Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Could Understanding the Causes of Motorcycle Accidents Keep You Safer?

Riding a motorcycle can be a highly enjoyable way to get around, especially in sunny states like Florida. Sadly, it’s not always the safest mode of transportation.

There are countless causes of motorcycle accidents. Knowing more about the kinds of risks that you face could help keep you safer on your next ride. Below is some important information that can help keep you safe in the Sunshine State.

Motorcycle Accident Facts

Like other collisions and wrecks, motorcycle accidents involve many distinct circumstances and situations. The major difference is that when you’re riding on two wheels, you may be more at risk of injury due to your heightened exposure and the increased threat that you face from motorists in your vicinity.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, or NHTSA, in 2014, motorcyclists died 27 times more often than the occupants of other kinds of vehicles. Some of the risk factors involved in such accidents may include facts like:

• Only 64 percent of motorcyclists ride while wearing helmets approved by the Department of Transportation, or DOT
• About 43 percent of riders who perished in single-vehicle wrecks were under the influence of alcohol at the time
• Motorcycle riders may neglect to check their tire pressure, tread depth and other bike components before every ride
• Some riders lack sufficient experience with inclement weather and other hazardous road conditions
• Some riders fail to travel responsibly or cautiously around high-traffic zones, like intersections and highways

How Do Florida Roads Stack up for Riders?

Florida isn’t always the safest place for motorcyclists and their passengers. For instance, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, or DHSMV, reports that as a rider, you’re sharing the road with more than 15.6 million licensed drivers who contributed to over 344,000 wrecks in 2014 alone.

Of the almost 2,500 people who perished on the state’s roads in 2013, 18 percent were motorcycle fatalities. By comparison, just under 16 percent of those who died were on motorcycles in 2009.

DHSMV statistics also reveal that Saturday is the deadliest day for Florida riders. April is the most dangerous month, and 43 percent of deaths occur during the daylight hours.

How Can Riders and Passengers Protect Themselves?

There are many ways to stay safer on a motorcycle. For instance, wearing a DOT-approved helmet and safety gear reduces the likelihood that any crash you get into might claim your life. You can also participate in motorcycle safety courses and follow established guidelines to learn how to handle common hazards.

Don’t Count on Being Seen

The NHTSA notes that the majority of crashes that involve motorcycles and other vehicles occur because drivers fail to see riders. Never trust motorists to be on the lookout for the small visual profile that you and your bike present.

Also, remember that some motorists may not be in a condition to react to you in time regardless whether they see you. Since you’re more maneuverable than most vehicles, you should always take circumstances into your own hands.

Instead of placing your faith in an uncertain driver that you’re sharing the road with, always ride defensively. Maintain adequate distance between yourself and the vehicles nearby to ensure that you have plenty of time to respond to the unexpected when others fail to do so.

What Should You Do After Getting Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?

If you were fortunate enough to survive a bike crash, then you might think that you’ve gotten through the worst of it. The reality however is that you could face some profound challenges. From incurring massive medical bills to being unable to work or becoming permanently disabled, post-accident life can be extremely challenging. Talking to an experienced Florida motorcycle accident attorney should be one of the first steps you take to plan your recovery and prepare for the future.

The motorcycle accident attorneys at David & Philpot, P.L. have been handling motorcycle accident claims for more than 20 years. We can help motorcycle accident victims and their family members better understand insurance laws and what happens when someone has been seriously injured in a crash. If you have been in a motorcycle accident in Florida please call us at 800 360-7015 for a free case evaluation.