Motorcycle Fatality on Walt Williams Road

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Ricardo Earl Coterillo died from injuries suffered while he was struck by a Ford F-150 near the intersection of Walt Loop Road and Walt Williams Road. Coterillo was 53 years old and died at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. Coterillo was driving a 2014 Harley-Davidson FXDB. The driver of the F-150 was Eric Lee Burch. Burch was attempting to make a left hand turn into the Circle K gas station at the corner. Coterillo attempted to avoid the collision by braking but was unable to avoid and struck the left side of the pickup truck. Coterillo was wearing a helmet.

Wrongful Death Claims In Florida

This accident was clearly Mr. Burch’s fault as a driver making a left hand turn must yield to oncoming traffic before making the turn. He clearly did not do so. That mistake on the roadway is considered negligence under Florida law and qualifies Mr. Coterillo’s death as a wrongful death under Florida law.

In order to resolve this wrongful death claim, the survivors of Mr. Coterillo need to establish a probate and have a personal representative appointed. Thereafter, the personal representative has the authority to enter into a legal settlement with Burch’s insurance company. Some insurance companies will pay for a probate in addition to the policy limits of the driver.