South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog
A 58-year-old man from Coral Springs was recently killed while riding his motorcycle after he was hit on Interstate 95. According to 12 News, the accident happened at roughly 3:00 a.m. The rider was heading down I-95 between Indian Town Road and Donald Ross Road when he was hit from behind. While he was wearing a helmet when the accident happened, it wasn’t enough to save his life. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are still investigating the accident and are trying to determine is alcohol was a factor.
Our Coral Springs motorcycle accident lawyers understand that the Sunshine State’s growing population and popularity with motorcyclists makes motorcycle safety an important issue, especially now with the increase in traffic expected with the arrival of seasonal residents. The number of motorcycle accidents, deaths and injuries in the U.S. has been increasing in recent years, and Florida is showing the same trend.
According to Ride Smart Florida, motorcycle accidents account for about 8 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state in 2000. Over the following 8 years, this number jumped to close to 18 percent. In 2010, the number of motorcycle fatalities dropped down to about 14.5 percent, but turned back to about 17 percent in 2011.
Typically, it’s the younger riders who face the highest risks. In 2011, more riders between the ages of 25 and 34 were injured in motorcycle accidents than any other age group. Following a close second were riders between the ages of 45 and 54. The median age of fatally injured riders was 40 years old in 2011. Overall, there were about 6,750 motorcyclists injured in Florida motorcycle accidents that year.
Living in Florida:
-The Sunshine State is a popular tourist destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, as it holds a number of nationally recognized events each year.
-More than 90 percent of the motorcyclists who were killed in 2011 in the state of Florida were in fact Florida residents.
Endorsements and Registrations in Florida in 2011:
-More than 627,610 registered motorcycles.
-Motorcycles accounted for close to 4 percent of the state’s motoring public.
-Accounted for close to 20 percent of all traffic fatalities recorded.
And we’re warning riders to be caution on the weekends. More than 35 percent of the fatal motorcycle accidents in the state of Florida in 2011 happened on weekends. More than 30 percent of fatal crashes from 2005 to 2011 involved roadway curves. Passing or overtaking a vehicle accounted for close to 5 percent of motorcycle fatalities in 2011. Changing lanes or merging accounted for another 2 percent during the year.
The limited amount of protection given to motorcycle riders contributes to the typical severity of motorcycle accident injuries. In addition to practicing safe riding habits out there, we’re asking you to make sure that you’re properly protected. Always wear a helmet!
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, contact Freeman Injury Law for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 1-800-561-7777.
More Blog Entries:
Motorcyclists Beware: Daytona Beach Bike Week and Accident Risks, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, March 7, 2013
Accidents in Stuart City and Elsewhere Land Sunshine State as 18th Most Dangerous, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, May 15, 2012