What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
A Florida Highway Patrol news release centered around a 42-year-old Riverview man who was killed in a motorcycle crash on U.S. Highway 301 during a recent Friday evening. A 20-year-old woman was apparently northbound shortly before 6:00pm when she turned in front of the motorcyclist. The two parties then collided with the motorcyclist unfortunately crashing into the car. The driver of the car was fortunate enough to experience only minor injuries. But sadly, the motorcyclist died at the scene of the crash.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles are relatively small vehicles that represent a big punch of potential fun for any adrenaline junkie. But unfortunately, there is nothing fun about the substantial risk that comes with these petite motorized modes of transportation. Motorcycles make up just three percent of all registered vehicles and yet the National Safety Council has asserted that motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2017. This equates to more than 5,000 motorcycle riders and passengers who died in crashes that same year, a staggering number that represents a disturbing trend as fatalities among this population have more than doubled in number over the last twenty years. To begin understanding this, keep in mind that motorcycles:
- Are small in comparison to other vehicles
- Can be difficult for other drivers to spot and avoid
- Offer very little protection for the rider
These open-air vehicles leave almost every part of the body completely exposed and this is one of the biggest reasons these accidents often have tragic results. There is very little protection for riders from the road and other vehicles in the event of an accident.
But when it comes to the causes of motorcycle accidents themselves, many of them are attributable to the failure of motorists to yield the right of way. Reasons for this failure can include:
- Driver fatigue
- Driving after using drugs and/or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Low visibility
- Poorly maintaining a vehicle
In many cases, motorcyclists are injured or killed in collisions due to the negligent actions of someone else. This can be difficult to determine initially, however, and sometimes motorcyclists try to accept blame for something they aren’t really responsible for. And even in a situation where you are at fault, that doesn’t mean the other driver didn’t play a role in the accident too. You should always avoid claiming fault or even apologizing in front of the other driver, law enforcement, third party witnesses, and insurance companies.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
As the Fort Myers personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm, we offer the help you need if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that occurred because of the negligent or reckless behavior of someone else. We understand how significant the consequences can be when vehicles collide with motorcycles and you can rely on us for zealous and passionate advocacy. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Lauderdale, Ocala, Tampa, Bradenton, Miami, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Orlando and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
patch.com/florida/bloomingdale/classifieds
