Articles Posted in Motorcycle Accidents

A recent motorcycle accident in St. Lucie County took the life of a 69-year-old man from Martin County. The accident happened when a passenger vehicle took an improper turn on State Road A1A, reports the Florida Highway Patrol.

According to the TC Palm, the accident happened as the motorcyclist was heading north on A1A when the 17-year-old driver of a BMW passenger car made a U-turn right in front of the bike’s path. Upon collision, the motorcyclist was thrown from his bike and landed on top of the BMW. It happened almost two miles north of Regal Road. Officials are still investigating the accident.

Our St. Lucie motorcycle accident attorneys understand that the number of motorcycle accidents is expected to increase as we make our way through the holiday season. During the end of every year, tourists, vacationers and seasonal residents flock to the Sunshine State to escape the wicked northern winter weather.

During this season, our roads are more congested than ever. Increased traffic means riskier roadways for everyone, but especially for motorcyclists. Drivers are urged to be cautious and considerate on our roadways through the holiday season and year round. Despite all the “Watch for Motorcycles” bumper stickers, drivers still often don’t take their time and can cause major damage.

Florida’s 2009 Motorcycle Statistics from Ride Smart Florida:

-There were more than 8,300 motorcycle accidents.

-There were nearly 7,500 resulting injuries.

-Nearly 400 motorcyclists’ lives were lost.

-More bikers ages 45 to 54 were injured in motorcycle accidents than any other group.

-Motorcycle riders age 45 to 54 were fatally injured in motorcycle accidents than any other age group. Riders age 25 to 34 followed.

-The median age for those who were killed in a motorcycle accident was 42.

-Florida hosts the most motorcycle enthusiast events in the country.

-Nearly 95 percent of those who are killed in motorcycle accidents in the state are residents of Florida.

-Brevard, Lee, Duval, Palm Beach, Volusia, Broward, Pinellas, Orange, Miami-Dade and Hillsborough counties witnessed the most number of motorcycle accidents in 2009.

-Proximity and population have both been proven to be a significant factor in determining the number of motorcycle accident a location sees.

-Licensed motorcyclists made up more than 5 percent of Florida’s motoring public, but accounted for nearly 20 percent of all accident fatalities.

-Nearly 50 percent of motorcyclists weren’t wearing a helmet during a fatal accident.

-More than 30 percent of fatalities were related to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from 2007 to 2009.

-More than 30 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents happened between March and May.

-More than 40 percent of fatal accidents happened during weekends.

-The average cost for hospital stay for a motorcycle accident injury was nearly $54,000.

-The median hospital bill for a motorcyclist treated in an emergency room was nearly $3,000.

-The year’s total hospital cost for the initial treatment of injuries was more than $385,000,000.
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A student from Palm Beach Atlantic was killed in a recent motorcycle accident in Boynton Beach. The accident happened when the 21-year-old motorcyclist attempted to avoid an accident. It all happened near the Boynton Beach Mall on North Congress Avenue shortly after 7 p.m. He tried to avoid an accident with a minivan when he swerved, nicked the bumper of that car and laid his motorcycle down to avoid the direct crash, according to The Palm Beach Post.

Accident reports indicate that the minivan swerved into the path of the motorcyclist while making a left-hand turn. Officers report that the young motorcyclist was wearing a helmet. The man in the van was not injured and charges are pending.

Our Boynton Beach motorcycle accident lawyers understand the risks that motorcyclists face on our roadways. While other areas of the U.S. experience fluctuations in their motorcycle accident rates, Florida sees these brutal accidents all year long. Drivers are urged to share the road respectfully with motorcyclists. They’re provided with much less protection in an accident than motorists in a passenger car, which is why motorcycle accidents oftentimes turn deadly in an instant.

According to Ride Smart Florida, there were nearly 8,500 motorcycle accidents in the state in 2009. These accidents injured nearly 7,500 people and killed nearly 400.

Injured motorcyclists in Florida in 2009 by age:

-Under 21: Nearly 700.

-21 to 24: About 830.

-25 to 34: More than 1,400.

-35 to 44: Nearly 1,400.

-45 to 54: Nearly 1,700.

-55 to 64: Nearly 1,000.

-65 to 74: More than 300.

-75 to 84: Nearly 50.

-85+: Less than 5.

