Miami Heat Dancer in Fatal Motorcycle Crash
A twenty two year-old Miami Heat dancer has been killed in a motorcycle crash in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Nicaragua native and member of the Miami Heat dance team, Nancy G. Lopez-Ruiz was operating her Suzuki GSX R when she was knocked off her bike by another car.
According to FOX Sports, the dancer was pronounced dead on the scene of the fatal motorcycle crash. The accident occured around 9:15 pm when a trailing car hit the meridian of the road, and then struck Lopez-Ruiz's motorcycle, causing Lopez-Ruiz to go flying off her bike. Local police are looking into whether drunk driving was a factor in the fatal motorcycle crash.
Although motorcycles share equally with cars and trucks on the roadway, the open design of the bikes can be a recipe for disaster. As was the case with Nancy Lopez-Ruiz, when an individual is struck on a motorcycle, there are no barriers in place to protect the rider from being violently knocked off the bike. Additionally, the smaller size of a motorcycle, increased risk of road hazards, and riding skills are all factors that can case increased and special dangers for motorcycle riders, and nearby vehicles on the road.
In the end, liability in any motorcycle accident is determined in the same manner as a vehicle accident, with negligence by one party (or both) being the culprit in most accidents. For motorcycles, the potential for an accident is greater simply based on the inherent limitations and operating characteristics of a bike. Additionally, when there is an accident, the chances for serious injury or death are also increased.
Related Resources:
- Mother of Miami Heat dancer prepares to bury her daughter (Miami Herald)
- Motorcycle Accidents (FindLaw)
- Motorcycle Accidents - FAQ (FindLaw)
- Motorcycle Accidents - An Overview (provided by Monckton Law Firm, P.A.)
- Motorcycle Helmet Laws (provided by Solomon & Relihan, P.C.)
- When Personal Injuries Result in Death: Wrongful Death Cases (provided by Apffel Law Firm)