Articles Posted in Motorcycle accidents

Cape Coral Bike Night is upon us. The next is scheduled for December 14th, Associates and Bruce L Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, proudly sponsor this year’s bike night season, helping to raise awareness about some of the most vulnerable travelers on our roadways.

“Promoting motorcycle safety and awareness is a critical step in reducing the number of these tragic accidents through the winter riding season,” said Founding Attorney Bruce L. Scheiner.

Our Cape Coral motorcycle accident lawyers are inviting you out to Cape Coral Bike Night. It will be help December 14th at 47th Terrace in Cape Coral from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Helping to educate motorists and to raise awareness about our two-wheeled travelers, can help save lives. In the state of Florida, there were more than 400 motorcyclist fatalities and more than 7,000 motorcyclist injuries in 2011. According to Ride Smart Florida, more than 90 percent of motorcyclists fatally injured in 2011 in Florida were also Florida residents. Although motorcyclists account for less than 4 percent of the motoring public, motorcyclist fatalities accounted for close to 20 percent of all accident fatalities in 2011.
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A motorcyclist from Cape Coral was killed in a recent accident after reportedly being rear-ended by another driver. According to the Cape-Coral Daily-Breeze, it happened just before 9:30 p.m. along Del Prado in Cape Coral.

Accident reports indicate that the motorcyclist was heading south on Del Prado when a Volvo slammed into the back of him while traveling at a high rate of speed. On impact, the motorcyclist was thrown from his bike and landed back on the Volvo. He died just 30 minutes later at Lee Memorial Hospital. The driver of the Volvo sustained only minor injuries, and was allegedly under the influence when the accident happened.

Our Cape Coral motorcycle accident lawyers understand that motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable parties in motor-vehicle accidents. They’ve got much less protection to keep them from injury and death than do occupants of passenger vehicles. Oftentimes, they’re overlooked and mistreated along our roadways, too. Their safety not only relies on their safe driving habits, but on ours too. We’ve got to remember that these two-wheeled motorists have the same rights to our roadways as we do and should be treated accordingly.

The Sunshine State’s sunny weather, beautiful beaches and scenic highways make it a popular place for motorcycle enthusiasts (all year long). Our state also hosts popular motorcycle rallies such as Biketoberfest and Daytona Bike Week. It’s a no-brainer then that our growing population and popularity with motorcycle enthusiasts make motorcycle safety an important issue.

Would you believe that there were close to 7,500 motorcyclist injuries in the state of Florida in 2011? During the same year, there were more than 400 motorcyclists killed in the Sunshine State.

In 2011, more motorcyclists between the ages of 25-34 were killed in motorcycle traffic accidents in the state of Florida than any other age group. This was followed by riders age 45 to 54.

To help increase roadway safety for motorcyclists, we’ve got Ride Smart Florida, a website dedicated to improving motorcycle safety throughout the state Florida. If you’re on a bike, it’s important to remember that proper training and education will expose you to the critical skills needed to enjoy a safe and exciting ride. Regardless of if you’re a veteran rider or it’s your first day on the bike, make sure you know all you can. You can never be too safe or too prepared. Enroll in a class to refresh your skills today!

We’re asking all drivers to be safe out there and to keep an eye on one another. Regardless of what kind of vehicle you’re in out there, you’ve got to be aware of your surroundings. Alert, cautious and defensive driving habits are going to help keep you safe and out of an accident.
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If you have a motorcycle, you’re better off with one that has an antilock braking system (ABS).

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), these bikes are more than 30 percent less likely to be involved in a fatal accident than a bike that doesn’t have this system.

According to the IIHS and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), there was a significant decrease in the number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities in 2008 and again in 2010, but that’s no longer the case. Our Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyersunderstand that motorcycle accidents and fatalities are on the rise. The recent findings regarding ABS have prompted the IIHS to get the government to make these systems a requirement on all motorcycles. Currently, both organizations are petitioning to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for this requirement.