In 2009, there were more riders killed in the 45- to 54-year-old age group than any other age group. This group was followed by the 24- to 34-year-old age group. The median age for fatal motorcyclist injuries was 42-years-old during the year.

Nearly 95 percent of the motorcyclist deaths in the state in 2009 were experienced by Florida residents.

Counties with the most fatal motorcycle accidents in 2009:

-Broward.

-Miami-Dade

-Orange

-Hillsborough

-Volusia

-Lee

-Duval

-Palm Beach

-Brevard

During that year, motorcyclists accounted for about 6 percent of the motoring public in Florida, yet their representation of fatalities accounted for more than 15 percent of all traffic fatalities over the entire year. About 45 percent of these Florida motorcycle accidents happened on weekends.

The devastating accidents can be costly, too. The average cost in 2009 for a motorcyclist who was involved in an accident and suffered nonfatal injuries was nearly $54,000. The total cost for hospital charges in the state Florida for motorcycle accident injuries during the year was more than $385 million. This is an unfortunate number considering that nearly 50 percent of motorcyclist hospitalizations were not covered by commercial insurance.
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Two people were killed in a motorcycle accident in Fort Lauderdale recently, according to The Associated Press. The accident happened when their motorcycle jumped a ramp on Interstate 95 leading to westbound I-595. They landed on the railroad tracks below.

The CSX tracks in the area were closed for most of the morning, which caused significant delays for the Tri-Rail commuter system. Florida Highway Patrol is looking into the accident.

Our Miami car accident attorneys recognize the increase in traffic accidents during the summer months. For that reason, we ask motorists to be extra careful navigating our roadways as traffic has increased with both residents and tourists. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable in these situations as they oftentimes overlooked by motorists on our roadways. Add in the congestion of summer traffic and we’re looking at some potentially deadly outcomes.

Motorcycles in Florida:

-Nearly 90 percent of Florida riders that are injured in a motorcycle accident in Florida are residents of the State of Florida.

-Approximately 94 percent of motorcyclists that were killed in traffic accidents in Florida, from 2006 to 2008, were Florida residents.

-Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Orange, Pinellas, Broward, Volusia, Palm Beach, Duval, Lee and Brevard counties accounted for the highest number of motorcyclist deaths respectively in 2009.

-Population and proximity to motorcycle rallies are both factors that play a role in determining the number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities.

-In 2009, licensed motorcyclists accounted for more than 6 percent of Florida’s licensed drivers. During that same year, motorcyclists and their passengers accounted for more than 15 percent of all fatalities on Florida roadways.

To help raise awareness about these vulnerable motorists, thousands of enthusiasts gathered for the Fourth Annual Fort Lauderdale Summer Bike Fest, according to the Sun Sentinel.

The event took place last week near the Round Up in the Pine Island Plaza in Davie. At the event were the creations of more than 20 talented bike builders and 30 vendors, who sold everything from jewelry to helmets.

The annual gathering is put on by Mike Rudicel, owner of South Florida Bike Events.

“There is Daytona Beach twice a year. There is Leesburg and Panama City for Thunder Beach and Key West for Poker Run,” said Rudicel. “… There is no reason Fort Lauderdale doesn’t have a bike event of this magnitude. You have a lot of people who came out today. The weather is beautiful. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable during certain times of the day and of the year. More than 30 percent of all deadly motorcycle accidents happen during the months of March, April and May. About 44 percent of all accidents occur on weekends.

Motorcycle injury costs in Florida:

-In 2008, the median hospital cost for motorcyclists that were admitted to a Florida hospital for the treatment of traffic accident injuries was $47,440.

-In 2008, the median hospital charge for motorcyclists that were treated and released from a Florida emergency room after sustaining traffic accident injuries was nearly $2,500.

-The total hospital charges for the initial treatment of motorcyclists injured in traffic accident was nearly $400,000,000 in 2008.
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Motorcycle riders from around the state will be gathering at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Sunrise & Ft. Lauderdale Harley-Davidson for the 2nd annual “Memorial Ride.” This event aims to help raise awareness about motorcycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale and pays tribute to the late Bruce Rossmeyer. This event will feature a Bruce Rossmeyer video memorial tribute, the memorial ride and BBQ.

The police escorted motorcycle ride will be held on July 30, 2011 and will benefit the Youth Automotive Training Center (YATC). The ride will begin at 5:00 p.m. from Harley Davidson in Fort Lauderdale and will end at the Sunrise location. Attendees will receive a free commemorative patch and t-shirt according to Road Racing World.

