Articles Posted in Motorcycle Accidents

While motorcyclists in the northernmost states may have to store their bikes for the winter months, Florida riders can enjoy their freedom all year long. This winter, riders in Fort Lauderdale and throughout the area should continue to ride safely and be aware of some particularly challenges that may create potential hazards for riders. In addition to distracted driving, Florida motorcyclists should remember that roads are more crowded during the winter months, as many riders will flock to enjoy the weather that Florida has to offer year-round.

Motorcycle safety is critical. Our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients and helping accident victims recover after a collision. We understand that motorcycle accidents can result in serious, life-altering injuries. Our priority is to help accident victims and their families recover maximum compensation so that they can have the support they need to move forward after a catastrophic injury.
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Florida drivers spend a significant amount of time on the road. Through residential neighborhoods, along beaches, and highway stretches, it takes time to travel. It is not surprising that we like to enjoy a view while we are driving to work, on a road trip, or headed to the beach. While the palm trees that line Florida highways may provide a picturesque scene from a motorcycle or convertible, some believe that they are creating a hazard for drivers and cyclists.

With the high rates of pedestrian, motorcycle, car, and truck accidents throughout the state, all residents of Florida should be concerned about ways to reduce or limit the number of accidents on the road. Our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorneys are dedicated to safety and committed to helping victims of accidents collect the compensation they need and deserve. We are also abreast of public safety concerns, especially those involving risks to motorists throughout the state.
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Daytona Beach Bike Week is right around the corner. And with that being said, it’s time to refresh our driving skills when it comes to driving around motorcycles. There are thousands that will be venturing to the Sunshine State to help to celebrate the event — one of largest motorcycle gatherings in the U.S.

Our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers understand that roughly 500,000 people are expected to make their way to this year’s event. During this time, motorcycle enthusiasts get to partake in racing activities, concerts, street festivals and various parties. Daytona Beach Bike Week kicked off back in 1937 as the Daytona 300. It has grown to so much more. Unfortunately, it’s a dangerous festival that sees its share of fatal accidents. In 2011, there were close to 10 people who were killed at the festival because of rider accidents.

This year, we’re focusing on the older motorcyclists. We’re choosing this route because a recent study concluded that they were the age group that was most likely to sustain serious injuries and to be hospitalized in the event of an accident. This age group accounts for all riders over the age of 60. According to USA TODAY, aging motorcycle riders are like aging athletes: When they get hurt, they are more likely than younger enthusiasts to get seriously hurt.

This is a very important thing to know because the age of motorcyclists in the country is rising as Baby Boomers hit their 50s, 60s and older. Back in the 90s, only about 10 percent of riders were over the age of 50. In 2003, this number hit 25 percent. Officials say it’s even higher today — and it’s rising.

The recent study was conducted by researchers with Brown University in Rhode Island. They looked at injury reports of close to 2 million riders. About 90 percent of the reports were male. Most of the injuries (or about 1 million) occurred to riders between the ages of 20 and 39. What’s important though, is that the injury rate increases the most for riders over the age of 60 and their injuries tended to be much more severe. The more severe injuries were actually about 3 times more common among older motorcyclists. For internal injuries, brain injuries were most common.

Officials believe that injuries among older riders were more severe because of their aging bodies. As we get older, we get weaker, our reaction times are delayed, our sight deteriorates and our balance is altered.

The study didn’t look at fatalities, but other research suggests that these rates also are higher in older riders.

Motorcyclists and passenger car drivers are asked to be careful. We all have to work together to make sure our roadways stay safe. Wear your seat belts and strap on your motorcycle helmets. These are both your best bet against injury and death in the event of an accident.
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Traffic planners and police officers say that the intersection where the fatal motorcycle accident happened in late December isn’t inherently unsafe — but motorists are still asked to be on their best behavior as they should at all intersections.

Our Port St. Lucie motorcycle accident lawyers are talking about the intersection of Port St. Lucie and Morningside boulevards. In 2012, there were more than 15 traffic accidents here, which police are saying isn’t actually a high number of accidents for intersections in the area, according to the TC Palm.

“Two of those were hit and runs,” said Master Sgt. Frank Sabol. “The rest of them were either minor accidents or did not result in serious injury or death.”

The 28-year-old motorcyclist wasn’t as lucky. The woman was visiting from San Diego when she was killed at the intersection in question. Accident reports indicate that a driver turned in front of her. She slammed directly into the right side of the vehicle. This is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents nationwide — a driver who fails to yield and turns left in front of an oncoming rider.

Reportedly, the intersection doesn’t have any kind of obstructions that would prevent motorists from seeing oncoming traffic.

