Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Florida
If you drive a motorcycle in Florida, you may already be aware that our state is routinely found to be the most dangerous state in the US for motorcycle accidents.
If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a motorcycle accident in Florida, don’t let this crash be just another statistic: partner with the award-winning team of personal injury and wrongful death lawyers at Fasig | Brooks to seek the financial compensation that you rightfully deserve. We understand that no amount of money will undo the damage of a motorcycle accident, but there is no reason that you should be shouldered with the financial burdens of someone else’s actions while trying to come to terms with this situation and get your life back on track.
Contact Fasig | Brooks Now For a Free Consultation About Your Motorcycle Accident
The sooner you contact us to request a free consultation, the sooner we will be able to speak in specific detail about your situation and learn more about how we can help. The days and weeks following an accident can be overwhelming for anyone, and trying to manage insurance claims at the same time that you are trying to focus on treatment for your injuries, handle the impacts to your ability to work and earn money, and try to keep your life on track can feel like too much to handle. We are here to help.
Read more below about the motorcycle accidents and the alarming statistics in Florida and beyond, and contact us now to work with a personal injury law firm who will fight to get you what you truly deserve.
US Motorcycle Accident Statistics
In 2018, there were a total of 5,127 motorcycle accident fatalities across the country, which, while alarming, was in fact a 3% reduction from the 5,337 deaths reported in 2017. According to the Insurance Information Institute, (III), motorcyclists were 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled in 2017.
In 2018, Florida had 531 motorcycle fatalities or over 10% of all motorcycle fatalities reported in the country. In addition, there were a total of 7,849 injuries reported from motorcycle accidents in Florida in that same year, which may range from things like minor sprains to permanently debilitating injuries such as spinal injuries or traumatic brain injuries.
Why Does Florida Have The Most Motorcycle Deaths?
There are many contributing factors that lead to this alarming statistic, including the fact that Florida does not require motorcycle drivers or passengers over the age of 21 to wear a helmet – an extremely dangerous decision that can cause serious, or fatal, injuries even in a low-speed impact. There are many other contributing factors as well, but while it can be difficult to determine exactly why Florida is such a dangerous state for motorcycles, the numbers do not lie.
Another significant factor may be that Florida has great weather that is attractive for motorcycle drivers from across the country, as indicated by the attendance numbers at Daytona Bike Week, typically hosting over 500,000 visitors over the course of the rally. However, these factors do not tell the whole story and trying to determine exactly why Florida is so dangerous for motorcycles will result in speculation.
What To Do If You Are In A Motorcycle Accident
If you are in a motorcycle accident, it is important to remember that your top priority is your own safety and health, meaning that you should not feel obligated to fight through the pain in order to do things like exchange information. Make sure that either you or someone else calls 911 as soon as possible so that the first responders can be dispatched to the scene of the accident, and then try to stay calm and still while you wait for the EMTs. Once the EMTs arrive, they will be able to examine your injuries and make a recommendation for you about taking an ambulance to an emergency room or other available options.
If you do not go to the emergency room after your accident, it is extremely important that you schedule an appointment with your physician for as soon as possible. The obvious benefit of this appointment is that you will get medical attention and be able to develop a recovery plan, but equally important is the documentation that these visits will generate, all of which will be very helpful for your insurance claim. Insurance companies will typically refuse to pay for injuries that you are unable to prove, so each doctor’s visit strengthens your claim in addition to facilitating your recovery.
At the same time, hiring a motorcycle accident attorney will be one of the most important strategic decisions that you can make. Many people believe that they should file a claim with the insurance company on their own, but by hiring a lawyer before filing your claim you will be able to focus entirely on your recovery without taking on any of the additional stress and headache of your legal matters. Stress has a negative impact on physical recovery from injuries, so by hiring an attorney you may be increasing your chances of a successful recovery.
How To Increase Safety While Riding
One of the most important things that you can do to improve your safety on a motorcycle is to wear protective equipment, something that an estimated 47% of Florida motorcycle riders do not do. By protecting your skull and brain, you are improving your chances of survival significantly in the event of a crash.
In addition to protective gear, it is important to wear high visibility clothing, drive defensively, observe all traffic laws, and always stay sober while operating a motorcycle. These steps, among others, can improve your safety, but none will guarantee that you will stay absolutely safe.