Our West Palm Beach motorcycle accident attorneys remember the tragic motorcycle accident that took the life of Bruce Rossmeyer. It all happened back in July of 2009 when Rossmeyer’s motorcycle collided with a pickup truck about 11:00 a.m. He was traveling as part of a convoy to the Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota, according to Auto Week.

If you don’t remember, Bruce Rossmeyer, was an entrepreneur, a philanthropist and the world’s largest Harley-Davidson dealer. Rossmeyer bought his first dealership in 1994 in Daytona Beach. He got into the business to find a retirement hobby. In 2005, he opened the world’s largest Harley Davidson dealership right here in Florida. The 150-acre complex includes the dealership, hotels, condos, restaurants and bars. It is a top tourist destination bikers and non-bikers alike.

Rossmeyer enjoyed sharing with a number of local charities, including the Youth Automotive Training Center (YATC) in South Florida, Serenity House, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, the Darrel Armstrong Foundation, the Boys & Girls Club and Camp Boggy Creek. He also prides his dealerships on offering clients with the knowledge, service and information to get riders safely on the road.

In an additional attempt to help preserve the safety of motorcyclists on our roadways, the Nation Transportation Safety Board has added motorcyclists to their “most wanted” list. This list aims to raise awareness about the dangers that surround these drivers. Motorists hold a lot of responsibility in keeping these motorists safe.

From 1997 to 2009, the number of yearly motorcycle deaths doubled from 2,116 to 4,462. It is estimated that about 12 motorcyclists were killed our roadways every day. Even though these motorists only make up about 3 percent of the vehicles on our nation’s roads, they account for nearly 15 percent of highway fatalities.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers these tips to motorists to help keep motorcycle riders safe on our roadways:

-Don’t follow too closely behind a motorcycle. They oftentimes have difficulty stopping on slippery, wet pavement.

-Allow a motorcycle to occupy the entire lane. Do not share lanes with these motorists.

-Turn signals on motorcycles are not always self-canceling. Make sure that a motorcyclist’s signal is for real.

-Motorcyclists are likely to slow down their bike by downshifting instead of using the brake. Downshifting does not activate the brake light. Don’t follow too closely.

-Always assume that a motorcyclist is farther away than they actually are.

-Check and double check your blind spots. Because of their small size, bikes are easily lost in a vehicle’s blind spots.
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Two men recently lost their lives in separate motorcycle accidents in South Florida.

Our Fort Lauderdale injury lawyers want to remind you that though motorcycle riding is an exhilarating experience it carries high risk for injuries and sometimes death.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel reports that a Boca Raton man was killed in a collision while riding his motorcycle on I-95 early on a Sunday morning. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident happened in the northbound lane, south of Sunrise Boulevard around 4:30 a.m. The 25-year-old rider hit the back of a Mercedes and was thrown from the motorcycle.

He was rushed to Broward General Medical Center, where he died from his injuries. Authorities said the driver of the Mercedes fled the accident site but returned later. He was charged with driving with a suspended ID card, leaving the scene of an accident and driving without a valid driver’s license. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

According to the Palm Beach Daily News in a separate accident, a Public Works employee died in motorcycle crash in suburban West Palm Beach. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office reports that the 46-year-old rider who witnesses say was traveling above the posted speed limit on Military Trail near Wallis Road swerved to avoid a car that was changing lanes in front of him. He lost control of his motorcycle and was subsequently struck by a car going northbound. He was pronounced dead at St. Mary’s Medical Center.

These accidents come on the heels of the Governors Highway Safety Association’s nationwide report on motorcycle crash statistics for 2010. Overall motorcycle deaths are down 2 percent from 2009. The report indicates that Florida had a minimal 7 fewer fatalities in the first nine months of 2010 than it had in the first nine moths of 2009.

Recently Progressive Insurance released its best places to ride report. They noted according to Motorcycle Industry Council that scooter and motorcycle sales were up almost 11 percent in the first quarter of 2011 from the first quarter of 2010. Florida tops Progressive’s list of best states to ride followed by Georgia, Arizona, South Carolina and Kansas.

