Motorcycle Accident Statistics Florida
Hundreds of thousands of people in Florida enjoy the sun and wind in their faces as they take to the open road on a motorcycle. Often seen as the ultimate symbol of freedom, people from all walks of life enjoy motorcycling. However, according to motorcycle accident statistics in Florida, thousands of Floridians are injured in motorcycle accidents every year.
If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Florida, contact the Hollywood law firm or Rosen & Ohr for a free case consultation. We can assist you in standing up for your rights against negligent drivers and pursuing the compensation you deserve to pay medical bills and offset your pain and suffering.
What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida?
Motorcycles are even more susceptible to road hazards because they are smaller and lighter, riders are open to the elements, and motorcycles are more difficult to navigate in adverse conditions. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida include:
- Improper Left Turns – A widespread cause of motorcycle accidents is another motorist turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Often, the driver of the car will claim they did not even see the motorcyclist.
- Changing Lanes and Lane Splitting – Whether in a blind spot or changing lanes without checking, it only takes a second for a car to change lanes in front of a motorcyclist who cannot stop or change direction in time.
- Road Hazards – Large potholes, debris, loose sand or gravel, animals crossing the road, and wet pavement are just a few examples of road hazards that can cause a motorcyclist to lose control.
- Head-on Collisions – The most dangerous accident type occurs when a vehicle traveling the opposite direction crosses the middle line and hits a motorcycle head-on.
- Running a Red Light or Stop Sign – Failure to yield at intersections is another common cause of motorcycle accidents.
How Often Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Florida?
There were over 8.3 million motorcycles registered and traveling on the open road in the United States in one recent year. Florida has over 588,000 registered motorcycles, second only to California.
Unfortunately, with many motorcycles on Florida’s roads, there are also many motorcycle accidents.
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which tracks Florida motorcycle accident statistics, 8,896 motorcycle crashes and 550 fatalities occurred in a single recent year. This accounts for 2.21% of all motor vehicle accidents in Florida – and a staggering 17.24% of motor vehicle fatalities.
Motorcycle Safety Gear Statistics
There are several ways to increase a motorcycle rider’s safety on the road. There are several steps riders take to improve their safety when riding a motorcycle in Florida.
Do Motorcycle Helmets Save Lives?
The short answer is yes, motorcycle helmets save lives.
- Helmets save an estimated 1,859 lives in just one year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Helmets reduced the risk of death by 37%.
- Had every rider involved in an accident been wearing a helmet, it is estimated that another 802 riders would have been saved.
How to Increase Safety While Riding
Several other ways in addition to wearing a motorcycle helmet can save lives, including:
- Investing in skill-building through lessons and private course driving
- Driving defensively (Unfortunately, too many drivers do not see motorcycles. Riders must never assume that a motorist is aware of their presence.)
- Never driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Never driving while drowsy or fatigued
- Investing in a motorcycle with anti-lock brakes
- Following traffic laws and obeying speed limits
- Avoiding riding in bad weather
What Should You Do If You Are in a Florida Motorcycle Accident?
In the unfortunate event you find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident, it is essential to take these six steps:
- Get to safety. If you are able, get yourself out of harm’s way. This may be off to the side of the highway, or into a yard or parking lot in a residential or commercial area.
- Check for injuries. Do an initial assessment of your injuries. It is usually recommended you leave any protective gear on your body until after the paramedics arrive, not to make any injuries worse.
- Call 911. Notify the authorities so that the police can fill out an accident report, and paramedics can treat any injuries and determine their severity.
- Seek medical attention. Depending on the severity, this may be required on the scene of the accident or shortly after. It is recommended that you receive a complete evaluation by a physician to ensure no concussion, internal bleeding, or other life-threatening injury is present.
- Gather evidence. If you can do so safely and not risk your health, take pictures of the scene accident, take notes while the event is fresh in your mind, and get a copy of the accident report from the police.
- Contact a lawyer. Consider contacting an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure your legal rights remain protected and to explore your legal options if the accident was due to another driver’s negligence. Get in touch with the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Rosen & Ohr to see what legal right you may have to compensation.
Most Dangerous Highways in Florida
According to the most recent motorcycle accident stats in Florida from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, several highways in Florida are considered some of the most dangerous roads in America. These include:
- Interstate 4
- Interstate 95
- Interstate 75
- U.S. Highway 1
- U.S. Highway 41
- U.S. Highway 47
If you ever ride a motorcycle on these roads, take extra precautions and remain aware of all dangers.
Motorcycle Accidents and Your Legal Rights
Anyone involved in a motorcycle accident in Florida needs to be fully aware of their rights and ability to seek compensation. If a negligent driver caused your accident, they might be responsible for compensating you for your injuries and losses. This includes damage to your motorcycle, medical bills (physical therapy, medication, etc.), future medical bills, lost wages, future lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Some insurance companies will fight against paying the legally required amount of compensation to motorcyclists. An experienced team of motorcycle accident attorneys can help ensure your legal rights are secure and aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve under the law.
Contact a Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you suffered any injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident in Florida, contact the law firm of Rosen & Ohr by phone or online. We are ready to look at your case’s unique circumstances and offer a free consultation to discuss your best legal options.