Florida’s Treasure Coast and the surrounding South Florida communities continue to be plagued by tragic vehicle accidents. The “Traffic Crash Statistics Report 2010,”which summarizes Florida’s vehicle crash data for last year, shows that traffic fatalities are dropping, but the last few weeks have been particularly heart-rending for many Florida families.
Last weekend saw six motorcyclists lose their lives in multiple accidents in Palm Beach and across Florida. A 40-year-old man apparently lost control of his motorcycle on the I-95 flyover entrance ramp at PGA Blvd. at Palm Beach Gardens, in Palm Beach County, early Sunday morning. The cyclist hit the concrete wall and fell off his bike, landing in the northbound lanes of I-95, according to WPTV.com. The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate to determine if speed or alcohol were factors in the accident. The man was wearing a helmet.
Daytona Beach’s 19th annual Biketoberfest celebration, held each year in October to help boost off-season tourism, welcomed nearly 100,000 bikers to the area this weekend. Unfortunately, as the event came to a close this year, the Sun-Sentinel reports that five motorcyclists died in several accidents.
In one particularly horrific accident, both the motorcycle driver and his passenger died when a Ford Explorer struck the cycle from behind. Both drivers were thrown off the motorcycle and were run over by approaching vehicles. A similar accident claimed the lives of another couple traveling on a motorcycle when they collided with a pickup truck.
In 2010, there were 383 fatal motorcycle accidents in Florida. While sometimes motorcyclists can escape with relatively minor injuries, such as road rash or broken bones, more often the motorcyclist is going to lose his life or suffer long-term injuries such as a spinal cord or brain injury. However, use of a safety helmet can improve the odds for a motorcyclist surviving an accident.
Florida law does not require motorcycle riders over the age of 21 to wear a helmet. Although the state previously mandated helmet use by motorcyclists, the state repealed that law in 2000. With the repeal came an increase in cyclist fatalities.
A John’s Hopkins School of Medicine study, hoping to encourage states to mandate helmet laws, showed that wearing a helmet could save a rider’s life and significantly reduce the chance of suffering a catastrophic injury to the brain, spinal cord and head. In fact, the study revealed that a properly helmeted rider was 22 percent less likely to suffer a catastrophic spine injury than those without a helmet, 65 percent less likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury and 37 percent more likely to survive an accident.
Many motorcycle accidents happen because other drivers simply did not see the motorcycle until it was too late to avoid a collision. Drivers sharing the road with motorcyclists should remain alert to the potential for motorcycles in their car’s blind spot and drive defensively to help prevent accidents from occurring.
The Florida motorcycle accident attorneys at Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, urge all drivers to stay alert at all times for motorcyclists.
Injured in a Florida Motorcycle Accident?
A Florida motorcycle accident caused by another driver can leave you with serious, life-altering injuries. You need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to stand up for your legal rights. It’s reassuring to know you can trust the law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney. Our Florida motorcycle wreck lawyers have more than three decades of experience with vehicle accident claims, including those involving motorcycles.
If you’ve had a serious motorcycle accident and you need help, turn to the law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney. Call 888-733-5675 now to speak with a compassionate motorcycle accident attorney or fill out our online contact form.
We serve victims of motorcycle crashes in South Florida and the Treasure Coast, including in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Jupiter, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and Vero Beach.
