Florida is the state with the third highest amount of motorcycle drivers registered in the country.
The number of motorcycles drivers has only increased in the past few years with a total of 637,448 drivers registered in 2021. With Florida's rising population and mostly beautiful weather it becomes an optimal place to have a bike.
Just because there are a lot of motorcycle drivers, does not mean it is safe. In fact there was about 584 fatal crashes in 2021.
That is why our accident attorneys are here to give you some advice and information on Florida motorcycle accidents and how common they are.
What is the Rate of Motorcycle Accidents?
In the USA about 89,000 motorcycle accidents happen a year. That means that at least 1% of all registered drivers will be involved in a motorcycle accidents each year.
These numbers only include the larger more serious accident as many of the minor crashes don't get reported at all. So the actual numbers are probably much higher.
Of these reported, more than 5,000 will be fatal accidents and the rest will result in severe injuries.
What are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
A motorcycle accident can happen for a multitude of reasons, but the most common cause is definitely drunk driving. Beyond this there are so many other common causes of motorcycle accident crashes. We listed a few common issue motorcyclists face:
Not following Road Rules: Regardless of the use of drugs, head-on collisions with other vehicles are common among motorcycle riders. This is because motorcyclists are able to maneuver around passenger cars on the road more easily. If they are not abiding by the rules set and attempting a maneuver that is illegal in the state of Florida such as lane splitting they can end up in bad situations. If they make a wrong move at the wrong movement this can put them in the way of other traffic or objects on the road.
Distracted Driving: Distracted driving of any kind by other drivers on the road can cause lots of issues for motorcycle drivers. If a vehicle fails to notice the rider who is going straight or passing before they turn this can cause fatal motorcycle crashes. When this happens, the turning car enters the motorcyclist's path suddenly. This type of collision accounts for a large number of fatal crashes on the roads.
Driving extremely fast: If a driver exceeds the speed limit then this becomes another common cause of motorcycle crashes. When this happens, the excess speed reduces the amount of time that most riders have to react to other road users and vice versa. High-speed accidents often result serious injuries or fatalities because of the force with which the vehicles collide.
Obviously, the circumstances of each motorcycle crash on the roads will be different, even with these common factors. In the case of a motorcycle accident it is very common that they occur to other drivers but there are some preventative measures you can take. These measures include but are not limited to wearing a motorcycle helmet, abiding by road rules, and not driving excessively fast.
How Does a Motorcycle Accident Compare to Car Accident?
Our accident attorneys handle both car accidents and motorcycle accidents, but there are some key differences between the two and how they are handled.
Motorcycle vs Car accident cases
One of the primary differences is the nature of the injuries sustained by the motorcyclist vs those involved in a car crash. Due to the lack of protection that a motorcycle provides the rider, they are often more vulnerable to serious injuries, such as head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and road rash. These injuries usually result in higher medical expenses and a longer recovery period.
There is also the fact that motorcycle accident cases are much more complex. There are unique characteristics and skillsets of motorcycles, such as their size, agility, and maneuverability, the cause of the accident may be more difficult to determine than in a car accident case.
For example, the accident may have been caused by a defect in the motorcycle or by another driver's failure to notice the rider. Investigating and proving liability can require more extensive evidence and expert testimony.
Lastly, the legal issues involved in a motorcycle accident case can be different from those in a car accident case. For instance, some states have different laws regarding helmet use and lane splitting, which may impact the outcome of the case. Moreover, juries may have biases against motorcyclists, leading to challenges in obtaining a fair settlement or verdict.
These are all extremely important reasons to have a qualified motorcycle accident attorney on your side. You need to have someone with specific knowledge and experience in this area of the law.
They must understand the unique factors involved in motorcycle accidents and be able to navigate the complex legal issues that arise in these cases to ensure their clients receive fair compensation for their injuries and damages.
What to do if the motorcycle accident ended in fatalities
It is important to understand that motorcycle fatalities make up around 14% of all traffic-related deaths in America. In fact, a motorcycle rider is 35 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than people using another motor vehicle. This is because they simply have less protection during a crash compared to other road users and are more susceptible to dangerous weather conditions.
The injuries sustained by motorcycle riders during crashes also tend to be more severe such as head injury, road rash, broken bones, or other fatal injuries.
If the motorcycle accident your loved one was involved in ended in a fatality it is extremely important to have a dedicated motorcycle accident attorney. They will be able to discuss your legal options with you and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
What percentage of motorcycle riders died in accidents?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, there were a total of 5,014 motorcycle fatalities in the United States. This represented a decrease of 2.3% from the 5,109 fatalities in 2018.
