notice rules when government entities are involved. Waiting too long can
permanently bar a claim, so it’s wise to speak with an attorney as soon as reasonably possible.

What evidence should families try to preserve after a serious motorcycle crash

Useful evidence can include photos or video of the scene, contact information for witnesses, the motorcycle itself, the rider’s helmet and gear, any available dash-cam or security footage, and medical records. An attorney can also move quickly to request
black-box data from vehicles and obtain other documentation before it is lost or overwritten.

Can we talk to the other driver’s insurance company on our own

You can, but it’s risky. Adjusters may ask leading questions or request recorded statements that later get used to limit or deny claims. Many families prefer to talk with an attorney first so they understand their rights and have someone to handle communications
with the insurance companies on their behalf.

References

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles – Traffic Crash Reports and Statistics
Florida Statutes Chapter 768 – Negligence and Comparative Fault
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Motorcycle Crash Injury Data
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Motorcycle Safety and Crash Research
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Injury, Illness, and Fatality Data