“We hope NHTSA will agree that it’s time to take action to ensure all riders get the benefit of this lifesaving technology,” said the president of both the HLDI and the IIHS, Adrian Lund.

The truth of the matter is that Florida is one of the most dangerous states in the country for these kinds of accidents.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), there were close to 400 motorcyclists killed in the state of Florida in 2010. There were another 50 motorcycle passengers killed in these accidents. In addition to this, there were another 7,500 motorcyclists injured in Florida accidents. All in all, there were close to 8,500 motorcycle accidents recorded by officers throughout the year.

If you’re heading out on the open road, you’re urged to be on your best behavior. It’s important to make sure you’re aware of the motorists around you as they’re oftentimes overlooking you. Consider these safety tips for a safer ride:

-Consider enrolling in a Motorcycle Rider Safety Course to brush up on your riding skills.

-Make sure that you’re equipped with the proper motorcycle riding gear.

-Always make sure that other motorists can see you. Wear bright or retro-reflective clothing and make your maneuvers in traffic predictable. Stay out of the blind spots’ of other motorists.

-You should always be aware of the traffic laws in the areas you’re traveling. Make sure you’re always obeying them, too!

-Be especially cautious while driving at night. This is the time when we see more fatal accidents that any other time. This is also true for the weekends.

-Make sure that you’re always wearing a helmet. This is your best defense against death in the event of an accident.

-Be sure to always use your blinkers and alert other motorists of your intentions.

-Look over your motorcycle before each time you get on and go.

-Get a motorcycle endorsementon your driver license.
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A recent LeeTran busing accident left one scooter rider in the hospital. According to FOX4, the accident happened just before 5:00 a.m. on Bogart Drive by Lauren Lane in North Fort Myers.

The status of the motorized scooter has not been released.

Our Fort Myers accident lawyers understand that vulnerable riders are at some serious risks for injury and death when involved in an accident. These include cyclists, scooter riders and motorcyclists. Unfortunately, other drivers aren’t always looking out for us. It’s important that we’re driving defensively and keeping an eye on the traffic around us to help steer clear of accident risks.

The American scooter industry has surged as the economy has struggled and gas prices continue to rise. Everyone’s trying to save on the costs at the pump and scooters are the perfect way to do it. These little bikes are everywhere now, their appeal benefiting from high gas prices. In 2007, annual sales reached 131,000, revved up from less than 85,000 in 2003, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council.

Many people may not understand the difference between these moped/scooter riders and motorcyclists. While the difference is significant, the risks are all the same.

If 50 cc or less, these vehicles are not motorcycles by driver license law definition, so a motorcycle endorsement is not required. On the other hand, if you want to operate them on streets and roadways, you have to be at least 16 years old and hold at least a regular operator (Class E) or “Motorcycle Only” driver license.

Are drivers required to wear a helmet?

If you’re under the age of 21, then the answer is yes. If you’re older than 21 and you’ve got proof of Personal Injury Protection or other proof of health insurance, then you don’t have to wear a helmet by law. You have to have at least $10,000 in coverage however.

If you’re under the age of 21, then you’re required to wear a helmet that has been pre-approved by the Department of Transportation. If your scooter is 50 cc or less, 2 brake horsepower or less and is unable to go faster than 30 miles per hour on a level ground, then you are not required to wear a helmet.

Everyone who operates a motorcycle, scooter or moped is required to wear eye protection.

Regardless of what you’re using to get around town, it’s critical for you to use safe traveling habits. Only your own defensive driving skills are going to keep you safe. You can’t rely on the safe traveling habits of others to do so — especially if you’re on a scooter. The safe truth is that we’re oftentimes missed in traffic, and that’s why it’s critical that we take a stand and make sure the traffic around us recognizes our presence.
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Florida’s sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and scenic highways make it a popular place for motorcycle enthusiasts. Unfortunately, it also makes it the most dangerous states in the country for motorcycle accidents. According to NBC News, the Florida Department of Transportation recognizes May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. During this time, all motorists are reminded to safely “share the road” with motorcycles and to be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe. Motorcyclists are reminded to make themselves visible to other motorists and to ride safely.

