Ride Smart Florida Offers Tips to Help Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

In Florida, motorcycle accidents pose a significant safety concern. Despite the thriving motorcycle culture, many motorists in larger vehicles fail to prioritize safety and share the road with motorcyclists. To address this concern, Ride Smart Florida highlights the importance of Motorcycle Safety. In recent years, too many motorcyclists have lost their lives in preventable motorcycle accidents across Florida.

In recognition of National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which takes place every May, it's crucial for all road users to remember the importance of sharing the road safely with motorcyclists. By looking out for motorcycles, following traffic laws, and respecting the rights of motorcyclists, drivers in larger vehicles can help prevent motorcycle accidents and keep our roads safer for everyone.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents

To help prevent motorcycle accidents, drivers should be aware of what causes them in the first place. In general, driver error and negligence lead to motorcycle crashes. But more specifically, the most common causes include:

• Left-turn collisions: These happen when a motorist makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle at an intersection.
• Lane changes: Drivers sometimes fail to check their blind spots or use their mirrors effectively when changing lanes.
• Distracted driving: Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can cause drivers to overlook motorcycles.
• Failure to yield right-of-way: Drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way to motorcycles at intersections, when merging onto highways, or when exiting driveways or parking lots.
• Tailgating: Following a motorcycle too closely reduces a driver's reaction time and increases the risk of a rear-end collision.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces the time a driver has to react to unexpected situations.
• Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver's judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
• Failure to signal: Drivers who fail to use their turn signals properly or at all can cause motorcyclists to make abrupt maneuvers that lead to crashes.
• Door collisions: Parked cars opening their doors without checking for approaching motorcycles can lead to serious accidents, especially in urban areas with heavy traffic.

Tips from FDOT on how to prevent motorcycle accidents

When sharing the road with bikers, drivers should do the following to prevent motorcycle accidents:

• Check intersections before turning.
• Watch blind spots when changing lanes.
• Respect motorcyclists like other drivers.
• Maintain a four-second gap in following distance.
• Be aware of passing motorcycles.
• Give a full lane when passing.
• Keep your eyes open for bikers who might be close by.
• Avoid distractions while driving.
• Always yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists.

Common motorcycle accident injuries

Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, often more severe than those sustained in car accidents, due to the lack of protection afforded to riders. Some common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Road rash: Abrasions and lacerations caused by friction between the rider's skin and the road surface during a crash.
• Fractures: Broken bones, including those in the arms, legs, hands, feet, and ribs, often resulting from the impact of the collision.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Head injuries, such as concussions or skull fractures, which can lead to long-term cognitive impairment or disability.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord, potentially causing paralysis or loss of sensation in the limbs or torso.
• Soft tissue injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, resulting in strains, sprains, or tears.
• Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, or spleen, caused by blunt force trauma or penetration from broken bones or objects.

These injuries can have serious and long-lasting consequences, impacting the physical health, financial stability, and overall quality of life of motorcycle accident victims. If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident due to another party's negligence, it's essential to seek medical attention immediately and consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Legal help for motorcycle accident victims in North Florida

Since 1974, the attorneys at Pajcic & Pajcic have fought for the rights of motorcycle accident victims in Jacksonville and throughout North Florida. We understand how devastating these accidents can be to victims and their families. Our legal team is committed to building strong cases to secure fair compensation for our clients. We have a proven track record of success, including a case where an injured motorcyclist received 40 times their insurance policy limit in compensation. To learn how we can help with your potential legal case, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.