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The Bradenton Herald reported on May 26, 2015 that Florida motorcycle fatalities rose more than 23 percent from 449 to 554 between 2014 and 2015. Preliminary data from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shows that motorcyclists accounted for one-fifth (19 percent) of motor vehicle fatalities in the state, while only accounting for about 3 percent of registered vehicles. 

The spokesperson for AAA (American Automobile Association), Josh Carrasco, said recently, “Motorists need to keep their attention on the task of driving and be alert for increased motorcycle traffic. Bikers should do everything possible to make themselves visible to motorists while riding. Motorcyclists can increase their visibility by riding with their lights on or adding reflective devices to their bikes.” 

Forty-two percent of all accidents involving a motorcycle and car are collisions involving cars making a left-hand turn into a motorcycle. 

What are the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents? 

Since motorcyclists are vulnerable with less protection when in accidents, they also have more serious non-fatal injuries. Emergency room non-fatal, motorcycle-related injuries treated in the U.S. between 2001 and 2008 involved 1,222,000 people. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) studied these victims and recorded their injuries by location on the body. Following are its findings: 

The largest percentage of injuries occurred to the leg and foot area. Thirty percent of all non-fatal motorcycle injuries were recorded on the lower extremities. Next most common were head and neck injuries, making up 22 percent of the total. Those were closely followed by “upper trunk” (i.e. chest, shoulder and back) wounds, then arms and hands, then “lower trunk” (i.e. hips and pelvis). 

What can be done to prevent motorcycle accidents?

The IIHS recommends that motorcyclists:

• Don’t drink and operate a motorcycle.
• Keep the speed down.
• Invest in anti-lock brakes.  IIHS data shows that motorcycles equipped with ABS brakes were 37 percent less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than bikes without them.
• Learn good riding skills. Vital skills such as taking curves, negotiating potholes, gravel or soft shoulders, braking and handling trouble spots are all essential skills needed to prevent accidents.

What legal recourse is there for injured motorcyclists?

The University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research found that 60 percent of the time, motorists in other vehicles were at fault when they became involved in accidents with motorcycles. This research analyzed a decade of Florida motorcycle crashes.

In Florida there are special laws and protections to assist motorcycle accident victims recover for damages sustained as the result of motorcycle accidents. These damages include – pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, long and short-term medical care expenses and lost wages.

“Since motorcycles are among the more vulnerable vehicles on our roads, we all have the responsibility of being vigilant when driving. If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a motorcycle accident, contact the experienced team at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.” said Attorney Randall Spivey.

Ft. Myers Motorcycle 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.