Teen Killed in Motorcycle Accident After Running Red Light

Motorcycles and teens do not mix. While a person can legally ride a motorcycle in Florida at age 16, it is not necessarily a good idea. Teens are novice drivers and are known to take risks. They have little experience and tend to not follow the laws as well. Sadly, these factors recently led to a deadly accident in Manatee County.

The fatal crash occurred in the early morning hours of January 19. A 16-year-old boy was killed in a motorcycle crash on State Road 70 near Caruso Road. He was riding a motorcycle when the operator, a 17-year-old boy, ran a red light for unknown reasons. That boy is now in critical condition.

A Harley-Davidson motorcycle was heading east on State Road 70 as it approached the intersection. At the same time, a Chevrolet sedan was traveling west on State Road 70. The driver, a 52-year-old Bradenton woman, was turning left onto Caruso Road. She had a green light and the right of way when the motorcycle entered the intersection and collided with the front passenger side of the sedan.

Both teens were thrown from the motorcycle during the impact. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but the 16-year-old passenger died at the accident scene. The motorcycle operator was taken to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in critical condition. The driver of the sedan was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries and has since been released.

Both teens on the motorcycle were from Bradenton and they were wearing helmets at the time of the crash. The driver of the sedan was wearing a seat belt. The eastbound lanes of State Road 70 were closed for several hours but have since reopened.

Operating a Motorcycle in Florida

To get a motorcycle only license in Florida, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have held a Learner’s License for at least 12 months with no traffic convictions before applying (only if you are under the age of 18).
• Complete the Basic RiderCourse (BRC).
• Pass the regular Class E knowledge tests (vision and written) if you do not already hold a driver’s license.

If you are under the age of 21, you must wear a DOT-approved helmet when riding. Riders 21 years of age and older can go without a helmet only if they carry medical insurance with at least $10,000 in medical benefits.

Contact Us Today

Motorcycle accidents can be fatal, especially when inexperienced riders are behind the wheel. Teens often want to take risks, which may mean breaking laws and causing catastrophic accidents.

But sometimes motorcycle crashes are caused by others. If this is the case for you, contact a Bradenton motorcycle accident lawyer from Cahall Law Firm to understand the next steps. We are ready to help you fight for the compensation you deserve for all your damages. Schedule a consultation with our office today to learn more. Fill out the online form or call (941) 281-2019.

Source:

mysuncoast.com/2026/01/19/lanes-closed-following-an-early-morning-crash/