Motorcycles Dangerous? Venice Accident Attorneys Weigh In
March 7, 2016
If you own a motorcycle, you’ve heard all of the typical questions: Isn’t riding a motorcycle dangerous? Are you going to sell your motorcycle after you have a child? Do you drive that thing on the highway? The experienced Venice Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Jodat Law Group have seen the danger and damage that can be done in a motorcycle accident.
Typically, these questions come from people who do not ride motorcycles. As a rider, you know that the biggest risk to your safety isn’t your motorcycle – it is the other cars around you. Riders who follow safe riding practices can enjoy years, even decades, of riding without putting themselves or others seriously at risk. Unfortunately, even the safest riders are not immune to the negligence of other drivers.
Car Drivers to Blame in 60 Percent of All Motorcycle Accidents
According to researchers at the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research, car drivers are to blame in sixty percent of all motorcycle accidents. A study conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation yielded similar results. This means that, more often than not, motorcycle accident victims in Florida may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries and other losses. This is often the case in accidents involving:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Collisions at intersections
- Highway collisions due to failure to yield
- Drivers pulling out or opening doors in front of oncoming motorcycles
Even though motorcyclists in Florida enjoy riding weather year-round, many “cage” drivers still simply are not attuned to the presence of motorcycles on the road. This often results in drivers making careless and dangerous decisions that put motorcycle riders at risk.
More Statistics on Venice Motorcycle Accidents
Data from the Insurance Information Institute and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) show that motorcycle accidents and fatalities have been declining in recent years. This is true despite the fact that the popularity of motorcycle riding is on the rise. While it is true that motorcycle riders are more likely than car drivers to be injured or killed in the event of an accident, the fact is that – as noted above – the majority of this risk comes from other vehicles on the road.
How Riders Can Help Protect Themselves on the Road
To help avoid serious and fatal injuries in accidents caused by dangerous drivers, there are several steps that riders can take to help protect themselves. While these will not always keep riders out of the hospital, in many cases they can help reduce recovery times and mitigate the extent of the rider’s injuries. Some basic safety tips for motorcycle riders in Florida include:
- Wear a helmet. IIHS’s data show that helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing motorcycle accident fatalities. Note, however, that Florida’s helmet law does not apply to riders age 21 and older.
- Leave plenty of space around you. If you are being tailgated or a driver is trying to get around you, let them pass and go on their way.
- Ride within your limits. Do not put yourself in a situation that you cannot get out of without avoiding a crash.
In your accident case, the other side will try to argue that you are responsible for your own injuries. By showing that you took appropriate steps to protect yourself, you can help maximize your claim for financial compensation.
Contact your Venice Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Jodat
At Jodat Law Group, we provide experienced and aggressive Venice motorcycle accident attorneys for victims of motorcycle accidents in Florida. To learn more about your legal rights, call 877 JODAT LAW or schedule a free consultation today.