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“Distracted driving is the leading cause of most motorcycle/vehicle accidents. Since April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. want to remind motorists to drive undistracted,” said Attorney Randall Spivey.

The University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research conducted an analysis of 10 years of motorcycle crash data. The research found that when motorcycles and other vehicles are in accidents, the drivers of the other vehicles are at fault 60 percent of the time.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is the major cause of motorcycle accidents and is responsible for approximately 20,000 injuries and 400 to 500 deaths each year.

The Insurance Journal reports that states which have enacted moderate to strong cell phone and texting bans have motorcycle fatality rates as much as 11 percent lower than states with no bans. 

Distracted driving is more than just speaking on a cell phone and texting. It includes such things as: 

• Eating and drinking
• Grooming, such as combing hair or applying makeup
• Using in-vehicle technology, such as navigation systems, stereo, and/or entertainment systems
• Adjusting the temperature
• Reaching for something
• Speaking with passengers and/or listening to passenger conversations
• Disciplining children
• Smoking 

Experts confirm that motorcyclists have always had a disadvantage on our roadways. Motorcycles are difficult to see, especially at night or when there is inclement weather. The popularity of larger size vehicles, such as SUVs, put motorcyclists at an even greater disadvantage. 

Should a motorcyclist be injured in an accident in Florida, there are three elements that must be proved: 

• That the at-fault driver owed the victim a duty
• That this duty was breached due to the at-fault driver’s negligence
• Due to that breach, the victim suffered damages 

Motorcycle accident injuries and deaths affect many people. Those left behind often have questions, including why their loved one is gone and how they will cope with the aftermath of the tragedy. Victims may be entitled to compensation for: 

• Past and future medical care expenses
• Past and future lost wages
• Past and future pain and suffering
• Past and future loss of enjoyment of life 

The last thing an accident victim, or victim’s family, will probably be thinking about is Florida’s statute of limitations. However, it is important to the success of any potential lawsuit. Florida injury claims must be filed within four years of discovering the injury or the date of the event. The time limit may be extended in rare cases when some injuries may take a while to show signs or symptoms. Should this happen, then the statute of limitations will not start until the victim is able to identify his or her injury. 

“Our experienced legal team can assist in determining a victim’s rights. If you or a loved one is injured in an accident, please contact us. We are available to assist you 24/7,” said Naples Car Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Naples Car Accident Attorney, Cape Coral Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.