TAMPA - The daughter of a woman who died as a result of her injuries she sustained while trying to learn to ride a motorcycle sued the motorcycle training program and driving range for damages, according to documents filed on March 2 in the Hillsborough County Circuit Court.
Plaintiff Teri Chicoli is the daughter of Patricia K. Shugars, who was taking motorcycle lessons through Joe's Motorcycle Training LLC in February of 2020. The lessons took place at a driving range operated by defendant Barney's Motorcycle Sales/Barney's of Brandon, with a curriculum provided by defendant Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).
The lawsuit alleges that Shugars, a beginner at motorcycles, was assigned a vehicle too large and powerful for her skill level. The suit claims that Shugars was nervously driving the 900cc Can Am Ryker at a much slower pace than other students, and was verbally pushed by the instructor to speed up.
The suit further alleges that the driving range was graded for no more than three motor vehicles at a time, but that defendants allowed more than three vehicles on the course at the time of Shugars' crash.
Shugars lost control of the Ryker and crashed through a chain link fence into a boat and trailer.
Her daughter claims that the MFS course does not adequately prepare new drivers, and that the course as a whole is a conflict of interest due to the funding that MFS receives from motorcycle manufacturers.
The defendants are charged with negligence, and the plaintiff seeks restitution deemed fit by the court.
Chicoli is represented by Kinney, Fernandez and Boire PA of Tampa.