Motorcycle Accidents

As a young Florida father made his way home from work on his motorcycle, he could never have imagined that he’d be killed in a hit and run accident that would take his life.  According to witnesses, the driver of another vehicle cut the motorcyclist off and collided into him, only to speed off without bothering to check on his injuries.  That same driver continued on to cause yet another collision blocks away, overturning his own car, and was ultimately arrested.  If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s recklessness or negligence, having an aggressive personal injury attorney fighting for your rights could be a smart move.

Crash Statistics

Riding a motorcycle affords one a certain sense of freedom that commuters can’t get any other way.  It’s no wonder so many people take to the roads on their bikes across the Sunshine State!  But with that freedom comes a lack of protection provided by other motor vehicles.  Additionally, motorcycles are less visible than cars and trucks on the open road.  These vulnerabilities, along with road and weather conditions, make riding a motorcycle more dangerous than other forms of travel.  The national statistics back this up.  Consider a 2017 study:

• Nearly 90,000 people incurred injuries on their bikes;
• Over 5,000 motorcyclists were killed in riding accidents;
• Over 20 percent of motorcycle fatalities occurred between 3-9:00 p.m.;
• One-third of fatal motorcycle accidents involved alcohol impairment.
• Three in four crashes involving other vehicles were front impact;
• Only 7 percent of collisions were rear impact;
• 42 percent of two-vehicle collisions occurred when a motorcyclist was making a left turn and was hit by oncoming traffic;
• Over One-fifth of two-vehicle accidents occurred when both vehicles were going straight;
• Roughly one-third of fatal incidents involved speeding motorcycles;
• Nearly 40 percent of fatal incidents involved speeding passenger cars, light-trucks, and large trucks.
• Almost one-third of fatal accidents involved riders who did not hold a valid motorcycle license;
• 13 percent of these accidents involved passenger vehicles with drivers who did not have a valid license;
• Motorcycle riders with previous driving issues such as collisions, DUI, and license revocation were more likely than other riders to be involved in a fatal accident.

Are Helmets Effective Safety Equipment? 

The data on helmet use tells a significant story,  Nearly 2,000 individuals are still alive today after having experienced a serious accident; another 700+ might still be alive had they chosen to wear a helmet.  The fact is, simply wearing a helmet can improve a riders chance of surviving an accident by 37 percent.  It seems worth the trouble, doesn’t it?

After an Accident

If you have been involved in a serious motorcycle accident, or know someone who has, you know the financial costs are outweighed only by the physical and emotional ones.  At Salazar & Kelly Law Group, P.A., our Kissimmee motorcycle accident attorneys understand what you’re going through, and are prepared to help.  It’s entirely possible you are entitled to compensation.  Contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation.

Resource:

miami.cbslocal.com/2019/03/21/motorcyclist-involved-in-hit-and-crash-has-died/

https://www.salazarandkelly.com/trouble-on-the-road-alarming-florida-accident-statistics/