Florida Motorcycle Accident Statistics and Safety Tips

Motorcycles continue to grow in popularity. Whether that’s because of the fun and freedom they provide, or simply due to rising gas prices, more and more people are choosing a motorcycle for their mode of transportation. Unfortunately, the dangers of riding a motorcycle cannot be overlooked. According to Ride Smart Florida, here are the numbers over the past few years when it comes to Florida motorcycle fatalities versus Florida traffic fatalities:   

Common Causes of a Florida Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents are nothing short of devastating and often result in life-changing circumstances for everyone involved. Regardless of how responsible and safe the motorcycle rider is, all it takes is one wrong move or one distracted driver to cause a serious accident. Common causes of a Florida motorcycle accident include:

• Inattentive driving
• Head-on collisions
• Left Hand Turns
• Speeding
• Lane Changes

5 Step You Can Take to Minimize the Risk of a Motorcycle Accident and Injuries

The good news is there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of an accident and injuries while riding a motorcycle. Here are 5 steps to help you prevent a motorcycle accident in Florida.

1. Wear Proper Safety Gear

Although there may be something to be said about being able to feel the wind in your hair out on the open road, doing so may put your life in unnecessary jeopardy. Anytime you ride a motorcycle you should always wear proper safety gear. This includes a DOT approved helmet, and clothing with protective padding. Goggles or a visor should also be worn to prevent debris from getting into your eyes and obstructing your vision.

2. Make Sure You are Visible at all Times

Most motorcycle accidents occur because other drivers did not see the motorcycle. This is why it is important that you always drive with your headlight on and avoid other drivers’ blind spots. Bright colored clothing should also be worn to increase the chance that you are seen. In addition, you should always use your directional or hand signals when turning, and avoid weaving in and out of traffic.

3. Watch for Road Hazards

Road hazards such as potholes, gravel, or other areas of disrepair can prove to be very dangerous to a motorcyclist, especially if you are unfamiliar with the roadway. This is why it is always important to drive defensively, so you can give yourself more time to anticipate and avoid such hazards.

4. Drive the Speed Limit

Just because your motorcycle can go fast doesn’t mean that you have to drive it that way. Driving the speed limit allows you the opportunity to see and avoid hazards before they can cause an accident. It can also help to limit the severity of any injury that you or another driver may suffer as a result of an accident.

5. Take a Safety or Advanced Riding Course

Whether you are a new or an experienced motorcyclist, it is always good to increase your riding your riding skills. One way to do this is by taking a motorcycle safety or an advanced riding course. These courses can be taken multiple times to brush up on your motorcycle safety. These courses teach all types of maneuvers and tips to best control your motorcycle under the different circumstances you may encounter while riding.

What to Do if You’ve Been Involved in an Apollo Beach Motorcycle Accident

If you’ve been in a motorcycle, here are several steps you need to take to ensure your safety and preserve your accident claim.

1. Immediately Move Yourself to Safety

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, the first thing you need to worry about is your safety. If possible, immediately move yourself out of the roadway so as to prevent additional accidents from occurring.

2. Call the Police

As with any accident, it is important that you immediately report it so that an officer can come to the scene, investigate the accident, and prepare a report. Make sure to tell the officer of any injury or pain that you may be experiencing, so it can be documented in the crash report. This will be important for the insurance company to see.

3. Take Photographs of the Scene and Damage

If possible, take photographs of all vehicles involved in the crash, and of the scene. Photos of the scene can be important if there is a dispute later on as to who caused the crash. Photos will best preserve such things as skid marks, actual road conditions at the time, and surrounding landscaping and businesses. If there are businesses nearby, they may have surveillance that possibly could have captured your crash as it occurred.

4. Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible

The most important thing after any crash is your well-being. Even if you don’t think you are seriously hurt, it is still important to get checked out to document any injuries and complaints early, as often times injuries can develop and become worse over time.

5. Call a Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important that you consult with a qualified Florida motorcycle accident attorney. The attorneys at SouthShore Injury Attorneys have extensive litigation experience and handle only personal injury and accident claims. If you’ve suffered injuries in an Apollo Beach motorcycle accident, contact SouthShore Injury Attorneys at 813-797-5998 for a free consultation.

Free Information

If you have questions about your Florida accident case, you can download our Free Reports:

• What You Must Know if You Were in a Car Accident;
• The Ultimate Guide to Florida Slip and Fall Cases; and
• 5 Medical Mistakes That Will Destroy Your Personal Injury Case

which are available at our website, or you can click the link provided. You can also contact us at 813-797-5998 to talk directly to an Apollo Beach motorcycle accident attorney now.