Florida Motorcycle Accidents Downtrend

Motorcycle crashes in Florida steadily increased over the last decade until peaking in the year 2008. That year saw 9,618 motorcycle accidents reported with 8,519 injuries. From 2008 forward, however, such crashes decreased by 22 percent in the state. This is generally attributed to new training requirements for motorcyclists implemented that year as well as the formation of the Florida Motorcycle Safety Coalition, whose focus is to reduce motorcycle injuries and deaths across the state.

Those killed in motorcycle accidents in 2000 comprised 8 percent of all traffic fatalities. This percentage increased to almost 18 percent in 2008. Motorcycle traffic fatalities then began falling after that, numbering 14 percent in 2010. One disturbing trend, per the Florida Department of Transportation has shown that while only 7 percent of registered vehicles in the state consisted of motorcycles in 2011, motorcycle riders accounted for 14.3 percent of all accident fatalities. In 2010, 37 percent of those involved in a fatal motorcycle crash were not wearing a helmet. Through the years of 2007 to 2010, 29 percent of those who died in motorcycle crashes suffered traumatic brain injury. Riders in the 45 to 54-year old age group were those most likely to be injured or killed in a Florida motorcycle crash in the last few years.

Legal Assistance for Motorcycle Accident Victims in Coral Springs, Florida

Unfortunately, motorcyclists have a much greater risk for injury and death when involved in an accident than other motorists and their passengers. Defensive driving is an absolute must for all those who take to the roads on a motorcycle. Motorcyclists should operate with the viewpoint that they are "invisible" to other drivers, as they are frequently not seen, ignored, or considered an irritation by others. Despite vigilance and alertness, however, a motorcyclist can be hurt or killed through no fault of his own. When this occurs, a personal injury claim for rightful compensation can and should be aggressively pursued.

The personal injury law firm of Weinstein & Scharf P.A. focuses on and excels in helping motorcycle and other traffic accident victims obtain the maximum legal compensation for damages and losses suffered, including both economic losses and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Find out how an experienced attorney at the firm can help you in the aftermath of an accident. Contact the firm to arrange for a free consultation about your accident and injuries today.