Motorcycle Accidents – An Alarming Rise in Florida Fatalities

While there has been a trend in recent years showing fewer automobile accidents, the same cannot be said for motorcycle crashes. Since 2001 the number of people in Florida injured in a motorcycle accident has risen by 50%. While the number of deaths of motorcyclists involved in an accident has risen by 90%. The increase number of motorcycling deaths can be partially Florida’s repeal of the its mandatory helmet law, but the rise in accidents, as a whole, must be attributable to other factors.

The most common reason for an accident involving a car and a motorcycle is an inattentive or distracted driver that fails to see the motorcycle. Another common reason for motorcycle accidents is poor road conditions. Examples of road conditions which can cause a motorcycle crash include potholes, areas of the road which are degraded, loose stones or gravel and road construction. Known road hazards should be properly marked utilizing maintenance of traffic standards and failure to do so can render the persons responsible for the road’s maintenance liable for negligence.

With all the hazards facing motorcyclists, whether it’s the distracted driver or the road conditions, it falls upon the riders to maintain a state of hyper vigilance and protect themselves from accidents. While this is a touchy subject among riders, the statistics seem to strongly indicate that wearing a helmet saves lives and prevents traumatic brain injuries. However, studies also show that riders who wear a helmet cannot hear as well as riders who do not wear helmets. More importantly, there is a reduction in the peripheral vision motorcyclists that choose to wear helmets. Ultimately it is a personal decision for each rider to make assessing the increased risk of injury with the reduction in hearing and vision that wearing a helmet will cause.

Unfortunately, the results of a motorcycle accident can be devastating and include:

1. Death;
2. Traumatic brain injury and/or concussions;
3. Spinal cord damage and/or paralysis;
4. Disfigurement;
5. Fractured or broken bones;
6. Nerve damage and/or bikers arm;
7. Lacerations, contusions and road rash; and
8. Neck and back injuries.

Have you been involved in a motorcycle accident which you believe might not be your fault? Contact an experienced St. Petersburg personal injury attorney at The Law Offices of Bobby Jones today. The decision to hire an experienced motorcycle accident attorney is an extremely important one. Everyone has heard the horror stories of the insurance company taking advantage of the unrepresented victim. Worse yet, are the stories of the accident victims who hired a big mill law firm and were poorly represented. It is an important decision, do not base it on whether the attorney owns a motorcycle or has a catchy commercial. It is important that your motorcycle accident attorney has experience in handling motorcycle claims and an extensive knowledge of injuries and future issues faced by the injured rider.

If you have been involved in motorcycle accident, you should immediately call Jones Law Group at (727) 571-1333 during regular business hours or (727) 753-8657 on weekends or after regular business hours. We will evaluate your case for free and you will never pay us a dime unless we recover compensation for your injuries.

Jones Law Group
5622 Central Avenue
St. Pete, FL 33707