How Speeding Contributes to Motorcycle Accidents and How to Stay Safe
Motorcycles provide a fantastic sense of freedom, but accidents — particularly at high speeds — can result in severe injuries. Taking safety measures before hitting the road can reduce the likelihood of injuries in a crash. But unfortunately, not every collision is preventable. If someone else caused a speed-related wreck that injured you in Daytona Beach, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you seek justice and accountability from the at-fault party.
At Zimmet & Zimmet, we’ve seen firsthand how speeding causes motorcycle accidents to escalate from minor incidents into devastating tragedies. We’re here to fight for your rights if another person’s negligence compromised your safety. Contact us today for a free consultation.
The Dangers of Speeding on a Motorcycle
Unlike most other vehicles, motorcycles offer no protective barrier between the rider and the road. This vulnerability means that small mistakes can have significant consequences, even at lower speeds. When speeding is involved, the risks increase dramatically.
Here are some of the most notable dangers of speeding on a motorcycle:
- Reduced reaction time and control – The faster a bike is moving, the more difficult it is to respond in time to avoid hazards. Even when a motorcycle driver reacts quickly, controlling a motorcycle at high speeds is much more challenging.
- Increased stopping distance – The faster you ride, the more distance you need to stop. At 80 miles per hour, it can take more than four times the stopping distance compared to 40 miles per hour.
- Higher likelihood of losing control or crashing – At high speeds, sudden movements like swerving, braking, or hitting a bump can cause the bike to wobble or fishtail, with potentially fatal consequences.
How Speeding Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Florida
Florida is a popular destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, especially in Daytona Beach. While motorcycle accidents happen for various reasons, speeding is a significant contributing factor.
At Zimmet & Zimmet, our attorneys represent victims injured in speeding motorcycle accidents caused by:
Sharp Turns, Sudden Stops, and Weaving Through Traffic
Taking too sharp a turn, braking too hard, or zipping through tight traffic can cause an accident no matter how fast you’re going, but the odds rise significantly when you add high speeds.
Poor Weather or Road Conditions
Rain, loose gravel, and potholes are all hazards that become far more dangerous the faster you’re moving. Many motorcycle accidents occur because a rider failed to adjust for slippery surfaces in time to avoid obstacles.
Collisions with Other Vehicles or Fixed Objects
Speeding decreases reaction time, not just for the motorcycle rider but for everyone around them. Passenger car drivers may not be able to properly judge how much time they have to make a turn or see the motorcyclist in time to respond effectively to an emergency. This can cause a potentially fatal motorcycle accident, especially if the motorcyclist leaves the road and collides with a tree, guardrail, or telephone pole.
Legal Liability in Speeding Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders involved in speeding-related accidents can seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. But determining fault in a motorcycle crash caused by speeding can be complicated. Here’s what you need to know:
Proving Fault When Speed Is a Factor
Law enforcement and insurance companies investigate whether excessive speeding contributed to the crash during post-accident investigations. Witness statements, surveillance footage, and physical evidence, such as skid marks or vehicle damage, can all suggest speeding and impact the determination of fault in a motorcycle accident case.
Role of Police Reports and Crash Reconstruction
Police reports often include an initial fault assessment from the responding officer, which may cite speeding as a factor. In serious cases, accident reconstruction specialists may be called on to recreate the accident and analyze data to determine what role speed may have played. Determinations in both scenarios can have a significant impact on who is held liable for a motorcycle crash.
Comparative Negligence in Cases of Shared Fault
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that anyone found 50 percent or less at fault in a speeding motorcycle accident can still recover compensation, but the award is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a motorcyclist is determined to be 30 percent responsible for a crash, their damages would be reduced by 30 percent, allowing them to recover 70 percent of the total award.
Motorcycle Safety Tips to Avoid Speeding Accidents
While you can’t control other drivers, you can reduce your risk of motorcycle accident injuries by following some responsible riding tips:
- Obey the posted speed limit.
- Take extra care in school zones and construction areas.
- Adjust to road and weather conditions.
- Use a Department of Transportation-approved motorcycle helmet, which can lower the risk of traumatic brain injuries.
- Wear safety gear, including a reinforced jacket, gloves, and boots.
- Keep up with your motorcycle’s maintenance.
- Stay alert and drive defensively.
- Do not engage in careless or reckless driving.
- Avoid lane-splitting. It’s illegal in Florida.
Reasons to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident and believe you’re entitled to compensation, consulting an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial to protect your rights. The team at Zimmet & Zimmet can provide informed guidance about the legal process and handle every stage of your motorcycle accident claim so you can focus on healing.
Our law firm has over 50 years of experience protecting the rights of injured motorcyclists in Florida. We’ve recovered millions in settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases. Here’s what one client had to say about their experience working with us:
“The accident was awful but the support and direction I received from Ron Zimmet was wonderful. Jolene, the office administrator, was a pleasure to talk to and very caring. They completely took care of all of my concerns and communicated with me throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend their services if you are in need of an accident attorney.” – Alexis Y.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Daytona Beach Today
Looking for a law firm that treats you like family? The Florida motorcycle accident attorneys at Zimmet & Zimmet put your well-being first. Call or contact us now for your free consultation.