According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, the Sunshine State could very well be the most dangerous state for motorcycle enthusiasts. Shockingly, the number of motorcyclists killed in Florida is higher than in California, even though Florida has a significantly smaller population. In fact, from 2014 to 2015, there was a 30 percent increase in motorcycle-related fatalities, which many experts attribute to a lack of helmet use. While 83 percent of Florida motorcyclists say they wear a helmet, in reality, only about 47 percent actually do.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Unfortunately, lack of helmet use is just one of the many reasons why motorcycle fatalities are on the rise. Because of the typically sunny weather, motorcycles are popular in Florida, which means there are more motorcyclists on the roadways at any given time. What’s more, many motorists simply fail to recognize motorcyclists on the road. While most drivers are “conditioned” to watch out for other cars and trucks, many see a motorcyclist with actually “seeing” them.
When you add in a substantial elderly population in the state, which conceivably contributes to accidents in which the driver fails to see a motorcyclist on the road, it’s easier to understand why there were motorcycle deaths 67 Miami-Dade County in 2015, and 26 motorcycle fatalities just two years ago in both Orange and Lee Counties.
Driver Distraction Is Dangerous for Motorcyclists
Distracted driving causes an untold number of auto accidents. While experts now believe distracted drivers could be the number one cause of auto accidents, distracted driving is tough to definitively prove. After all, few drivers admit to driving distracted following an accident. Despite the fact that our society takes great pride in multi-tasking abilities, driving is one activity that should always have 100 percent of a driver’s attention.
Yet every single day, drivers engage in various forms of distracted driving, including:
- Talking on their phones
- Texting
- Fiddling with the controls in the car
- Changing radio stations
- Using GPS navigation
- Eating
- Checking on backseat passengers
- Talking to passengers
- Personal grooming
Other Causes of Florida Motorcycle Accidents
Many motorcycle accidents are the result of an inexperienced driver. A motorcycle requires significantly more experience and coordination to operate than a car. Since a majority of motorcyclists are self-taught, their experience may be lacking. Whether taking a curve too fast, braking too quickly or driving in a manner which is not appropriate for inclement weather, the inexperience of a motorcyclist can quickly result in tragedy. Road hazards like potholes, oil slicks, ruts in the road, rain puddles, tree limbs or debris, and uneven pavement can also cause serious motorcycle accidents.
Contact Our Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Daytona Beach, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, the steps you take immediately following the accident could significantly impact your claim.
Motorcyclists often face an uphill battle when seeking compensation, which is why you need an experienced Florida motorcycle accident attorney in your corner. At Zimmet & Zimmet, our lawyers have the skills and resources needed to tackle even the most complex motorcycle accident. Contact us today at (386) 255-6400 for a free initial consultation and review of your case.