Sabol said motorists need to take the extra precaution and look carefully for oncoming motorists — especially those that are less visible and are on two wheels. He says it’s even important for vehicles that are heading straight through and have the right of way. He adds that it’s a good idea to slow down.

According to the city, which is in charge of controlling the lights, changes to improve safety at this intersection aren’t needed. Spokesman Ed Cunningham even invited motorists to voice their concerns and make recommendations to the state and the city. He designs intersections and their controls.

Intersections are a traffic-conflict points and as such are a common location for accidents. Death and serious injuries are most likely to occur at intersections that are located in urban areas. As a matter of fact, the rate of accidents in these areas is about twice as high as accidents at intersections in rural areas. Each year, more than 60 percent of people witness someone running a red light at least a few times a week, and many see this happen once a day.

It’s so bad that about a third of Americans know someone who has been killed at intersections because of red-light running.

When passing through an intersection, whether you’re in a vehicle, on foot or on a bicycle, you’re asked to be cautious. Make sure you’re aware of what’s coming your way in all directions. Never assume that you’re seen by other traveler. Be courteous, too! We’re all trying to get through safely. It’s a group effort. Defensive travel is what’s going to help you through these dangerous areas!
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A motorcycle rider was seriously injured after reportedly crashing his bike into another vehicle in West Palm Beach. The accident happened at the intersection of Military Train and Forest Hill Boulevard at roughly 7:00 p.m., according to News Channel 5.

Capt. Albert Borroto with the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue reports that the motorcyclist was flown to the Delray Medical Center to be treated for injuries sustained in this crash.

Our West Palm Beach motorcycle accident lawyers understand that it’s that time of year again — the time when we see a whole lot of accidents along our South Florida roadways. As a matter of fact, the state of Florida is the second most dangerous for motorcycle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

We ranked behind only Texas for the number of fatal car motorcycle accidents in 2010. During that year, there were close to 7,500 motorcycle accidents, more than 6,600 motorcyclist injuries and we saw close to 400 motorcycle riders killed in traffic accidents. Many of these accidents can be prevented with a little more awareness and attention behind the wheel — and behind those handlebars.

In 2010, motorcycle accidents accounted for close to 18 percent of all of the traffic accident fatalities in the state, according to Ride Smart Florida.

It’s the drivers between the ages of 45 and 64 who need to be the most careful, according to recent statistics. It’s this age group who were involved in the most accidents. The second most in-danger age group was those between the ages of 25 and 34.

These are costly accidents, too! In 2010, the median medical bill for one of these accidents in which a motorcyclist was admitted to the hospital was more than $55,500!

What plays a factor in these accident risks?

-Location: Florida is a popular tourist destination and host to a number of motorcycle enthusiast events.

-Close to 95 percent of motorcyclists who were killed in accidents in 2010 were in fact Florida residents.

-Helmet use in the state was observed at just under 50 percent in 2011.

-About a third of all motorcycle accidents involve alcohol.

-Weekends contribute to accidents significantly. About half of ll fatal motorcycle accidents happened on two-day weekends as opposed to the 5-day week.

As we round out the rest of 2012, our roadways are going to get pretty congested. Snowbirds are heading south, students are being let out of school and residents are cashing in on that vacation time. Safe and aware driving habits are your best defense against a potentially fatal car accident. Take the extra precaution and keep an eye out for motorcyclists.

Because in Florida, riding is a year-around activity.
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A woman from Fort Lauderdale was recently admitted to the hospital after a serious motorcycle accident — and she wasn’t even driving.

The bike she was on slammed into a barrier wall on an entrance ramp heading onto Interstate 95. Upon impact, she was thrown off the bike and down onto the road below. She is only 24-years-old, according to the Sun Sentinel.

The driver of the motorcycle is 31-years-old. It all happened just before 3:30 a.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The driver was heading south on Broward Boulevard (down the entrance ramp) when he slammed into the barrier. The young female passenger flew 15 feet to the road below. She was taken to Broward Health Medical Center. The driver only suffered from minor injuries. Neither of the motorists were wearing a helmet when the accident occurred.

Our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorneys understand that there were close to 400 motorcyclists killed in the state of Florida in 2010. Of these victims, 49 percent were helmeted and 51 percent were not helmeted at the time of collision, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The truth of the matter is that there’s more than a helmet that can help to keep you safe while riding. It also matters of what day of the week you ride and what time of the day you ride as well. According to the NHTSA, weekends are a far more dangerous time for motorcyclists to be out on our roadways. It’s also much more dangerous for these vulnerable motorists to be out on our roadways at night. What happens is that these motorists are oftentimes overlooked. They’re smaller and drivers fail to recognize them. They’re run into, they’re cut in front of and they’re just downright overlooked.