Our Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyers understand that there were close to 450 motorcyclists killed in the state of Florida in 2011. That was more accident fatalities recorded in one year than any other state in the country, according to the latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Remember that motorcyclist struck back in March when a van reportedly pulled out in front of him on Hancock Creed Boulevard? He is still in critical condition, according to Fort Myers Beach Talk. The man sustained life threatening injuries to his head and was transported by ambulance to the hospital, according to accident reports.

Motorcyclists have very little protection in the event of a traffic accident. That’s why it’s critical that we’re taking the proper precautions to make sure they’re safe out there. They follow the same rules of the road as every other vehicle. It’s time all motorists recognize their rights and their presence.

Here are some beneficial tips to help keep our motorcyclists safe:

-Make sure you don’t buy more than you can handle. Purchase a bike that’s within your abilities.

-Make sure you’re well prepared and take a motorcycle class. Even if you’re a seasoned rider, it’s not a bad idea to freshen up your skills occasionally and to enroll in a class, too.

-Wear protective gear and a helmet. Riders without a helmet are 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury in an accident and about three times more likely to suffer brain injuries than those with helmets.

-Make sure you’re always driving defensively. In most motorcycle accidents, drivers of passenger vehicles are at fault.

-Make sure you’re well seen out there. Make sure that you’re wearing bright colors and your maneuvers in traffic are predictable.

-Avoid driving out there in poor weather.

-Ride responsibly, “Don’t Drink and Ride.”

-Make sure you’re keeping an eye out for road hazards, like potholes and debris, in addition to irresponsible drivers.

-Before each venture, make sure you take a look at your bike. Make sure that everything is working properly and that your lights are bright. Proper motorcycle maintenance can help eliminate any mishaps.

-Make sure that you’re looking out for the irresponsible driving habits of others at all times. Stay one step ahead of the traffic around you.
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Cape Coral’s Bike Night 2012- 2013 just concluded with one final attempt to get drivers to pay a little more attention to motorcyclists out there on our Southwest Florida roadways.

This has been an epic season for the event as Cape Coral’s Bike Nights have seen record attendance, according to the City of Cape Coral.

“These are great events where tens of thousands of residents find food and fun for the whole family,” said Founding Attorney Bruce L. Scheiner. “Promoting motorcycle safety and awareness is a critical step in reducing the number of these tragic accidents through the winter riding season.”

Our Cape Coral motorcycle accident lawyers understand that motorcycle accidents here in Florida pose a serious risk to our riding friends. We’re actually the second most dangerous state in the country for these kinds of accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Not only does this event help to raise awareness about these vulnerable motorists, but it helps to bring the community together, through a Slow Bike Race and through fundraising efforts for Breast Cancer.

If you caught this year’s events, you saw the hundreds of motorcycles lined along SE 47th Terrace in Cape Coral. Bikes of all shapes and sizes came together for this event, from custom choppers to classic motorcycles — everyone was there.

“The quality and diversity of bikes you see here for each Bike Night is amazing. You have to see some of them to believe it,” said Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Special Events Coordinator Todd King.

Attendees also enjoyed live music, with the headline spot taken by a Bon Jovi tribute band. We even got to see some of Cape Coral’s firefighters and police officials strap on guitars, bang the drums and slide up to the microphone. This event usually attracts more than 10,000 people, so it’s not just us who are advocating for these two-wheeled motorists.

With the last event of the season behind us, we’re already gearing up for next year. But just because this season’s events have ended, doesn’t mean that we can throw out our concern for motorcyclists. It’s important that we keep an eye out for bikers all year long. Our beautiful Florida weather allows them to enjoy our roadways year-round. Let’s do our part and practice our responsible driving habits to help ensure that they’re enjoying our roadways safely.

