Were you or a loved one involved in a Florida motorcycle accident due to someone else’s wrongful behavior? Understanding the common causes of these accidents can help you know when you might have a valid claim. At Cardoso Law, PLLC, our dedicated team of motorcycle accident lawyers will work tirelessly to investigate the details of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free initial consultation, and let us help you take the first steps toward justice and recovery.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Florida
According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 9,270 motorcycle crashes in Florida in a recent year. This represents a 7.18 percent increase in motorcycle accidents over the prior year. As a result of these crashes, 605 Florida motorcyclists and 26 motorcycle passengers died. Thousands of motorcycle riders and their passengers also sustained significant injuries in these collisions. The rates of motorcyclist fatalities and injuries also increased year-over-year in Florida. According to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Florida consistently ranks in the top three states nationwide for motorcycle accident-related deaths.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida
Motorcycle accidents occur frequently on Florida’s roads, and many of these crashes lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Various factors contribute to these incidents, including:
- Distracted Driving—Many motorcycle accidents occur because other drivers fail to pay attention. Drivers who text, eat, adjust their radios, or engage in other distractions take their focus off the road, making it easy to miss motorcycles in their blind spots. If a distracted driver doesn’t notice a motorcyclist, the likelihood of a motorcycle crash increases significantly. These incidents are common at intersections, where drivers might not look carefully before proceeding.
- Speeding—Excessive speed is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. When car drivers speed, they reduce their reaction time and increase the severity of any potential impacts. High speeds make it harder for drivers to stop in time or maneuver safely around motorcyclists. This issue is particularly acute on highways and rural roads, where speed limits are higher and drivers often feel less constrained.
- Failure to Yield—Many accidents happen because drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists. This issue often arises at intersections, where cars turn left in front of oncoming motorcycles or merge into lanes without checking for motorcyclists. A motorcycle’s small size makes it harder for other drivers to judge its speed and distance accurately, often leading to miscalculations resulting in crashes.
- Impaired Driving—Alcohol and drug impairment contribute to many motorcycle accidents. Drivers who are under the influence have reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and poor coordination. When these drivers encounter motorcyclists, their impaired states make it difficult to react appropriately, often leading to severe motorcycle collisions. Nights and weekends see higher instances of impaired driving, correlating with more motorcycle wrecks during these periods.
- Weather Conditions—Adverse weather conditions like rain and fog can create uniquely hazardous road situations for riders. When visibility is low or roads are slippery, car drivers are more likely to overlook motorcyclists or lose control of their vehicles. These conditions require extra caution, but not all drivers adjust their driving accordingly. Motorcyclists are especially at risk in these scenarios because they are less visible and more vulnerable to road conditions.
- Road Hazards—Poorly maintained roads present significant dangers to motorcyclists. Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, and lack of proper signage can all lead to motorcycle crashes. While car drivers might experience bumps or slight jolts on unsafe roads, motorcyclists can lose control and crash. Road hazards demand that drivers stay alert and responsive, yet many fail to adjust their driving to account for these conditions and put motorcyclists at risk as a result.
Who Could Be Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?
Determining liability is essential for seeking the compensation you deserve in a motorcycle accident case. Depending on the situation, any of the following parties could be liable for injuries sustained by motorcycle accident victims:
- Motor vehicle drivers
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Vehicle maintenance companies
- Road construction companies
- Government entities responsible for road maintenance
- Property owners with hazardous driveways or parking lots
- Pedestrians or cyclists who contribute to accidents
- Bars and other establishments that serve alcohol
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often cause severe injuries because motorcycles offer their riders less protection than other vehicles. Riders are more exposed and vulnerable to the impact of a crash, leading to a wide range of possible injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures
- Road rash
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Dislocations
- Amputations
- Facial and dental injuries
- Eye injuries
- Hearing loss
- Psychological trauma
Florida Motorcycle Laws
Florida motorcycle laws aim to protect both motorcyclists and other road users by setting clear rules and requirements, which specify:
- Helmet use is mandatory for riders unless they are 21 or older and have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage
- All riders must wear eye protection
- Lane splitting (riding between traffic lanes) is illegal
- Motorcyclists need motorcycle endorsements on their driver’s licenses
- Riding on sidewalks is prohibited
- Motorcycles must have at least one rearview mirror
- Daytime headlights are mandatory for all motorcycles
- Motorcycles must have working turn signals and brake lights
- Riders must use proper hand signals if their bikes do not include turn signals
- Motorcycles must have functioning horns
- Motorcycles must have proper and visible license plates
- Motorcycle exhaust systems must comply with noise regulations
- Handlebars must be no higher than the rider’s shoulders
- Riders must not carry passengers unless their motorcycles are designed to accommodate them
Prevention and Safety Measures
Florida’s scenic routes and favorable weather offer a thrilling experience for motorcyclists year-round. However, the open-air nature of motorcycles also makes riders more vulnerable to accidents and injuries. To stay safe on the road, motorcyclists must adopt certain precautions and practices that enhance their visibility and control, such as:
- Always wear a helmet and eye protection when you ride.
- Wear high-visibility protective gear, including gloves, jackets, long pants, and boots.
- Check your motorcycle regularly for any mechanical issues and repair as necessary.
- Obey all traffic signals, signs, and speed limits.
- If possible, avoid riding in adverse weather conditions.
- Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles at all times.
- Always use your turn signals or hand gestures to indicate your intentions.
- Continually scan the road for potential hazards, such as potholes, debris, and other vehicles.
- Ride defensively by assuming other drivers may not see you and preparing accordingly.
- Maintain focus on the road and avoid using mobile devices or other distractions while riding.
- Take a motorcycle safety course to improve your riding skills and knowledge.
- Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Before a ride, check the weather forecast to prepare for any changes.
Contact Our Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Cardoso Law, PLLC, today to arrange your free initial consultation with a Florida motorcycle accident attorney and learn more about your options.