What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get in Accidents in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

If you are a motorcycle rider, you may be wondering what percentage of motorcycle riders get in accidents in Fort Lauderdale, FL. According to estimates from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, approximately nine percent of motorcycle drivers will be involved in some type of accident over the course of their riding career.

Florida has an estimated 1,300,000 registered motorcycles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Florida ranked number one in the nation for motorcycle deaths for the third year in a row. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported there were 777 motorcycle crashes in Broward County in 2023. Injuries were sustained in 623 of the accidents, and 32 involved a fatality.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you can find compassionate legal support from the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez. Motorcycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale are common occurrences, and the attorneys on staff have extensive experience handling the complex aspects of personal injury cases.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

In Fort Lauderdale, you may find yourself sharing the road with thousands of bikers. There are several things other motorists can do to make the road safer for motorcycle drivers. These include:

• Double-checking traffic intersections before pulling out
• Checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Showing the same respect to motorcycle drivers as to other vehicles
• Leaving a safe distance of three to four seconds between themselves and motorcycles
• Giving the motorcycle a full lane when passing
• Avoiding distracted driving
• Yielding the right-of-way to motorcyclists

Motorcycle crashes can happen in an instant, especially in high-traffic areas of Fort Lauderdale. Staying alert, following traffic laws, and wearing protective gear can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury.

Does Florida Have Motorcycle Helmet Laws?

In Florida, a motorcycle driver or rider is required to wear an eye-protective device and headgear that complies with Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Standard 218. Starting in 2000, Florida law has allowed motorcyclists over the age of 21 to ride without wearing a helmet if they have an insurance policy that covers at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries sustained during a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle.

Anyone under 16 is required to wear a helmet. If the driver is 16 or older and operating a motorcycle that does not exceed 30 miles per hour on level ground, is rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower, and is powered by a motor with a displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less, the helmet law is not applicable.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you should immediately be examined by a medical professional. Often, motorcycle accidents result in spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and internal trauma. Accessing treatment quickly may help preserve your health, and it will also document your injuries if you decide to pursue a claim.

If it is safe and you are physically able, you should take photos of the road conditions, other vehicles involved, and your injuries. You should also get the contact information from all other drivers and witnesses to the accident. You should file a police report. An officer on the scene may be able to provide insight into the cause of the accident or what factors contributed to the accident.

You should schedule a consultation with an attorney experienced in motorcycle accident cases. Injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident are often severe, and claims can be complex. Leave these conversations to your Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorney. Another thing to avoid is discussing or posting about the accident on social media sites. This information could potentially be used against you in legal proceedings.

FAQs

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Florida?

Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are very common in Florida. Recent data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shows that there were 9,447 motorcycle crashes statewide in 2024, resulting in 585 fatalities. There were 777 motorcycles in Broward County, and there were 32 fatalities. The Broward Sheriff’s Office, located at 2601 West Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312, was responsible for investigating 36% of these incidents.

What Are the Odds of Getting in a Motorcycle Accident?

While the odds of getting in an accident are no different, motorcycle riders are less protected on the road and face greater exposure to danger. With the increased use of smartphones and distracted driving, motorcycle fatalities have increased over the last ten years. Motorcycle riders have a 28% greater chance of dying in an accident than someone in a passenger car. The risk of injury is four times greater.

Where Do 70% of Motorcycle Accidents Occur?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 70% of motorcycle accidents occur at an intersection. Intersections are nearly impossible to avoid and present multiple dangers for motorcycle riders. Common issues at intersections include a driver making a left turn in front of them, resulting in a collision. Another issue is blind spots that can be created by trees, larger vehicles, and parked cars. Other factors may include speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and unsafe lane changing.

What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get in a Crash?

Motorcycles account for only three percent of all registered vehicles, but accounted for 3.4% of all traffic injuries and 15.5% of fatalities in 2023. Data from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation estimates that 1 out of every 11 motorcycle drivers will be involved in some type of accident over the course of their riding career. There are certain factors that can influence a motorcycle accident, including the experience of the driver, driving impaired, weather and road conditions, and speeding.

Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you are struggling to understand your rights following a motorcycle accident where you were injured, the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez can assist. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney from our office can offer support and options. Contact the office to schedule an initial consultation to find out how you can pursue fair compensation for your damages.

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