Personal Injury Blog



Florida weather conditions pose added risks for motorcycle safety.
Nationwide, fatal motorcycle accidents occur almost 6 times as much as fatal automobile accidents, based on number of vehicles on the road (roughly 73 of every 100,000 motorcycles are involved in a fatal crash, compared to 13 of every 100,000 cars).

While general road and motorcycle safety techniques are common knowledge, putting these practices to use is especially important in Florida, where complicated roadways, ongoing construction and weather conditions all pose additional danger for riders. Relaxed helmet laws in the state have unfortunately made Florida a nationwide leader in accident fatalities, many of which could have been avoided with regular helmet use.

Motorcycle accident deaths in Florida account for 17.8% of all auto fatalities in the state; this is a significant increase over the national average of 14.2%. Is the ability to feel the wind in your hair really worth your life, or the life of a loved one? With motorcycle fatalities on the rise in Florida and across the country, what steps can you take to better protect yourself on the road? In this blog, we identify some of the best practices for motorcycle safety in Florida.

Keeping a Helmet On Can Keep You Alive

Perhaps the saddest reality about motorcycle accident fatalities in Florida is that a vast majority of them could have likely been prevented. While minding the weather and using turn signals religiously can help you avoid an accident, sometimes matters are out of your control. To protect yourself from other drivers and motor vehicles, using a helmet regularly is often your safest bet.

Many of the roadways in our state are dangerous enough on their own… there’s no reason to put your life in added danger by foregoing helmet use. Only 55% of all Florida motorcyclists use a helmet regularly when they ride, as reported by the Florida Department of Transportation in 2010. This number is directly linked to the high number of state accident fatalities every year, when compared to national figures.

Regular helmet use can turn fatalities into minor injuries, and significantly reduce risks for major brain or nerve damage in the event of an accident. While wearing a helmet is probably the smartest thing you can do when you get on a bike, there are other things to keep in mind about Florida roadways that can help you reduce accident severity or avoid accidents altogether.

Mind the Road and Other Vehicles

In many Florida motorcycle accidents, the riders themselves do not have any control over the situation. When riding, always mind your surroundings. Sudden driver behaviors or adverse conditions can put you at higher risk for an accident, no matter what motorcycle safety precautions you might take. This includes:

  • Ongoing road construction or repairs
  • Drivers unaware of your presence
  • Road traction, and how rain or weathering can affect it
  • Reckless drivers in your vicinity
  • Hectic intersections or traffic conditions, and any sudden braking or turns that drivers may make in these circumstances
  • Wind, rain and fog

Since erratic Florida weather conditions can change in a matter of minutes, try snapping a photo of accident conditions immediately after a crash. Get photo proof of rain and visibility before the condition vanishes to improve any accident claim you may make later on. Environmental factors can be as important to an accident case as the vehicles and persons involved.

Beyond wearing a helmet and minding road conditions, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with your bike, and tend to maintenance tasks when they’re needed. Additionally, never get on your bike under the influence of alcohol. In 2007, 28% of all fatal motorcycle accident victims had blood alcohol content above the legal limit.

In the unfortunate event of a motorcycle accident, consulting with a trained attorney can be instrumental in getting you your deserved compensation.

Consider Reaching Out to an Attorney

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in the state of Florida, contacting a skilled, compassionate motorcycle accident attorney can crucial in getting the support and legal compensation you need. You can never predict when a motorcycle accident may occur, but that doesn’t mean you have to be alone when they do.

If you’ve been involved in a severe motorcycle accident, and feel you deserve compensation for your injuries and property, don’t hesitate to consult with a legal representative. For motorcycle accidents in Spring Hill, Brooksville and Dade City, consider reaching out to the experienced attorneys at Lowman Law Firm immediately after your accident. 

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