When You’re Injured In A Motorcycle Accident

Americans love motorcycles and enjoy the many pleasures of motorcycle riding. For many people, motorcycles represent freedom, low-cost transportation, and comradery. Most motorcyclists understand the risks associated with motorcycle riding and are very safety conscious. Unfortunately, too many motorists fail to be attentive to motorcyclists. Even worse, some motorists are disdainful of motorcyclists and drive aggressively near motorcycles.

The results of a motorcycle accident can be tragic. With little to protect the motorcyclist, an inattentive motorist can cause serious harm when a vehicle collides with a motorcycle. Despite efforts to promote motorist awareness of motorcycles, approximately 5,000 motorcyclists are killed in crashes each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash on a per mile traveled basis. Southern states have the highest motorcycle fatality rates per 100,000 registered motorcycles, likely due to the fact that better weather promotes more riding.

The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include motorists making left turns in front of motorcycle; sudden stops; motorists making lane changes into a motorcycle’s path; and dangerous road conditions. Motorcyclists are occasionally responsible for causing accidents. Speeding, driving under the influence, lane splitting, and inexperienced drivers are the leading causes of crashes that are the motorcyclist’s fault. One third of motorcyclists who are killed in crashes have a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or more. Forty percent of motorcycle fatalities are motorcycle-only crashes and do not involve another vehicle.

Road rash injuries are a common result of motorcycle accidents, especially in warm climates where many motorcyclists refrain from wearing protective equipment. Road rash injuries can be very severe, occasionally requiring skin grafting. Helmets, jackets, pants, gloves, and boots can prevent road rash injuries.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that motorcycle helmets are 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders. According to NHTSA surveys, only 71% of motorcycle riders wear helmets. The NHTSA estimates that 750 lives per year could be saved if all motorcyclist wore helmets. In Florida, motorcyclists under the age of 21 are required to wear a helmet.

Motorcycle insurance is not required in Florida, with some exceptions. Florida law requires riders who have caused crashes and been charged with certain motor vehicle violations to purchase and keep bodily injury and property damage liability coverage for three years. Also, motorcyclists above the age of 21 who want to ride without a helmet are required to carry $10,000 of medical payments coverage.

To drive a 50cc or more motorcycle or three-wheeled vehicle in Florida, you must have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. To get a motorcycle endorsement, you must be at least 16 years of age; have at least a Class E driver’s license; complete a 15-hour basic motorcycle rider course; pass vision and hearing tests; and pass a driving test on your motorcycle.

The attorneys at Tuttle Law have experience representing motorcyclists who have been injured in crashes caused by inattentive, negligent, and aggressive drivers. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, we can get you compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the property damage to your motorcycle.

Legal Help For Your Accident

The personal injury lawyers of Tuttle Larsen, P.A., are proud to serve victims suffering from personal injuries in Indian River, Brevard, and St. Lucie counties. Call us today at 772-563-0032 or fill out our quick contact web form to schedule your initial free consultation.