Motorcycle Accidents
South Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that there are over 4 million motorcycles registered in the United States, which is attributed to the low maintenance costs, fuel efficiency, and their use as pleasure vehicles.
Despite preventive actions and safety features (helmets), motorcycle accidents will and do occur. Serious bodily harm and even death are often the result of such tragic occurrences. The lack of a protective barrier between the driver and the road ultimately leaves motorcyclists in a very vulnerable position.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, between 2001 and 2008, more than 34,000 motorcyclists were killed and an estimated 1,222,000 persons were treated in a U.S. emergency department for a non-fatal motorcycle-related injury (minor bumps, bruises, abrasions, road rash, broken bones, concussions).
In Florida, there are also a number of scooter accidents that occur every year.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents:
- Motorcycle-Car/Truck Collision. Sometimes car and truck drivers pull out in front of the biker at the last minute, cut off the motorcyclist, make a U-turn in front of the biker, or otherwise violate the motorcyclist’s right of way. The car/truck often does not see the biker due to blind spots, driving conditions (hard to detect at night or in poor weather), or they are distracted (texting, talking on cell phone).
- Sudden-Stop Collision. Rear-end collisions where the driver of the motor vehicle stops for some unknown reason and the motorcyclist crashes into the back of their vehicle.
- Open Door Accidents. Parked cars and vehicles that open the door directly into the biker’s path.
- Road Conditions. Debris on the road, trash thrown out the window, groves, gravel, or lose pavement can cause a bike to skid out from under the rider. Road construction and railroad crossings can also put bikers at risk.
What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
In Florida, wide-open highways and a year-round warm climate make bikes an attractive option for daily travel. Then again, because of the way that bikers are less secure than other options on the roadway, any accident that happens to a rider – even at a low speed – can bring about catastrophic and fatal injuries.
The most common motorcycle injuries include:
- Skull Fracture
- Brain damage
- Concussion
- Hearing damage
- Cervical fracture
- Memory loss
- Dizziness
- Amnesia
- Chronic Headaches
Every motorbike accident is different, but Zimmerman & Frachtman will handle your case with great care and treat you like the unique individual you are. We are experienced and skilled in dealing with motorcycle accidents and the personal injury cases that typically follow.
If you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact us today!
Fatal Motorcycle Accident Statistics
It is estimated that 50,000 people are injured in motorcycle accidents in America each year. Over 2,000 people die in a motorcycle accident each year. A motorcycle rider who is involved in an accident is 37 times more likely to die in an accident than someone who is driving a car.
In 2008, there were 9,618 motorcycle accidents in Florida. Five hundred and two motorcycle riders were killed in an accident in 2008. Many accidents could have been prevented if people would wear helmets. In fact, people who wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle are 40 percent less likely to die in a motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle riders were required to wear helmets in the past. However, in July 2000 a law was passed that stated only drivers who did not have adequate insurance and were under the age of 21 were required to wear helmets. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, the number of fatal motorcycle accidents in Florida increased by 81 percent from 2001 to 2003.
The good news is that despite the fact that many places do not require that riders wear helmets, helmet use has increased nationally during the past five years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 67 percent of motorcycle riders wore helmets in 2009.
Wrongful Death from a Motorcycle Accident
Managing the loss of a friend or family member is never simple, and it can be especially exhausting for the exploited person’s family, both financially and emotionally. After a deadly bike accident, lamenting families are regularly compelled to face extremely complicated money-related issues. For example, they may be faced with high medical center bills and doctor’s visit expenses, memorial service costs, and a large loss of income to the household. This circumstance can be considerably harder to overcome if the expired was the only person in the family who worked.
When an accident happens and results in death, family members might be able to file a case for damages due to many reasons. Family members may file a wrongful death case for the following:
- Medical bills
- Mental anguish
- Lost wages
- Funeral costs
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Suffering and pain
Losing a friend or family member changes your life for eternity. At Zimmerman & Frachtman, our staff will work hard to offer your family great care and compassionate emotional support as you file your claim for compensation.
If you live in Florida, and you have lost a friend or family member in a motorcycle accident, counseling with a motorcycle accident lawyer at Zimmerman & Frachtman may help. Calling our firm is the initial phase in holding the careless person responsible for your family’s grief.
Defective Motorcycles
In many cases, motorcycle accidents occur as a result of a defective part. Defective tires, brakes, and parts increase a driver’s chance of losing control of the motorcycle. Helmets are supposed to protect a person during an accident. However, if the helmet is defective, then he or she can still be seriously injured.
If you have been injured in an accident as the result of a defective motorcycle part, then you can contact Zimmerman & Frachtman. Zimmerman & Frachtman can help you get compensated for the pain, suffering and injuries you received as the result of your accidents.
MOTORIST & MOTORCYCLE RIDER SAFETY TIPS
To reduce the possibility of being involved in a motorcycle accident that can cause severe and fatal injuries, riders and motorists are encouraged to follow these safety tips.
Steps Drivers Can Take to Keep Motorcyclists Safe on Our Roadways:
- Watch and look for motorcyclists.
- Follow all traffic laws and be respectful of other motorists.
- A motorcycle is a vehicle and has all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle.
- Allow a motorcyclist the full lane width.
- Check for blind spots before changing lanes, merging into traffic, or entering intersections.
- Always use your signals before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
- Watch out when making left-hand turns or yielding.
- Use extra caution when a motorcycle’s flashing turn signal is on to make sure the motorcyclist is turning, as motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off.
- Allow more following distance (four seconds) when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
- Be aware of bad weather or road conditions.
- Do not tailgate.
- Do not drive distracted (texting, using cell phones, eating, grooming).
Steps Motorcycle Riders Can Take to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents:
- Follow all traffic laws and be respectful of other motorists.
- Wear helmets and protective glasses when riding, even if not required under local laws.
- Wear jackets and pants with sturdy materials to prevent abrasions and be more visible.
- Wear gloves and proper footwear (personal protective equipment).
- Do not wear headphones, talk on the phone, or listen to loud music while riding.
- Make sure that all of your equipment is functioning properly.
- Keep a safe distance between your motorcycle and other vehicles on the road.
- Make sure drivers can see you; don’t be in their blind spot.
- Watch out for distracted drivers and be ready to react quickly.
- Be aware of bad weather or road conditions.
- Do not ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Take a certified motorcycle rider education/training course.
Contact the Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Zimmerman & Frachtman
Motorcycle accident attorney Robert Zimmerman knows the particulars of Florida motorcycle laws and insurance regulations. As a motorcycle owner, rider, and enthusiast, Robert’s knowledge and experience will help you obtain appropriate compensation for your injuries. Zimmerman & Frachtman have been helping personal injury victims of motorcycle accidents in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties since 1993.
We also handle mini bikes, go-karts, ATVs, and other off-road vehicle injury cases. Contact us today at (954) 509-1900.