A 62-year-old Ocala man, Karl Niski, was killed in a traffic accident on U.S. Highway 19 in Hernando County Tuesday afternoon.  The accident, which was investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol, occurred at the intersection of U.S. Highway 19 and St. Andrew’s Boulevard in Weeki Wachee.  According to local media, FHP reported that Mr. Niski was southbound on U.S. 19 when a van driven pulled out from St. Andrew’s, crossed the northbound lanes and struck Mr. Niski on his 1991 Honda Motorcycle.

Mr. Niski was taken by air ambulance to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa where he was later pronounced dead.  According to local media, the driver of the van charged with violation of the right of way.  This is another example of the difficulties both riders and non riders face on Tampa Bay area roads.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation, a national group of motorcycle safety advocates, publishes safety materials for the consumer, riders and non-riders alike, and has published a specific website forcardrivers.com which offers safety information for vehicle operators and tips on how to safely share the road with motorcyclists.

We, at the Law Office of James W. Dodson, P.A. are unfortunately all too familiar with the emotions involved in this type tragedy and send our condolences to the families of both Mr. Niski and the driver of the van.  Although motorcycle accident cases have unique issues compared to motor vehicle accidents, the emotions experienced by victims and survivors are generally the same as other traffic tragedies.