Motorcycles are exciting to ride but they are also prone to crashes. Learn the top 10 causes of motorcycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale and common injuries.
The freedom and thrill of riding a motorcycle come with disadvantages. You can sustain severe motorcycle accident injuries or death due to inadequate protection. In addition, bike crashes lead to life-threatening situations compared to other modes of transportation. If you are involved in a collision, reach out to a Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer for legal help.
Riding motorcycles on public roads carry several times the risk of driving a car. Motor vehicles provide more effective crash protection than bikes. Roads are primarily designed for car users and are seldom engineered with motorcycle riders in focus. Thus, motorcyclists should exercise caution when riding.
Motorcycle collisions happen because of several factors like human errors, bad roads, or poor weather conditions. Also, where another person causes the crash, you are entitled to fair compensation. You can file a motorcycle accident claim against the at-fault party for your accident injury and property damage with an attorney's help.
But first, let's discuss the top ten causes of motorcycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale.
Riding a motorcycle requires a heightened awareness and coordination than driving a car. Unfortunately, a fatal motorcycle accident can occur no matter how cautious you are. This could be due to the motorcyclist's carelessness or another road user. If you got hurt due to another’s fault, you can get financial compensation against the responsible party.
Motorists have an obligation and duty of care to look out for motorcyclists when driving. The government should ensure safe road conditions. To mitigate the risk of harm, motorcyclists must use personal protective equipment (PPE). Protective gear includes helmets, gloves, boots, eyewear protection, etc.
Florida statutes prohibit motorcyclists from riding a motorbike without a helmet. The protective headgear must meet the standards of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). Motorcycle gear is crucial since riders have no covering for when their body hits the road. It also reduces the risk of fatal accidents.
So, what are the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale? We discuss 10 contributing factors below.
Violation of traffic laws is a serious threat to motorcyclists. Most drivers fail to obey traffic signals and signs, especially when in a rush. This puts the driver, motorcyclists, and pedestrians at risk. You can sue the negligent party for such transgression if you are hurt.
Another common cause of bike crashes is unsafe lane changes. Most drivers often forget to check their signals or blind spots when driving. This action leaves them at risk of a collision.
Driving under drug or alcohol intoxication is a common cause of motorcycle crashes. It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration limit of over 0.08% in Florida. Driving while impaired robs one of their senses to make good judgment calls and puts everyone at risk of catastrophic injuries.
Distracted driving accidents are a frequent occurrence in Florida. It is quite common to see distracted drivers every day. Most drivers text or multitask while driving. Hence they may not see oncoming motorcycles. This can lead to fatal motorbike accidents.
Negligent and reckless driving causes a good portion of traffic accidents. Motorcycle enthusiasts with high-performance bikes often test the limits of their motorcycles. While having fun on your bike, endeavor to exercise caution. Where a driver's behavior shows disregard for the rules of the road and others' safety, it is considered reckless.
The most common motorcycle accidents resulting in severe injuries involve lane splitting and switching. This occurs when a biker cuts between lanes on a highway. Most riders split lanes to avoid traffic which can be dangerous. Collisions are bound to happen due to the limited space in the same lane between cars.
Most drivers operate like they always have the right of way. All drivers are required to obey the rules of the road. They should also yield to other road users in certain circumstances. This is to avoid any unforeseeable harm to others. Failing to yield right of way can lead to liability for any resulting accidents.
Inclement weather conditions are risky for motorcyclists. Hurricanes are a constant threat, and Fort Lauderdale, South Florida, is susceptible to hurricanes. The city is usually affected by heavy rain and storm surges. Thus, poor weather conditions can cause severe damage to motorcyclists.
Illegal speeding affects your ability to see and react to other vehicles and motorcycles on the road. In addition, excessive speed makes motorcycle accidents more severe and potentially fatal to those involved.
Poor road conditions can cause or complicate traffic fatalities. In addition, heavily used roads are likely to suffer more damage. Frequently used roads require constant repairs. Road hazards such as potholes, debris, slippery surfaces, etc., increase the risk of loss of control.
If you are hurt in a crash due to road hazards, you have the right to sue the government. However, you should seek legal advice from an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale before filing an accident lawsuit against the government.
Motorcycle accident victims can suffer life-threatening injuries resulting in costly medical care. According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most common motorcycle injury is to a rider's feet or legs.
You also stand the risk of suffering permanent scarring. However, regardless of how the crash occurred, seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries. Some common motorcycle injuries are:
Whatever injuries you suffer, you can seek compensation for damages from the negligent party. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will assess the fact of your case to build a claim against the at-fault driver.
Once you determine the party accountable for your injuries, you should assess the full scope of your damages. The compensation you receive can pay for your medical expenses and other financial costs.
If you have any legal questions about your rights, consult a legal professional. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can help you recover the following types of damages:
Florida is one of the most dangerous states for motorcycle riders. The state currently has the second-highest number of motorcyclists in the whole of America. It has more than 620, 077 registered motorcycles with an average of 550 fatalities per year from 2016 to 2021.
Fort Lauderdale is a city with major highways. As a result, it is a popular location for motorcyclists. According to Florida National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2020 there were 8,614 motorcycle crashes and 578 fatalities.
Florida is home to the Daytona Beach Bike Week, which is the largest motorcycling event in the world. Also, its warm weather allows motorcyclists to ride more frequently. Unfortunately, more riders mean that accident fatality will often occur.
There are specific actions to be taken following a motorcycle crash. You should take these actions timeously for your well-being and have a successful personal injury claim. They include the following:
We understand that the effect of a bike accident can be severe. If you or your loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you can take legal action. You are entitled to a fair settlement for your injuries. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer may be able to help you.
With severe injuries come significant expenses. However, you do not have to bear the costs by yourself. At VG Law Group, LLP, we help accident victims recover fair compensation for their injuries and losses. Reach out to our law firm to get the legal support you need.