These motorists have the same rights to our roadways as you and I. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t recognize them as legitimate motorists. They’re oftentimes overlooked. Make sure you’re checking twice for motorcyclists before making lane changes and before making turns. That second glance can wind up saving someone’s life.
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There are going to be a lot of motorcyclists out there through the remainder of the month. Not only are we still in tourist season, but we also have Daytona Beach Bike Week.

From the 8th through the 17th, motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world will be traveling to Florida for one of the largest motorcycle events in the country. With so many motorcyclists on our roadways, you better believe that accident risks are much higher.

We have already seen too many motorcycle tragedies this winter. According to the Cape Coral Daily Breeze, an accident on Del Prado killed a Fort Myers motorcyclist last week. Reports indicate that an SUV was heading south on Del Prado when it turned left — right into the path of the oncoming motorcyclist. In the accident, both vehicles caught fire. Although the motorcyclist was wearing his helmet at the time of the accident — it wasn’t enough to save his life. This accident marked Cape Coral’s 8th traffic fatality of 2013.

Failure to yield and turning left in front of a rider is the leading cause of fatal motorcycle crashes, according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Our Cape Coral motorcycle accident attorneys are asking motorists to be a little more cautious out there. Oftentimes, motorcyclists are overlooked on our roadways. In many cases, it’s the drivers of the passenger vehicle who is at fault. Drivers need to remember that motorcyclists have the same right to our roadways as you and I do. It’s important that we treat them just like any other motorist. We need to take that extra second to actually look for their presence before making a move in traffic. Oftentimes, these small vehicles get lost in our blind spots. That’s why it’s critical that we physically turn, look and check out blind spots for motorcyclists before changing lanes or turning.

We’re asking motorcyclists to be cautious out there, too. We can’t always rely on the safe and responsible driving habits of other to keep us safe. We’ve got to take matters into our own hands.

We’re especially talking to the older motorcyclists — who are typically sustain more severe injuries in the event of an accident. According to USA TODAY, aging motorcyclists are like aging athletes: When they get hurt, they are more likely than younger enthusiasts to get seriously injured.

This is especially important when we take into account our Baby Boomers. As this group continues to age, more and more are out there on two wheels. As they reach their 50s and 60s, more are at risk. We’re seeing more older riders than ever before. The truth of the matter though is that older bikers are three times more likely to be hospitalized after an accident than younger riders. They also are about 3 times more likely to get severely injured. Unfortunately, internal injuries are alarmingly common among this age group — internal injuries to be specific.

Throughout the month of March and the remainder of the year, we’re asking motorists to travel in unison and to have some compassion for other drivers out there. With safe and defensive driving habits — we can all work to make our roadways safer.
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Two people riding on a motorcycle were injured in a recent motorcycle accident in San Carlos Park. It happened when a mattress flew off a truck and stuck them, according to Naples News.

The two motorcyclists, in their mid-50s, were heading east on Alico Road at roughly 2:00 p.m. They were driving behind a truck when the mattress, which evidently wasn’t properly secured, flew off the truck and struck the motorcycle. They lost control of the bike and both riders were thrown from the motorcycle. They were transported to Lee Memorial Hospital and treated for injuries.

Our Bonita Springs motorcycle accident lawyers understand that the two motorcyclists were wearing helmets when the crash happened. That move may have saved their lives. Although the motorcyclists are listed in serious and critical condition, they’re alive and we hope on the mend. The driver of the truck has been charged with failing to properly secure his load.

These unsafe loads are a serious problem along our roadways. As a matter of fact, officials with the AAA estimate that close to 30,000 accidents happen in the U.S. every year because of unsafe loads. Officials believe that nearly 100 people die and an untold number of others are injured.

