Apopka man cut across lanes at high speed in his Kia, striking the bike near Plant City
April 04, 2026 | Plant City, FL
A 22-year-old Apopka resident faces charges following a high-speed collision on Interstate 4 that left a motorcyclist with severe injuries.
Preston Nascimento, 22, was arrested after driving a Kia Seltos that struck a motorcycle, leaving the rider seriously injured on Interstate 4 in Hillsborough County.
What Happened in the Crash?
Florida Highway Patrol troopers responded to the westbound lanes of I-4 near Plant City around 7:20 p.m. on April 4.
Key details include:
- Vehicles Involved: Red Kia Seltos driven by Preston Nascimento and an unidentified motorcycle.
- Sequence of the Crash: Nascimento allegedly weaved through traffic at excessive speeds, striking the motorcycle's front-right side and ejecting the rider.
- Injuries: The motorcyclist sustained multiple serious injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital, and identity withheld.
- Driver Status: Nascimento was unharmed, cooperated with authorities, and was arrested on site.
Troopers also noted a silver Toyota Camry racing alongside Nascimento before fleeing. The public is urged to contact the Florida Highway Patrol with any leads.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Reckless driving, such as weaving at high speeds, contributes significantly to roadway incidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports rising motorcycle injuries, highlighting the need for vigilant enforcement.
Year |
Motorcycle Injuries |
Change from Previous Year |
|---|
2020 |
79,000 |
Not Available |
2021 |
83,000 |
+5% |
Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in motor vehicle crashes to protect victims' rights.
“In cases such as this, it is imperative to preserve evidence through an independent investigation,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “An attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash. Your lawyer has the resources to hire witnesses, conduct driver 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.”
- Key Takeaways:
- Preserve all evidence beyond police reports for a comprehensive case.
- Hire professionals for background checks and witness interviews.
- Ensure insurance coverage is fully evaluated to secure fair compensation.
“Pending an investigation, the victim may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Stress from an injury is overwhelming. It disrupts all aspects of life, including family, work, finances, and overall quality of life. It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company for a client. Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their clients to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
- Key Takeaways:
- Personal injury claims require skilled negotiation to counter insurance tactics.
- Legal representation helps manage the emotional and financial toll of injuries.
- Fair settlements focus on long-term impacts on quality of life.
Nascimento faces charges of reckless driving, causing serious bodily injury, and was booked into Hillsborough County Jail before posting bond.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, is skilled in handling motorcycle accident cases. Contact her for a free consultation if you or a loved one needs legal guidance.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline 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 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).