Motorcyclists: It’s a battle field out there this winter and you’ve got to take every safety precaution you can to help to reduce your risks for an accident. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) offer you those safety tips:

Motorcycle Safety Tips:

-Get a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license.

-Inspect your motorcycle before each time taking it out.

-Know the traffic laws and follow them! Know helmet laws when traveling to other states.

-Never drink and drive.

-Always wear a helmet. It can save your life.

-Check traffic and weather conditions before hopping on and heading out.

-Consider wearing long-pants, appropriate shoes and long sleeves to better protect yourself.

-Stay out of the blind spots of other vehicles.

-Make sure you’re wearing the appropriate protective gear.

-Make sure you’re awake every time you hop on your vehicle. Avoid drowsy or fatigued driving.

-Wear bright clothing so motorists are more likely to see you.
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An 18-year-old from Jupiter was flown to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach after his motor scooter crashed into a sport utility vehicle (SUV). He was last listed in critical condition, according to The Palm Beach Post.

The rider sustained life-threatening injuries during the accident, which happened just before 3:00 p.m. at the intersection of Toney Penna Drive and Military Trail. According to officials, the driver of the scooter slammed into the back of an SUV that was stopped in the road to let pedestrians crossed. The driver of the SUV was not injured in the accident.

Our Fort Lauderdale accident lawyers understand more than 3,000 people are taken to an emergency room because of an accident involving a motorized scooter each year. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 40 percent of these injuries happen to kids who are under the age of 15. Most commonly, these injuries include fractures to the head, legs or arm, but they can easily turn fatal when a motor vehicle is involved.

Scooters and mopeds are awfully popular in the state of Florida. They provide a quick, easy and inexpensive way to get around town. Unfortunately, they come with some serious risks for injury and even death in the event of an accident. These vulnerable riders are provided with virtually no protection against the power and the strength of a motor vehicle. You’ve heard it a thousand times — always wear a helmet! Well, we’re going to tell you again and we’re also going to offer you some beneficial scooter riding tips from GEICO to help you to stay safe out there along our busy and dangerous roadways.

Scooter Safety Tips:

-Even with the bright colors of some of the scooters out there, motorists have a tough time seeing you. You’re a lot smaller than regular passenger vehicles. Be sure to stay out of a car’s blind spots and make your maneuvers in traffic as predictable as possible!

-Wear a helmet. It’s one of the best things you can wear to protect yourself. Get one that meets the safety standards of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Not only does it protect your noggin’, but it helps to shield your face and your eyes by minimizing debris and reducing wind.

-Always signal your maneuvers in traffic. You want to give those around you plenty of notice when you’re about to make a turn or change lanes.

-Wear protective clothing on your body. Wear eye protection, a jacket, protective pants and full, closed-toed shoes.

-Wear bright clothing so that motorists can see you better. You don’t want to blend in. You want to stand out! Make sure everyone sees you — which makes it easier to avoid you!

-Don’t be shy. Use your horn if you have to!
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Motorcycle accidents in Plantation are a serious summer threat. In fact, nationwide they show no sings of decreasing, despite significant drops in other types of traffic accidents nationwide.

We’re seeing the lowest number of auto accidents nationwide since 1949. Still, the number of motorcycle accidents won’t budge. In both 2010 and 2011, we saw roughly 5,000 motorcycle accidents across the country, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).

During the first 9 months of 2011 in the state of Florida, we saw more than 300 motorcyclist fatalities — more than anywhere else in the nation except Texas. With the beautiful weather the Sunshine State provides us with year round, motorcyclists will ride through summer and fall.

Our Plantation motorcycle accident lawyers understand that motorcycle accidents have been on the rise for more than a decade.

Why aren’t these fatal accidents decreasing alongside other accidents? Some believe that it’s because of the economy. Since we’re recovering, more residents and visitors feel comfortable dishing out the dough for that shiny new bike. Others think that it’s because of the gas prices. Since motorcycles are good on gas, many residents are turning to this form of transportation to stretch their dollar a little more at the pump. Either way, both of these factors are bringing out more riders. With more motorcycles on our roadways, the risks of fatal accidents increase.

Some experts say that it’s state’s motorcycle helmet laws that are contributing to the steady number of motorcyclist fatalities. In the state of Florida, only riders under the age of 21-years-old are required to wear a motorcycle helmet, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). There are only 19 states across the country that require all riders to wear a helmet on a motorcycle. Regardless of state law, all motorcyclists are urged to wear a helmet out on the open road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle helmets help to reduce the risks of death in the event of an accident by nearly 40 percent.

There were 25 states across the country that reported an increase in the number of fatal motorcycle accidents from 2010 to 2011.

“It is disappointing that we are not making progress in motorcycle safety, particularly as fatalities involving other motorists continue to decline,” said Troy Costales, GHSA Chairman.