How did Progressive come up with this list? Here is the criteria:

-The amount of good riding days (based on precipitation and temperature).
-Chances of getting into a motorcycle accident.
-Amount of smooth riding roadways.
-Population density.
-The average price for a gallon of regular gas.

Hawaii had the most number of good riding days followed by Florida, Arizona, Texas and Louisiana.

North Dakota had the highest percentage of smooth riding roadways followed by Georgia, Florida, Alaska and Kansas.

Alaska had the lowest population density followed by Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Hawaii had the lowest likelihood of getting into a motorcycle accident followed by Mississippi, Florida, Arizona and South Carolina.

Wyoming had the lowest average price for a gallon of regular gas followed by Montana Colorado Utah and South Carolina.
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The Daytona Beach News-Journal recently reported on the tragic death of a motorcyclist in an accident involving a red-light runner.

Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers know that Palm Beach County ranks as the third-deadliest county in Florida for motorcycle accidents.

A 56-year-old Port Orange man was riding north on Tomoka Farms Road when a 31-year-old driver heading west on International Speedway Boulevard ran the red light at the intersection. The bike hit the left front fender of the car and threw the rider off his motorcycle, according to law enforcement. The rider died at the hospital, while the driver suffered minor injuries. Authorities say the accident remains under investigation and charges are pending.

In 2009, there were almost 600,000 registered motorcycles in the state of Florida. Sadly, 402 riders and passengers were killed and more than 8,000 injuries were reported, according to a report released by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Riders ages 45 to 54 accounted for nearly 23 percent of all motorcyclist fatalities, followed by 19 percent for riders 25 to 34. Ridgers ages 35 to 44 accounted for just over 17 percent. People 65 older and riders 21 and younger accounted for 6 percent of fatalities in each age group. About 92 percent of all riders and passenger fatalities were male.

About 40 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes happen on two-lane highways, and 40 percent occur on the weekend. Saturday accounts for 21 percent of such crashes. Forty-three percent of fatal crashes happen during the day while 19 percent happen at night.

Factors that cause fatal crashes:

-In 9 percent of crashes, the motorcycle was going 80 mph or more.
-In 21 percent of fatal crashe,s the motorcycle was going 20 mph over the speed limit.
-37 percent of crashes were alcohol-related.

Deadliest counties:

-Miami-Dade: 45
-Broward: 23
-Palm Beach: 18
-Orange: 25
-Hillsborough: 27
-Pinellas: 24
-Duval: 18
-Volusia: 22

Florida’s population has swelled in the last 60 years.The population has grown from 2.8 million in 1950 to more than 18 million today. The roadways can handle a lot of traffic, but crowded roadways are not good for motorcycle riding.

Enjoy your next ride by obeying traffic laws, riding within your abilities, staying visible by avoiding vehicle blind spots or wearing bright colors. Never drink and ride.
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We recently posted on our South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog that many motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle are not the fault of the rider but of the driver. The message being campaigned for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is “Share the Road with Motorcycles” amicably in order to prevent motorcycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach or elsewhere in the state.

Tampa Bay Online recently reported about the death of a motorcyclist who collided with a pickup truck. In this case, the motorcyclist was making a left turn with a green traffic light when he collided with the truck in the middle of the intersection. The biker was thrown from his bike and pronounced dead at the scene.

Florida Department of Transportation reports motorcycles are gaining in popularity, and with that comes a higher risk of accidents. Though the numbers were down slightly in from the last several years, Florida reported over 8,300 crashes involving a motorcycle in 2009. As a result, the state reported 376 motorcycle fatalities in 2009. The 45-54 year-old age group reported the most motorcycle injuries and fatalities when compared to any other age group in 2009.

Statistics showed that 31 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes were in the months of March, April and May in 2009 and 44 percent occurred on weekends.

With gas prices expected to reach $5 a gallon soon, Florida motorists should be on alert motorcycles on roadways.

Motorcyclists are encouraged to do their part by respectfully sharing the roadways with other motorists. Keep the following rider safety tips in mind as you travel on roadways with other motorists:

-Remember to shut your turn signal off after you turn so you don’t confuse other motorists with your intentions while you ride.

-Never drink and ride.

-Make yourself visible by using reflective tape, stickers, and bright clothing.

-Opt to postpone your trip if weather is bad. Poor weather conditions make visibility and bike control hard to maintain so delaying your ride is a sensible decision.

-Always be predictable.
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