Defensive Driving Tips for Florida Motorcyclists

Motorcycle riders have the same rights and privileges as any other vehicle on the road. They should be treated that way. Unfortunately, many Florida motorcycle accidents occur because other vehicle drivers fail to detect or respect the motorcycle’s presence. That’s why motorcyclists should always assume that other drivers do not see them and focus on driving defensively.

But even the safest motorcycle rider can be harmed by another driver’s negligence. If that has occurred to you or a loved one, it’s important to talk to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to understand your legal rights. Attorney Philip DeBerard has more than three decades of experience representing people seriously injured in motorcycle accidents caused by other motorists.  He is committed to securing money to compensate victims and their families for their losses.

To learn more, call Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, today at (888) 649-6094 or fill out our online contact form. We serve clients throughout South Florida and the Treasure Coast, including those in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Fort Pierce, Jupiter, Palm Beach and Vero Beach. We can provide a free evaluation of your case.

Why Florida Motorcyclists Should Focus on Defensive Driving

More than 9,100 motorcycle crashes occurred in Florida in 2022, according to the most recent state statistics. Many of these accidents could have been avoided. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars and trucks on Florida streets and highways. This lack of visibility, no doubt, contributes to crashes at intersections, rear-end collisions and accidents in which the vehicle driver makes a left turn in front of the motorcycle.

Driving defensively is the best way to avoid injuries in motorcycle accidents. Here are 10 motorcycle safety defensive driving tips.

• Be especially alert at intersections. Most crashes involving motorcycles and other vehicles occur at intersections.
• Motorcyclists should not ride in a car or truck’s blind spot.
• Wear a helmet and bright, reflective clothing to make your motorcycle more visible to other motorists.
• Use your motorcycle headlight day and night.
• Use signals when changing lanes, check the motorcycle’s side view mirror and make a visual check to double check that it’s safe.
• Avoid sudden braking or turning.
• Beware of riding a motorcycle in inclement weather or on slippery surfaces.
• Watch out for road hazards, including uneven pavement, standing water, oil slicks, potholes, loose gravel and debris.
• Assume that drivers backing out of driveways or parking spaces DO NOT see you.
• Be aware that riding with a passenger requires even more skill than riding alone.

While Florida motorcyclists owe it to themselves to drive defensively, it does not change the fact that other vehicle drivers have a legal duty to share the road safely with motorcycles. When they fail to fulfill that duty, they should have to pay for the losses suffered by motorcyclists and their families.

Contact Our Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a family member has suffered a serious injury in a motorcycle crash caused by another motorist, contact an experienced Florida motorcycle accident lawyer at Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney.

Philip DeBerard focuses his legal practice exclusively on representing victims of serious accidents and injuries caused by the negligence of others, including motorcycle crashes. He has the highest AV preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the most recognized national legal directory.

He takes pride in leading a team of hard-working attorneys, paralegals and staff who provide caring, one-on-one service to clients across South Florida and have offices in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Okeechobee, Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach.

To schedule a free consultation about your motorcycle accident and learn of your legal rights and options, call us today at (888) 649-6094 or use our online contact form.