What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get Accidents in Florida?
Just as automobile owners, all motorcycle owners are required to register their vehicles in the state of Florida. In 2020, 620,892 motorcycles were registered for on-the-road use. That year, there were 8,045 motorcycle collisions. Of those, 552 resulted in fatalities, and another 1,890 resulted in debilitating injuries.
Motorcycle drivers and their passengers are at an increased risk of serious injuries in collisions because they lack the protection of a passenger vehicle. Without the airbags, seat belts, and other safety features of a car, motorcycle drivers and passengers also have an inherently greater risk of loss of life. This risk can be substantially lowered when motorcycle occupants wear helmets and other protective gear.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida
According to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) research, Florida is one of the top two states with the largest number of registered motorcycles. Its year-round balmy weather may play a role in this figure. What’s more, Florida is home to Daytona Beach Bike Week every year.
Commonly reported causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida to include:
- Vehicle drivers’ improper left turns
- Alcohol or drug intoxication
- Failure to spot a motorcycle
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Texting and other distractions
Damages you can recover in a Motorcycle Accident Case
If you decide to hold the at-fault driver liable for your accident, a Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorney can help you prove the cause of the collision. With legal support from a law firm near you, proving the cause of the accident can also help you seek financial compensation. The damages you can recover after a motorcycle and car accident may include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Loss of income
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional trauma
You can also request compensation to cover the cost of restoring your bike to its pre-accident condition or replacing it altogether.
Florida Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Since motorcyclists do lack the protection of a car, they have a responsibility to themselves to wear protective gear, including helmets. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- 280 helmeted drivers were fatally injured.
- 303 un-helmeted drivers were fatally injured.
Despite proof of the efficacy and protective abilities, only 71% of motorcyclists wore DOT-compliant helmets in 2019. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that lack of proper helmets costs approximately $1 billion in lost wages and productivity each year.
In addition, the number of motorcycles in the state increased each year from 2019 through 2021. Unfortunately, the number of motorcycle fatalities also increased slightly. Motorcycle riders can reduce the risk of fatal injuries by wearing helmets on every ride and insisting their passengers do so, as well.
Causes of Single-Vehicle Crashes
A single-vehicle motorcycle accident is one in which the motorcycle was the only vehicle involved in the crash. Single-vehicle collisions might occur for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is alcohol involvement. The NHTSA indicates that 29% of the motorcyclists who were involved in fatal accidents were intoxicated.
Operating a motorcycle safely requires a clear head, balance, coordination, focus, and sound judgment. Accidents involving single vehicles can also happen due to drivers who are distracted or inattentive. Unseen debris in the roadway and weather conditions can also cause motorcycle accidents.
Know What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
When you ride a motorcycle, you expect to enjoy the fresh air and the thrill of the ride. If a motorcycle trip ends in a collision, you should immediately call the police to the scene and accept available emergency medical assistance. If your injuries permit it, you should also:
- Remove your motorcycle from the flow of traffic, if possible.
- Take photos of your bike and the other involved vehicle.
- Exchange information with the police and the at-fault driver.
- Call the local police to the accident scene immediately.
You should also consider hiring a personal injury lawyer. He can help you prepare a civil case and pursue financial compensation for your motorcycle accident injuries and related expenses.
Let the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato represent you after a Motorcycle Accident
Were you or a loved one hurt in an accident in South Florida? Find out what percentage of motorcycle riders get in accidents in Florida and how you can get compensation for your injuries if you are involved in an accident.
Contact one of our team members at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato by calling (954) 633-8270 today. We will offer you a free consultation and charge no fees unless and until we resolve your case.
