Motorcycle Accidents - By: Patricia Woloch

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3 million people are injured and more than 41,000 people are killed each year in motorcycle accidents. In 2000, the Florida helmet law was repealed, and wearing helmets when operating a motorcycle is no longer required by motorcyclists over the age of 21 in the state of Florida. This has obviously increased the amount of fatal motorcycle accidents in Florida. Specifically, a study conducted by the NHTSA concluded that fatal motorcycle accidents increased by 81 percent in the three years following the repeal of the helmet law.

Motorcycle accidents are more likely to be fatal and catastrophic than automobile accidents because motorcycles provide much less protection to their drivers and passengers than passenger vehicles. 75 percent of motorcycle accidents involve other vehicles and the sheer force of a passenger car striking a motorcycle results in devastating injuries to the driver of the motorcycle.

Motorcyclists are strongly encouraged to carry as much liability insurance, including both uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, as possible. Because motorcyclists are more likely to suffer traumatic, serious, and sometimes fatal injuries, extensive coverage will help to ease the costly consequences should you be involved in an accident.

Motorcycle accidents can result in a number of different injuries. The injuries caused by motorcycle accidents include the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Spinal cord injuries

• Fractures

• Broken bones

• Disfigurement

There have been many different causes of motorcycle accidents reported. These include:

• Inexperienced motorcyclists

• Vehicle blind spots. Because motorcycles are much smaller than passenger vehicles, a common cause of motorcycle accidents is the driver of a passenger vehicle failing to see the motorcycle when changing lanes.

• Speeding

• Road conditions

• Driving under the influence

• Aggressive driving

Stunt Driving

Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is stunt driving. Many motorcyclists perform stunts, weave in and out of traffic, and perform wheelies at high speeds on our roads. These cyclists are not only endangering themselves, but other motorists as well and these stunts often result in fatal or traumatic accidents. Penalties for such behavior are stiff, and can include fines of up to $3,000.00, however these laws are difficult to enforce because of the sheer speed of the motorcycles.

Motorcycle accidents are a serious problem on our roads. The fatal and traumatic accidents involving motorcycles can result in fatal, costly and life-changing injuries.

About the Author

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Jacksonville, Florida, please visit the website of Jacksonville personal injury attorneys Hardesty Tyde Green & Ashton, P.A.

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