Preston Nascimento arrested in Plant City motorcycle accident, FHP says
FHP searches for second driver after high-speed weaving leads to serious injuries on Interstate 4
A motorcyclist was seriously injured when a reckless driver clipped their bike on Interstate 4 in Plant City, Florida, on April 4, according to the Highway Patrol.
Preston Nascimento, 22, of Apopka, was arrested at the scene and charged with reckless driving with serious bodily injury, a third-degree felony. Nascimento was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail and later released on bond.
A state trooper observed his red Kia Seltos and a silver Toyota Camry weaving through traffic at speeds near 100 mph. When the Kia attempted to rapidly change from the outside to the center lane, Nascimento could not stop in time and struck the motorcycle.
The collision sent the rider tumbling down the highway shoulder. The victim was taken to a local hospital with severe lacerations, bruises and suspected broken bones.
Troopers are still searching for the driver of the Toyota. Anyone with information is asked to contact the highway patrol.
The Florida Highway Patrol's investigation into the Interstate 4 motorcycle accident in Plant City focuses on the actions of Nascimento, who was reportedly driving a Kia Seltos at high speeds and weaving through traffic. the crash, which occurred on a Saturday, involved Nascimento attempting a rapid lane change from the outside to the center lane before striking the motorcycle.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "Blind spots, inexperienced drivers, and distracted motorists often cause these types of collisions. An accident reconstruction team and even motorcycle manufacturing experts are oftentimes needed as well to help ultimately piece together what happened," Bond added that "An accident reconstruction team and even motorcycle manufacturing experts are oftentimes needed as well to help ultimately piece together what happened." This type of detailed analysis would be important in understanding the precise dynamics of the collision on Interstate 4.
The legal process following such an incident can be complex for the injured party. National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal. "An attorney can protect victims from large insurance companies and their team of lawyers while diligently examining the facts of the accident." Formica emphasized that "An attorney will vigorously advocate for a family who has lost a loved one, ensuring that their legal rights are protected."
What is the role of the Florida Highway Patrol in this investigation?
How do investigators determine the speed of vehicles involved in a crash?
What is accident reconstruction?
Florida personal injury framework
Florida follows a modified comparative fault (51% bar) system, effective 2023. The statute of limitations was reduced from 4 years to 2 years in 2023.
Damages include economic losses (medical expenses, lost wages) and non-economic losses (pain, suffering). Florida's PIP no-fault insurance covers initial medical costs up to $10,000 regardless of fault.