5 Surprising Facts About Motorcycle Accidents In Spring Hill

Nationwide, motorcycle accidents are a tragic reality of everyday traffic. In the state of Florida, and in Spring Hill specifically, lax helmet protection laws, an increasing population and growing traffic trends only worsen these accidents. Florida has the highest motorcycle accident fatality rate of any of the fifty states. Here at Lowman Law, we hope you can understand the implications of these five surprising statistics about motorcycle accidents, and how important it is for you to seek the appropriate representation after an accident.

1.) The Motorcyclist To Traffic Fatality Ratio

In the state of Florida, registered motorcyclists account for 3.6% of the entire motorist population; that’s about one registered motorcyclist for every 28 or so licensed automobile drivers. However, while motorcyclists account for less than 4% of the total licensed population in Florida, they account for 17% of ALL traffic fatalities in 2011, as estimated by the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research.

This number is actually an increase from 2010’s 14.3% estimate. A mere ten years ago, motorcyclists accounted for only 8% of all traffic fatalities, which is still in itself a staggering number. What does this mean for Spring Hill motorcyclists? That motorcycle fatalities, already not proportional to the total number of licensed drivers in the state, are on the rise.

91% of all fatal motorcycle accidents in Florida occurred to resident motorists; if you are a Florida rider, it’s important to think locally for professional representation over any accidents or injuries you endure behind the wheel. Not only are local motorcycle accident attorneys close by, for your best convenience, but they also understand local traffic, road problems and commuter patterns specific to your area.

2.) A Growing Population Means Increased Traffic

Statistically, the population of Florida grew over 23% in the 1990s, introducing a whole new population of drivers to Florida roadways. In 2002, Florida became the fourth largest state in the United States by population, and is expected to become the third largest by the year 2025.

With this growing population, Florida has also become the state with the highest fatal motorcycle accident rate. The roadways have become more and more congested with traffic, daily commuters and tourism than ever before, making the roads exceedingly dangerous for motorcyclists. This is amplified with Florida’s relaxed motorcyclist helmet laws, which do not require riders over the age of 21 to wear a helmet.

These conditions mix to form a perfectly tragic cocktail; one that leaves thousands of Florida motorcyclists injured every year, and hundreds dead. As accident rates rise with traffic and the Florida population, it’s become more important than ever to have a reliable, compassionate motorcycle accident attorney at your side in the wake of a crash. Not only can these legal professionals help you through the post-accident process, but also get you the compensation you need for a successful recovery.

3.) Very Often, Motorcycle Accidents Involve Other Vehicles Making Improper Turns

In 2003, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) calculated that 39% of all motorcycle-to-automobile crashes involve improper left turns on behalf of the other, non-motorcyclist driver; or, when a driver of a car cuts in front of an oncoming motorcyclist when making a turn. Even more surprisingly, 26% of all motorcycle injury accidents with other vehicles occur when both the motorcyclist and other driver are traveling in the same direction.

While this does make establishing fault easier than, say, a rear- or front-end motorcycle collision, there are still countless factors that come in to play with these accidents, just as in any other.

Environments in which motorcycle accidents often occur are typically influenced by:

• Road conditions and quality
• Weather conditions
• Driver visibility
• Driver impairment
• Emotional and psychological state
• Vehicle state

For many crashes similar to those listed above, the difference between injury and death often comes down to one cozy, optional piece of protective wear that all motorcyclists should adopt: a helmet. Not only can a helmet help lessen your injuries in these types of crashes; it can also save your life.

4.) Motorcycle Accident Hospital Fees Exceed Many Insurance Plans

Arguably, a vast majority of motorcycle accident fatalities can be prevented with regulated helmet protection laws. However, in Florida, this is obviously not the case, and many riders take advantage of this freedom, riding their motorcycles with the wind freely blowing through their hair. The only stipulation is that you be of at least 21 years of age, and have an insurance policy covering at least $10,000 of medical treatment.

This sounds like a fair trade, until your estimate the typical hospital fees of a motorcycle accident and injury. In 2011, the median charge for motorcyclists admitted into a hospital and involved in a Florida accident was over $56,000; over 5 times the 

required insurance to ride without a helmet. Even worse, 49% of all hospitalized motorcyclists in 2011 completely lacked commercial insurance.

With all of this money on the line, it’s crucial for you, in the aftermath of a motorcycle injury accident, to seek professional representation in any cases you may wish to pursue. Don’t take on the insurance companies alone; contact a motorcycle accident attorney first.

5.) Motorcycle Injuries and Accidents Have Risen Dramatically Since 2010

As we have outlined in this posting, Florida’s growth, current helmet laws and driver populations have made our Spring Hill roadways incredibly hazardous for motorcyclists who do not know how to protect themselves; how to protect themselves physically, and how to protect themselves financially after an accident.

From 2010 to 2011, motorcycle crash instances increased 15.2%, from an est. 7,700 to 8,300; this is compared to around 4,500 Florida crashes in 2000. Following this trend, the amount of motorcyclist injuries from these accidents increased 7.6% in this time.

If you are in a motorcycle accident, contact an accident professional right away. The legal attorneys at Lowman Law are available to help you with all of your motorcycle claim needs, and will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you need in the wake of an accident.