The Top 5 Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida

Fort Lauderdale residents and fervent motorcycle enthusiasts Mark and Lisa embrace the indescribable thrill and freedom of riding through Florida’s endless scenic routes. However, a close friend’s recent motorcycle accident that left him severely injured and in need of ongoing medical care has reminded them of the risks associated with their beloved hobby.

As an experienced Florida motorcycle accident lawyer can attest, with the state’s year-round warm weather and beautiful landscapes, the risks of motorcycle crashes and subsequent motorcycle accident claims remain a sobering reality. While we hope you never sustain injuries in a motorcycle crash, this blog from a Florida motorcycle accident attorney explains the top 5 causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida and shares tips to help you avoid the pain and suffering that arise from a serious injury.

Have you or a loved one already experienced a motorcycle accident? You may need legal representation to help you recover financial compensation to address medical expenses and lost income. Contact a Hollywood personal injury attorney at (800) 332-6436 to schedule a FREE case evaluation.

At Cohen & Cohen Law, we are here to be the experience you need and the representation you can trust.

Statistics and Leading Causes of Florida Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riders face an alarming level of vulnerability. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, they are 28 times more likely to lose their lives and four times more likely to sustain motorcycle accident injuries compared to car passengers.

From the perspective of a Florida motorcycle accident lawyer, knowing the five primary causes of a Florida motorcycle collision can help you avoid road rash and other severe injuries.

1. No Awareness of Motorcycle Riders on the Road by Other Drivers

Unlike the driver of a car, a motorcycle rider lacks the protective features of a car’s frame, airbags, and seat belts, putting them at a higher risk because many drivers fail to notice or anticipate motorcycles, especially during lane changes, turns, or intersections.

Distracted driving exacerbates the problem. From texting and phone calls to eating behind the wheel, these distractions take drivers’ focus away from the road and increase the likelihood of a collision.

Visibility is crucial, so opt for bright colors, wear reflective gear, utilize your headlights and turn signals, and position yourself in a lane where other motor vehicles can easily see you.

2. Driving Recklessly and Exceeding the Speed Limit

Speed may be enticing, but it also increases the risk of fatal consequences. By exceeding the speed limit and driving recklessly, you reduce your reaction time and amplify the impact force in the event of a crash, making it difficult to avoid or survive a collision.

Weaving through traffic, tailgating, and ignoring traffic signals can have life-altering consequences. To maintain control of your motorcycle and ensure everyone’s safety, obey traffic laws, adjust your speed according to road conditions, and avoid reckless driving behaviors.

3. Driving While Impaired

The dangers of operating a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol are severe, resulting in potential harm, fatalities, and legal ramifications. Even if your blood alcohol level falls below the 0.08% threshold for driving legally in Florida, it can still impair your cognitive abilities, eyesight, coordination, and equilibrium.

Furthermore, alcohol and drugs can heighten aggression, confidence, and propensity for risky actions, leading to erroneous judgment and diminished awareness of one’s surroundings. To avoid jeopardizing your safety and the safety of others on the road, take preventative measures such as planning ahead, designating a sober driver, or utilizing public transportation or ride-sharing services.

4. Treacherous Road Conditions

Riding a motorcycle can be thrilling and invigorating, but it also requires a heightened level of caution, especially when encountering Florida’s challenging road conditions. Uneven surfaces, slippery roads, and debris can pose genuine risks for riders, potentially resulting in loss of control, skids, or even crashes.

Potholes, gravel, sand, and oil spills lurk around the next turn, demanding the utmost attention and skill from riders. What’s more, road construction and maintenance can lead to detours, narrow lanes, and unforeseen obstacles, requiring quick reflexes and masterful maneuvers.

To ensure your safety in the face of treacherous road conditions, take proactive measures. Regularly inspect your tires and brakes for optimal performance, and adjust your speed and position according to the road surface and weather conditions. Always remain on high alert for warning signs and markings that may indicate potential hazards ahead.

5. Failing to Engage in Regular Motorcycle Maintenance and Safety

Like any motor vehicle, motorcycles must undergo regular maintenance and inspection for the safety of the rider and others on the road. Failure to address issues such as malfunctioning brakes, tires, lights, or steering can lead to breakdowns, loss of control, or even collisions. Furthermore, manufacturing defects or recalls can also have a detrimental impact on a motorcycle’s performance, causing potential risks for riders.

To prevent mechanical failures and defects, adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and repairs. Conducting a pre-ride check before every trip and promptly addressing any warning lights or unusual noises can significantly reduce the chances of encountering issues on the road. By prioritizing regular maintenance, you’ll keep your motorcycle in top condition, enabling a safe and enjoyable riding experience.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Florida

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident in Florida, take immediate action to protect your health and legal rights.

1. Seek Medical Treatment: Regardless of how you feel, seek medical attention to ensure that you have not sustained any hidden injuries.
2. Contact the Police: Report the accident to the police, as having an official record, including a police report, will be invaluable when filing an insurance claim.
3. Gather Vital Information: Collect as much information as possible at the scene of the accident. This includes obtaining the name, contact information, and insurance details of the other driver(s) involved, as well as statements from any witnesses.
4. Document the Accident: Capture photographic evidence of the accident scene, including any damage to your motorcycle, the other vehicle(s) involved, and any injuries you may have suffered.
5. Notify your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company promptly to report the accident. They will guide you through the claims process and assist you.
6. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: If you have sustained injuries in the accident, seek the counsel of a Hollywood personal injury lawyer. They will explain your legal rights and support you in pursuing compensation for your injuries.

Florida’s Efforts to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents: “Share the Road” Campaign and “Ride Smart Florida”

To combat the alarming rate of motorcycle and bicycle accidents in Florida, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Highway Patrol joined forces to launch the annual “Share the Road” Campaign.

In addition, the Florida Motorcycle Safety Coalition (FMSC) developed “Ride Smart Florida,” a program aimed at raising awareness and promoting safety among motorcyclists. Comprising safety advocates from all corners of the state, FMSC is dedicated to reducing motorcycle-related fatalities.

If you’re a motorcyclist looking for valuable resources on education, training, safety strategies, and motorcycle data, Ride Smart Florida offers free, comprehensive materials to enhance your riding experience, prevent personal injury, and improve Florida highway safety.

Cohen & Cohen Law: Your Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Are you coping with painful injuries, lost wages, and mounting medical bills? Wondering if you have a valid motorcycle accident claim? You need an experienced Florida motorcycle accident attorney who has successfully represented multiple clients in motorcycle accident cases.

At Cohen & Cohen Law, our mission is to help the injured heal physically, financially, and emotionally from devastating accidents through exceptional legal representation and compassionate care. With over 50 years of experience, our family-based firm has dealt with insurance companies and others involved in motorcycle crash cases, to prove negligence and help our clients receive fair compensation for serious injuries.

We have helped countless motorcycle accident victims recover compensation, and we can do the same for you. When you call our office, you will speak to one of our motorcycle accident lawyers who will determine if you have an accident claim and explain your options. Contact us at (800) 332-6436 or complete our online form to schedule your free case evaluation.

Copyright © 2023. Cohen and Cohen Law. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

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