Florida Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Florida is among the most popular states to own and ride a motorcycle. The year-round warm temperatures and beautiful scenery make it an ideal environment for motorcyclists. However, as Florida motorcycle accident statistics show, it is also the location of a significant number of motorcycle accidents and related injuries. The Miami motorcycle accidents at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon have extensive experience representing victims injured in motorcycle accidents as they seek financial assistance for their recovery. Our attorneys assist people throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as across South Florida, with settlement negotiations, litigation, and any other legal proceedings necessary in the aftermath of a serious collision. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one due to a motorcycle accident, contact our office today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options.

Pursuant to Florida law, motorcyclists carrying certain insurance policy minimums who are over 21 years old are not required to wear helmets. Without a helmet requirement, Florida motorcyclists are more likely to suffer significant brain and head trauma when they are involved in a collision. Additionally, motorcycle riders in Florida may be more prone to fatal injuries. In fact, recent studies have shown that Florida leads the nation in motorcycle-related fatalities. One in every five deaths sustained as a result of a highway accident involved a motorcycle rider, even though only seven percent of all motorists are bikers.

According to the most recent statistics published by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in 2012, there were 9,384 motorcycle accidents resulting in injuries or death in that year. Injuries to riders and their passengers were apportioned as follows:

• 7,809 motorcyclists sustained serious injuries;
• 425 motorcyclists suffered fatalities;
• 839 passengers on motorcycles were injured; and
• 32 motorcycle passengers suffered fatalities.

Approximately 80 percent of motorcycle collisions in Florida result in an injury or death to an occupant, with 94 percent of motorcycle accident victims being residents of the state. Additionally, almost half of all motorcycle accidents occur on the weekends. Victims of Florida motorcycle accidents can seek justice against negligent parties by pursuing personal injury claims.

Motorcycle crashes often leave victims with devastating injuries, and they can also claim their lives. When injuries are caused by another person’s negligence, victims can be compensated for medical costs, loss of income, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering damages. Negligence occurs when a person breaches their duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person would act under the circumstances, causing the victim’s injury as well as resulting in damages. Many times, a motorcycle accident is due to another driver’s careless actions, such as failing to check a blind spot for an oncoming biker. Family members who have lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident can file a wrongful death case against negligent parties in order to pursue financial assistance for burial or funeral expenses, as well as loss of support damages.

Motorcyclists can also be negligent and contribute to causing an accident. Under Florida’s pure comparative fault theory of liability, however, these motorcyclists are not barred from taking legal actions to help with their injuries. Damages are awarded to plaintiffs based on each party’s proportion of liability.

Unfortunately, Florida motorcycle accident statistics reveal that the state has a high incidence of motorcycle accidents, and it has witnessed more fatal collisions than any other state. As a result, victims of these accidents, as well as their families, often need legal assistance in order to cope with the aftermath of such life-changing events. If you have been injured in a Florida motorcycle crash or have lost a loved one, the Miami attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon can help you determine your legal options. Call our office today at 877.499.4878 or contact us online for an appointment with a motor vehicle collision lawyer. We also represent people in cities such as Miami, West Palm Beach, and other areas of South Florida.