8 Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida

Florida is the Sunshine State. Most days are warm and sunny, perfect weather for a motorcycle ride. Motorcycle enthusiasts can be found in every corner of the state. Florida is the ideal place to ride your motorcycle, but that doesn't make it any safer there.

In fact, Florida consistently ranks at the top of the list of motorcycle fatalities by state. Hundreds of motorcyclists die each year on Florida's roads. Knowing the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida can help motorcycle riders be prepared and ride safely.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Florida

In 2020, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported 8,043 motorcycle collisions. The number of reported motorcycle crashes barely decreased from the 8,910 motorcycle crashes in 2019.

Unfortunately, fatal motorcycle accidents aren't uncommon in Florida. In 2022, Florida ranked fourth in a list of states with fatal accidents for motorcycle riders. In 2020, Florida saw 600 motorcycle-related deaths.

Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

The figures are alarming. It's clear that there's a problem, but why do these accidents happen in the first place? What are some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents? Motorcycle accidents can be the result of weather, poor bike maintenance, or a list of other reasons. Here are eight of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:

Poorly Maintained Roads and/or Construction

You're vulnerable on a motorcycle. Because of this, you need to pay attention to road conditions, including potholes, gravel, debris, and other hazards that you're likely to encounter on the open road. Look out for uneven pavement, road hazards, or slippery road surfaces like rain.

You must pay particular attention to construction sites. These areas may require drivers to change lanes abruptly or merge to a one-lane road. Be on the lookout and don't become a victim to side-swipe collisions when lane splitting or passing.

Driver Negligence

Yes, this includes distracted driving. Drivers in other vehicles don't always see motorcyclists. Drivers' lack of awareness results in thousands of head-on collisions, sideswiping, sudden stops, and rear-end motorcycle accidents each year.

Left Turn Accidents

For motorcyclists, left turn accidents can be some of the most dangerous and devastating incidents on the road. These types of motorcycle crashes occur when vehicle drivers making a left turn do not see an oncoming motorcycle and turn directly in front of them. The resulting collision can cause serious injuries or even fatalities for the motorcyclist, who has little protection from the impact of the car accident.

Left-turn motorcycle accidents are unfortunately common and often preventable, highlighting the importance of increased awareness and caution from all drivers on the road. As a motorcyclist, it's crucial to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings to protect yourself from the potential dangers of left-turn motorcycle accidents.

Car Doors

A motorcycle rider may have hardly any time to react if someone driving a car opens their car door directly in front of them. Be aware of other motorists and be sure to wear a helmet to decrease your risk of head injury if this happens.

Not Wearing a Helmet

In Florida, drivers over the age of 21 aren't required to wear a helmet on a motorcycle as long as they have an insurance policy that will cover them if they crash without a helmet. Some people applaud this freedom, others condemn it.

Regardless of where you stand, you should know that riding without a helmet is much more dangerous than riding with the proper safety equipment. The Advocates for Highway Safety (AHS) estimates that motorcycle laws save the country $17 billion dollars in medical bills annually. They estimate this number could be bumped up to $25 billion per year if all states adopted motorcycle helmet laws.

Driving Under the Influence

Drunk driving is one of the top causes of car accidents and motorcycle accident fatalities year after year. This trend continues today in Florida and across the country. Remember: don't drink so you can ride safely, and be aware of oncoming traffic.

Ignoring Laws & Road Signs

Reckless driving can result in a fatal motorcycle crash. Motorcyclists who speed, ignore signs to slow down, to merge, or who try to cut in between traffic on the interstate are much more likely to die in an accident than those who abide by the law and who pay attention to their surroundings.

Road Rage

Road rage incidents are all too common on Florida's roads. When one driver or rider cuts someone else off, either intentionally or accidentally, it's possible that the situation can escalate into violence—which may include car drivers intentionally bumping motorcyclists.

What are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Many motorcycle accidents result in a range of injuries. The most common injuries that motorcycle riders experience include:

• Head injuries, such as head trauma or concussions

• Broken bones

• Soft tissue burns, bruises, cuts, and puncture wounds

• Facial injuries

• More catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord injuries

Who Can You Call When You're Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?

Riding motorcycles can be incredibly dangerous and risky, and dealing with an insurance company on your own can be a headache. Don't take any chances when you need an attorney.

If you're involved in a serious motorcycle accident in the Hillsborough County area, you need a law firm you can trust. You need experienced lawyers who will fight for you. You need the Lowman Law Firm. Contact our hometown team of personal injury attorneys for a free consultation with a Florida motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm.