Understanding Florida Motorcycle Accidents

To understand Florida motorcycle accidents, you have to understand this basic fact: Drivers of other motor vehicles cause the majority of these crashes.

One of the most widely cited motorcycle safety studies of our times is called “The Hurt Report.” This report found that “the failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominating cause of motorcycle accidents.” Too often, car and truck drivers either don’t understand or simply refuse to share the road safely with motorcycles.

Attorney Philip DeBerard has more than three decades of experience representing people seriously injured in Florida motorcycle crashes and other accidents. He understands what causes these accidents. He also understands how car-motorcycle collisions can lead to serious and often fatal injuries for motorcycle riders and their passengers. The DeBerard law firm wants to help.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash caused by another driver, you can speak to an experienced Florida motorcycle accident lawyer from Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, about your legal rights and options. You may be entitled to seek money for your injuries.

To schedule a free consultation, call us today at (888) 649-6094 or fill out our online contact form. We serve clients throughout South Florida and the Treasure Coast, including those who live in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Fort Pierce, Jupiter, Palm Beach and Vero Beach.

Negligence Causes Florida Motorcycle Accidents

According to the most recent Florida traffic crash statistics, 584 motorcyclists and 37 motorcycle passengers died in accidents on our roads in 2021, including Martin County and surrounding areas. Another 1,813 motorcycle riders and 178 passengers suffered incapacitating bodily injuries.

Motorcyclists and passengers are vulnerable to serious injuries. A passenger car or tractor-trailer outweighs a motorcycle by thousands of pounds. There is no structure to protect the motorcycle rider from the force of impact. When thrown from the bike, the rider may strike an object at a dangerous speed. Head and brain injuries are common. So are injuries to the arms, legs and chest.

Thanks to the Hurt Report and other motorcycle safety studies, we know that the negligence of other drivers is a leading cause of these crashes. We know, for instance, that:

• The most frequent accident configuration is an automobile making a left turn in front of the oncoming motorcycle.
• Most motorcycle accidents occur at intersections. The other vehicle often violates the motorcycle’s right of way or fails to obey a stop sign, stoplight or yield sign.
• In a significant number of motorcycle crashes, the view of the motorcycle was limited by glare or obstructed by other motor vehicles.
• The typical motorcycle accident allows the motorcyclist less than two seconds to complete all collision avoidance action.

Sharing the road safely with motorcycles means many things. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it means:

• Remembering that a motorcycle has all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle
• Allowing a motorcyclist the full lane width and never trying to share a lane
• Checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of traffic and at intersections
• Signaling before changing lanes or merging with traffic
• Giving at least a 3-4 second following distance when trailing a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver around a road defect or slick area or stop in an emergency
• Never driving while distracted by electronic devices such as cell phones.

When a motor vehicle driver fails to follow these reasonable steps, the law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, believes they need to be held fully accountable and their victims fairly compensated.

Why You Need an Experienced Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Getting back on your feet after a serious motorcycle accident may involve a lengthy recovery. It could require weeks or months of physical therapy. You may have thousands of dollars in medical bills. The inattentive or careless driver who caused your injuries and their insurance company should pay your medical bills and loss of income from missed work.

By talking to an experienced Florida motorcycle accident lawyer, you can learn about your legal rights and options. An attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim on your behalf. Ultimately, your lawyer can work hard to secure a settlement of your claim or a verdict at trial.

Contact Our Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

It’s important to understand that you’re not alone if you or a loved one is seriously injured or killed in a motorcycle crash caused by another motorist. Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, is here to help.

Philip DeBerard received the highest AV preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the most recognized national legal directory. Our firm’s team of hard-working attorneys, paralegals and staff 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.

Call us today at (888) 649-6094 or use our online contact form. We can evaluate your case free of charge and explain your options. We will not charge any attorney fee unless we secure compensation for you.