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TogglePersonal Injury Risks in Motorcycle, Auto, or Truck Accidents
The risk of personal injuries is higher in motorcycle accidents than in truck collisions or other auto crashes. Reuters reported in 2017 that motorcyclists were ten times more likely to suffer severe injuries than those involved in other accident types.
While victims suffer serious, catastrophic, and fatal injuries in all types of crashes, the percentage of those who walk away uninjured from car accidents is much higher. This is partly due to the protections provided by metal crunch zones, seat belts, airbags, and other safety features in modern cars.
What Do the Statistics Say About the Dangers of Motorcycle Accidents in FL?
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in 2021, Florida had:
- 401,076 traffic accidents
- 252,860 collision-related injuries
- 3,739 accident-related deaths
This equates to more than six injuries for every ten crashes and a fatality in almost 1 percent of all collisions.
When it comes to motorcycle collisions, the rate of death is significantly higher. The FLHSMV reported 8,631 motorcycle accidents in Florida in 2021. Of these, almost seven percent included a death, with 588 fatalities overall.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), truck drivers played a role in 351 fatal accidents in Florida in 2020. This is the most recent year statistics are available. This is just over seven percent of all vehicles involved in fatal accidents in Florida, and 7.2 percent of fatal truck crashes nationwide.
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Dangerous?
Unfortunately, car accidents occur all the time. There are more than 1,000 collisions every day in Florida. While some cause very serious injuries, many more are fender benders with relatively minor injuries.
According to the NHTSA, truck collisions are much more likely to injure or kill those outside of the truck. In 2020:
- Seventy-one percent of fatalities were in other vehicles.
- Thirteen percent of fatalities were non-vehicle occupants, such as pedestrians, cyclists, or other road users.
When it comes to motorcycle crashes, the motorcyclist generally suffers the most significant injuries. Even in what may seem like a minor accident, a motorcyclist can require ambulance transportation, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation.
Motorcyclists often have injuries from:
- Ejection from the bike
- Impact against the ground, guardrails, walls, trees, cars, and other objects
- Sliding across the asphalt without proper protective equipment
- Other vehicles striking them
Injuries can include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, burns and scarring, massive internal injuries, and other catastrophic and potentially fatal injuries.
Florida Laws Put Motorcyclists in a Unique Position
Florida’s no-fault insurance laws do not apply to motorcyclists. For instance, in car crashes, motorists can file claims with their personal injury protection (PIP) policy to seek damages. This covers the basic losses associated with minor to moderate injuries and income losses.
These policies do not cover motorcyclists, even if they purchased PIP coverage to insure their cars. The motorcyclist must pursue a fault-based claim to recover compensation when another driver causes a crash. With a strong case, this allows them to secure money for:
- Medical Bills
- Income lost while out of work
- Diminished earning capacity (if their injuries affect their earning power)
- Property damage expenses, including the replacement of their motorcycle
- Pain and Suffering
- Wrongful death-related expenses, including funeral and burial costs
- Other non-economic damages
In some cases, a lawsuit is necessary. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, you have a limited time to file a lawsuit if an insurance claim doesn’t work out. Act quickly if you or a loved one suffered injuries in a collision of any type.
A South Florida Traffic Accident Attorney Represents Your Best Interests
If you were hurt in a traffic accident in Florida, you want to work with a firm that takes the time to evaluate your legal options. A South Florida car accident lawyer will evaluate your rights and navigate your case based on your unique situation.
Having a Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney on your side allows you to focus primarily on your treatment and physical recovery. If you have serious injuries, this is vital. The law firm will manage your case, develop a strong argument for compensation, and seek financial recovery while you rebuild your life.
Connect with One of Our Lawyers for Free Today
Discuss your South Florida traffic accident case with an Florida personal injury attorney from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato for free today. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers provide complimentary case reviews for crash victims regardless of the type of traffic accident. We will assess your case and explain your rights at no obligation. Call (954) 633-8270 now to get started.