In terms of the percentage of motorcycle riders who died in accidents, the NHTSA reports that in 2019, motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities. Additionally, the fatality rate for motorcyclists in 2019 was 25.84 per 100,000 registered motorcycles. This was higher than the overall fatality rate for all motor vehicle crashes, which was 11.2 per 100,000 registered vehicles.
While the percentage of motorcycle riders who die in accidents is alarming, it's important to note that there are steps riders can take to reduce their risk. Wearing a helmet is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of head injury or death in the event of an accident. In fact, the NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,872 motorcyclists in 2017.
Other ways to reduce the risk of a motorcycle accident include taking a motorcycle safety course, wearing appropriate protective gear, following traffic laws, and avoiding riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Florida Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Unfortunately motorcycle accidents occur quite frequently in the state of Florida. While not all of these accidents end in fatal crashes it is important to note the statistics. Here are some of those statistics:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: In 2022, there were 9,146 motorcycle crashes in the state, resulting in 588 fatalities and 7,861 injuries. The number of motorcycle accident fatalities decreased from the year before but not by a significant number.
The Leading Cause of Accidents: The leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida is reckless driving, such as exceeding the speed limit, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and distracted driving. In 2022, 20% of motorcycle fatalities were attributed to speeding, while 12% were attributed to alcohol use. Distracted driving was a contributing factor in 7% of motorcycle fatalities.
Florida's roads: The roads can be hazardous for motorcyclists due to various factors, such as road conditions and weather. In 2022, 18% of motorcycle fatalities occurred on wet roads, while 7% occurred on roads with potholes or other hazards. Furthermore, 46% of motorcycle fatalities occurred in urban areas, while 54% occurred in rural areas.
Protective Gear: A significant percentage of motorcycle accidents in Florida involve riders who are not wearing helmets. While helmet use is not mandatory for all riders in Florida, it is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of head injuries and fatalities in the event of an accident.
Safety Habits: To reduce the number of motorcycle accidents in Florida, it is crucial for riders and drivers to practice safe driving habits. This includes obeying traffic laws, avoiding reckless driving, and being aware of their surroundings on the road. Motorcyclists should also wear helmets and other protective gear to reduce the risk of injuries in the event of an accident.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) has published some national statistics that are notable for motorcycle riders in Florida as well.
For example, the Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that more than half of all fatal motorcycle accidents happen on weekends, with the most significant percentage of fatal accidents happening on Saturdays and Sundays between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm.
How Can Motorcycle Riders Protect Themselves on Florida’s Roads?
Florida is a popular destination for motorcycle riders due to its beautiful scenery and warm weather. However, with the increasing number of motorcycles on the road, it is important for riders to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and reduce the risk of accidents.
Here are some tips for motorcycle riders to stay safe on Florida's roads:
Wear protective gear: Wearing appropriate protective gear can significantly reduce the risk of injuries in the event of an accident. This includes a helmet, gloves, a jacket, pants, and boots. Helmets are especially important, as they can prevent serious head injuries that can be fatal. While helmet use is not mandatory for all riders in Florida, it is strongly recommended.
Be visible: Motorcycles can be difficult for other drivers to see, especially in busy traffic. To increase visibility, riders should wear bright or reflective clothing, use their headlights at all times, and avoid riding in blind spots.
Obey traffic laws: Motorcyclists should obey all traffic laws, including speed limits, traffic signals, and road signs. Riding defensively and anticipating potential hazards on the road can also help prevent accidents.
Practice safe riding habits: Motorcyclists should avoid reckless driving, such as weaving in and out of traffic, excessive speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is also important to be aware of road conditions and adjust riding accordingly, such as slowing down on wet roads or in areas with potholes or debris.
Maintain the motorcycle: Regular maintenance and inspections of the motorcycle can prevent mechanical failures and reduce the risk of accidents. Riders should also ensure that the tires are properly inflated and the brakes are in good working condition.
Take a motorcycle safety course: Motorcycle riders can benefit from taking a safety course to improve their riding skills and learn techniques for avoiding accidents. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles offers motorcycle safety courses throughout the state.
By following these tips, motorcycle riders can protect themselves and reduce the risk of accidents on Florida's roads.
It is important to remember that safe driving habits and proper protective gear can make a significant difference in preventing injuries and fatalities in the event of an accident.
Should I get a motorcycle accident attorney to handle my case?
All motorcycle accidents should be handled by a personal injury lawyer. Due to the complexities of these cases and the extremity of the injuries, an attorney can only help ensure you gain the compensation you deserve.
So whether it is an injury or a motorcycle accident death that your family has suffered, the accident attorneys at Demesmin and Dover has you covered. After any accident we understand the pain and suffering that you are going through and we will walk you through every step of the process.