Imagine riding your motorcycle along the streets of Sarasota. You are just about to drive through the intersection ahead, on a green light, of course, when a car in oncoming traffic makes a last-minute left turn. You try to stop, your brakes squealing on the pavement, but there isn't enough time and you smash into the passenger-side of the car. For some motorcyclists, this accident is a tragic reality, including one Naples, Florida, man who is still recovering over one year after sustaining a traumatic brain injury and other near-fatal injuries.

While motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists, many drivers do not show motorcyclists the caution and respect they should. Just because some driver doesn't want to share the road with a bike doesn't mean that he or she can drive carelessly or negligently around a motorcycle rider. If he or she does, however, the rider can file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver for the injuries he or she sustains in the motorcycle accident.

The 22-year-old Florida man had been riding his motorcycle in November 2010 when a driver turned in front of him. Tragically, the young man was unable to avoid the car and was seriously injured. Doctors did not believe that he would recover the way he has, but he continues to work hard to get better.

The rider was initially brought to a local hospital in a coma with a serious brain injury. After the hospital was unable to provide the level of care he needed, the young man was brought out-of-state to a hospital that specialized in brain injuries. While he eventually was able to wake up from the coma, it has taken him this long to get up and walking.

The 22-year-old still continues to rely on physical therapy, his mother and girlfriend to build muscle and relearn how to complete daily tasks. He doesn't think he's ready to live alone just yet, but he has been making tremendous progress with his recovery.

Source: Naples Daily News, "Barron High grad critically injured in 2010 motorcycle wreck walks on own again," Victoria Macchi, Jan. 16, 2012