Yes, read that again – “Florida Has the Right Rate of Motorcycle Fatalities in the Nation”. This is a very. It’s a very unnerving fact to think about, especially if you’re an avid motorcycle rider and live in or frequently travel to the Sunshine State. Florida, with the nation’s second-highest number of registered motorcycles, had the highest number of motorcycle fatalities in 2016. Cities along the Gulf Coast are particularly accident-prone as many of the state’s bikes are concentrated here.
The odds of coming out of a crash without a scratch are against you when you ride a motorcycle. Collisions that do not result in a fatality still often cause serious or irreversible injuries that can alter a rider’s life forever. Victims and their families frequently struggle to return to a “normal” quality of life after an accident. Many suffer emotionally and experience financial hardships as their medical bills never seem to end.
If you or someone you know finds himself in this situation, reach out to a compassionate motorcycle accident lawyer. Frank P. Marsalisi of Marsalisi Law is St. Petersburg’s “Top 3 Personal Injury Lawyer” and dedicates the majority of his time to fighting for motorcycle accident victims.
Factors that Contribute to Motorcycle Crashes in Florida
Near the Florida Gulf Coast, accidents can happen for many reasons. Some of the most common factors that increase the likelihood of a motorcycle crash include:
- Poor weather conditions;
- Road construction;
- Inexperienced drivers;
- Drivers with diminished skill due to age or other factors;
- Speeding drivers or riders;
- Intoxicated drivers or riders;
- Tourists unfamiliar with the roads;
- Texting while driving;
- Lane splitting.
Additionally, riders who don’t wear helmets increase their likelihood of dying in a crash. Florida has no law requiring riders to wear helmets. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 586 people died from a motorcycle accident or related injury in 2016. Among those victims, 288 of the deceased wore a helmet while 283 did not.
Many fatal crashes also involved an elevated BAC or Blood Alcohol Concentration, making alcohol a significant factor in deadly crashes. Of 555 Florida motorcyclists killed in alcohol-related collisions, 34% had a BAC of more than 0.01; 28% had a BAC of more than 0.08, and 16% had an elevated BAC of 0.15 or higher.
Where do most fatal motorcycle accidents happen in Florida?
If you live in Pinellas County, you’re in the state’s fifth-most fatal county for motorcyclists, with 27 fatal crashes occurring in 2015. Pinellas is in the top 5 of 67 counties, behind Miami-Dade (67 deaths), Hillsborough (48 deaths), Broward (42 deaths), and Palm Beach (34 deaths) counties.
Most accidents in Tampa Bay occur in densely populated cities like St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and the Beaches. Often, motorcyclists get hit by drivers who act negligently or carelessly behind the wheel. Drivers and motorcyclists who pay attention to the road and their surroundings at all times can help prevent tragic crashes.
Seeking Compensation After an Injury Crash in St. Petersburg
When a car-on-motorcycle accident cannot be avoided, the person who suffers the most is typically the motorcycle rider. Motorcycles, by design, have few built-in safety measures and are several times lighter than vehicles. Two-wheeled vehicles are easy to throw off-balance, and even a slight tap can launch a motorcycle rider off his or her bike.
Motorcycle injuries are often severe and typically require long periods of recovery in a hospital, frequent medical appointments, occupational therapy, and more. These bills add up quickly. You should not be responsible for these medical bills and lost wages due to someone else’s negligence. Most times, you will need to hire a lawyer to protect your rigths and seek reimbursement for these medical expenses and any pain and suffering due to a motorcycle accident.
Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi is one of the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 40 Attorneys Under 40. He has extensive experience handling motorcycle accident claims with a high rate of success and will go to court to litigate your case if necessary. Frank P. Marsalisi cares about each client and will visit you in wherever needed to discuss your case. You can trust him to provide personal attention and keep you updated on the status of your case throughout the entire process.
Do not allow the at fault person or their insurance company to interfere with you getting the compensation needed. Your suffering should never be devalued. Our law firm will help make sure this does not happen. We will not be paid unless we win your case. Therefore, there is no risk involved. Call (727) 800-5052 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
