LAKELAND, Fla. — Authorities are investigating a fatal accident involving a motorcycle and a car that occurred late on April 26.
The accident took place at around 11:20 p.m. in the 4100 block of S. Florida Avenue. A 2018 Ford sedan was exiting a driveway when it briefly stopped in the roadway. A Yamaha motorcycle traveling south in the inside lane collided with the rear driver’s side door and fender of the Ford.
Neel Patel, 28, was critically injured in the accident. Lakeland Police Department units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and Lakeland Fire Department responded to the scene and attempted life-saving measures. Patel was transported to Lakeland Regional Health with severe injuries. He succumbed on April 28.
The Lakeland Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit continues to investigate the accident.
Further details have not yet been made available.
Neel Patel tragically killed in Lakeland motorcycle accident
Incident Location
MOTORCYCLE CRASH INVESTIGATION
This accident underscores the dangers that motorcyclists face on our roadways each day. According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration National Center for Statistics and Analysis, there were 5,636 motorcycle fatalities in 2021 — the highest number ever recorded.
Candice Bond, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, said in such cases, it is imperative to preserve evidence through an independent probe.
“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash,” said Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. “Your lawyer has the resources to hire expert witnesses, conduct drivers’ background checks, locate witnesses to the crash and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide the heartbroken family of a victim during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights while ensuring that a driver is held accountable after disobeying traffic laws.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Neel Patel may pursue a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond.
“We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Accident Injury News' national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in motorcycle accidents, and if you or a family member need help, she is available for a free consultation to guide you
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