We may have just wrapped up Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, but in the state of Florida that should be every month. We have more riders than most states across the country and need to be more cautious on our roadways because of it.
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Drivers of all ages can be found riding their motorcycles across the state. According to recent statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), more and more drivers over the age of 45 are hoping on their bikes and are hitting the open road. Unfortunately this age group of motorcyclists accounted for nearly 45 percent of the motorcycle drivers who were killed in accidents in Jupiter and elsewhere in 2010.

Although the largest increase was witnessed within this age group, more and more riders of all ages are doing the same. For that reason, the DHSMV is using the month of May to push Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, according to Governor Rick Scott. This awareness month isn’t only used to ask motorcyclists to be careful out there, but it’s also asking drivers of passenger vehicles to be safe, cautious and to share the road safely with our vulnerable motorcyclists.

“In 2008, Florida lawmakers passed a law that required training before getting a motorcycle endorsement on a driver license. Since then, we have seen the number of motorcycle crashes fall every year,” says Julie Jones, Executive Director of the DHSMV.

Our Jupiter injury attorneys understand that motorcyclists have some of the highest risks for injury and death on our roadways. Florida is actually the most dangerous state in the country for these kinds of accidents, according to recent nationwide statistics.

Our beautiful year-round weather brings out bikers of all ages from all over the country. With so many bikers on our roadways, risks for accidents are pretty high. As we head into the month of May, the number of these kinds of accidents typically spikes. Most motorcycle accidents are seen between March and May, with the highest numbers being in May, and that’s why transportation officials choose to recognize this month-long campaign during this time. Drivers are asked to work together to help keep our roads as safe as possible for everyone.

According to Florida’s law, all motorcyclists must have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license before hitting the road. To obtain an endorsement, a driver is required to complete a basic rise course through the Florida Rider Training Program.

Florida Law Required Motorcycle Drivers to:

-Wear a helmet. This applies to drivers who are under the age of 21 and lack an insurance policy providing at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries.

-Wear the proper eye protection.

-Have foot pegs on their bike for passengers.

Motorcyclists are also urged to:

-Wear the proper footwear, meaning shoes that protect both the feet and the ankles and can grip the road well.

-Wear gloves to help protect the hands and to make them more comfortable.

-Wear long pants and a jacket to help to protect against windburn, sunburn, abrasions and dehydration.
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A recent motorcycle accident in West Palm Beach at the intersection of Southern Boulevard and Dixie Highway sent a biker to the hospital. According to News Channel 5, there is no word on the condition of the motorists involved in the accident. It all happened shortly before 5:30 a.m. It has not been determined yet if the biker was wearing a helmet. Officials believe it’s a possibility that wet pavement may have played a role in the accident.

Our West Palm Beach motorcycle accident attorneys understand that Florida provides the perfect year-round weather for motorcycle riders. We have motorcyclists from across the country on our roadways, and for this reason, our state has some of the highest number of motorcycle accidents in the country. With these bikers traveling our roadways during every month of the year, it’s important for motorists to be cautious.

Another motorcycle accident in the area took the life of a rider after the bike collided with a rescue truck on Northwest 12th Avenue and 46th Street. This accident also happened around 6 a.m.

“When the motorcycle hit the fire truck, it caught on fire and exploded,” said a witness.

Miami Fire Rescue was called out to the scene.

According to 7News, the motorcyclist was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Motorcycles can easily be overlooked by drivers of passenger vehicles. There are a few simple safety tips drivers can exercise to help to reduce the potentially fatal results of a run-in with a motorcycle.

Motorists Driving Tips to Help Protect Motorcyclists, from FOX29:

-Remember there are a lot more trucks and cars on our roadways than motorcycles. For this reason, a lot of drivers don’t see motorcycles, because they’re not looking for them. It’s important to offer a motorcyclist the same respect you would for the driver of another car or truck.

-Because motorcycles are so small, they’re oftentimes overlooked. Be sure that you actually look for motorcycles when making maneuvers in traffic.

-Motorcycles can appear to be farther away than they actually are. Always assume a biker is closer than he or she appears.

-Motorcycles also appear to be traveling faster than they are because of their small size.

-Motorcycles’ brake lights don’t always activate because bikers often slow down by down shifting. For this reason, never follow a motorcycle too closely.

-Motorcycles zigzag in their lane to avoid bumps and road debris in their lane of traffic. Never share a lane with a motorcycle.

-Turn signals on motorcycles aren’t self-canceling like the ones on our passenger vehicles. Make sure a motorcyclists’ signal is intended.

-Motorcycles have a tough time stopping on slippery roadways. Don’t travel too closely to these bikes.
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