The motorcycle accident lawyer in Miami, Jonathan Perazzo, has learned through local news sources, that two motorcyclists died in separate Palm Beach County crashes on the same day this week — one on SR-7 in Boca Raton, the other on US-441 near Glades Road, both Friday, September 4. Florida’s crash reports stay confidential for 60 days under Fla. Stat. § 316.066(2)(a), but the families of the people involved don’t have to wait that long to act — their wrongful death attorney can request the report immediately, and should start preserving evidence the same week. Call 888-PERAZZO or visit theperazzolawfirm.com/contact/ for a free case evaluation.
What happened on SR-7 and US-441
According to WFLX, a Chevy Equinox driven by a 61-year-old Boca Raton man turned left across SR-7 at EF Johns Parkway around 2:58 p.m. on September 4, into a northbound Yamaha’s path. The rider was ejected and later pronounced dead. PBSO told WFLX the improper left turn caused the crash; the driver was not injured.
That same day, according to Hoodline, a motorcyclist died in a crash at US-441 and Glades Road. Both directions closed while PBSO investigated. Hoodline reports the cause is undetermined, and neither victim has been named.
The 60-day rule doesn’t apply to the people it’s protecting
Fla. Stat. § 316.066(2)(a) shields crash reports from public disclosure for 60 days when they reveal a driver’s or rider’s identity or contact information. The rule keeps that information out of solicitors’ hands — not facts from the people it happened to.
Under Fla. Stat. § 316.066(2)(b), that window doesn’t apply to the crash’s own parties and their legal representatives, licensed insurers, law enforcement, or news media. A family that retains an attorney can get the report on request, not on a 60-day clock.
Why the two crashes show this differently
The Glades Road crash is still open. PBSO hasn’t said what caused it, and no citations have been reported — nothing here assigns fault. Waiting on the report costs the most here: memories fade and doorbell footage gets overwritten within days. An attorney can start canvassing for that evidence immediately, then request the report under § 316.066(2)(b) once it’s filed.
The SR-7 crash cuts the other way. PBSO told WFLX the improper left turn caused the collision within a day — before any report was public. Fla. Stat. § 316.122 requires a driver turning left to yield to oncoming traffic; failing to see an approaching motorcycle isn’t a legal excuse. Fault can surface fast through a police statement, but that’s no substitute for an attorney’s own investigation.
Wrongful death claims for both families
Both riders died, so both families may have a claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, Fla. Stat. §§ 768.16–768.26. The Act lets a personal representative pursue damages for a surviving spouse, children, or other statutory beneficiaries.
Two rules matter for both families:
- Two-year filing deadline. Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(e) gives wrongful death claims two years from the date of death to file suit.
- Comparative fault bar. Under Fla. Stat. § 768.81(6), a party found greater than 50 percent at fault for their own harm cannot recover damages — a reason early evidence matters.
Every motorcycle accident claim turns on the specific facts PBSO and an independent investigation establish. No outcome is guaranteed, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future case.
FAQ
Can a family get a crash report before the 60-day exemption period ends?
Yes — under § 316.066(2)(b), the parties involved and their legal representatives can request it immediately. The 60-day window in § 316.066(2)(a) restricts general public access only.
Does an attorney need the final PBSO report to start investigating?
No. Witness canvassing, surveillance-footage requests, and 911 audio preservation should start right away, while evidence is still available.
What is the deadline to file a wrongful death claim in Florida?
Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(e) sets a two-year deadline from the date of death for most wrongful death claims.
Talk to a Florida motorcycle accident attorney
If your family lost someone in a Palm Beach County motorcycle crash, you don’t have to wait 60 days. Call 888-PERAZZO or visit theperazzolawfirm.com/contact/ for a free case evaluation. This is general information, not legal advice, and doesn’t create an attorney-client relationship.
This is Miami Personal Injury Accident Lawyer advertising material. The Perazzo Law Firm, P.A. — North Miami Beach, Florida (bona fide office) and Atlanta, Georgia. Jonathan Perazzo is responsible for this advertisement. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.