Driving along our roadways is challenging enough. You have to be alert to other drivers swerving into your lane, cutting in front of you, running red lights or slamming on their brakes. What drivers oftentimes forget about are the loads carried by trucks. Whether a commercial carrier or a resident on a return trip from Home Depot, loose loads in the roadway can quickly create fatal accident risks.

On trucks, you oftentimes have to worry about tools and other items flying off when they’re not properly secured. You’ve also got to worry about the items that are too light and yet can still cause fatal accidents it they manage to hit your windshield.

Oftentimes, when items fall off vehicles, drivers swerve to miss the debris. When they swerve, many of them do so without thinking about the vehicles around them. When this happens, we’re all in trouble. This is how chain-reaction accidents happen. And, in fact, a motorist’s reaction to debris in the road is often a contributing factor in such crashes.

In other scenarios, we have to worry about trucks spilling liquids onto the roadway. When this happens, we have to worry about slick and slippery roadways. Toxic or hazardous chemicals my exacerbate the risks.

According to Florida Statute 316.520, a driver of a truck with an unsecured load that caused an automobile accident can be held liable along with the truck owner.

It’s important that the right parties are held responsible for these kinds of accidents. Truckers have a responsibility to keep their loads on their vehicles. Neglect can result in some serious injuries, accidents and even fatalities.
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The average number of motorcycle accidents has increased steadily over the past 20 years.

According to Consumer Reports, the rate of injury for our older riders is on the rise, too. As a matter of fact, they’re about three times more likely to be seriously injured, when compared to younger riders. This holds true even though our older riders typically get into fewer wrecks.

Riders between the ages of 20 and 39 were involved in more crashes from 2001 to 2008 than drivers 60 and older. Still, the older drivers were more likely to sustain serious injury from the accidents they were involved in. Specifically, there were more chest and head injuries among this age group and they were more likely to die because of those injuries. Older motorcyclists were also three times as likely to be admitted to a hospital after an accident than were those in their 20s and 30s.

Our Cape Coral motorcycle accident lawyers understand that motorcycling is an activity for all ages — and poses some serious threats to riders regardless of age or even experience. Recent studies illustrate that older riders are faced with physiological effects and aging characteristics, which contribute to their risks of being seriously injured in these kinds of accidents. According to the report published in Injury Prevention, “As the body ages, bone strength decreases, subcutaneous and visceral fat distribution may change…factors which may lead to more severe injuries after exposure to trauma.”

These are all factors in a motorcyclist’s risk for injuries.

Older motorcyclists face risks because of deteriorating vision, altered balance and even delayed reaction time. Pre-existing health conditions may also contribute to an accident or complicate recovery.

According to USA TODAY, hospitalization among older motorcyclists is three times more likely in the event of an accident, severe injury is about 2.5 times more likely among older motorcyclists. The most common type of injury resulting from these accidents was brain injury.

“We want to make sure that those who are riding are wearing the right protective equipment and are trained properly,” said Tracy Jackson, a leader of the study.

This is especially important in the state of Florida, where we saw the third highest number of motorcyclist fatalities in the country in 2010, only following California and Texas, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Regardless of age, it’s important that you’re careful out there. The best way to protect yourself in the event of an unfortunate accident is to make sure that you’re always wearing the proper safety equipment. Make sure you have long pants on, that you’re wearing the proper shoes, the proper eye wear and of course a helmet.
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According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), the cost of motorcycle accidents was about $16 billion in 2010. Some officials say it’s even higher than that because there are some costs that are tough to factor in, like long-term medical care.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), society bears about three-quarters of the measurable costs of traffic accidents. Our share of the costs of motorcycle accidents might be similar or even higher because the injuries are typically more serious than those involving other vehicles.

Our Cape Coral motorcycle accident lawyers understand that there are number of factors that can contribute to a motorcycle accident. One of the most common is driver inattention. Motorcycle helmet laws can help to reduce the risks of injury and even death in the event of an accident, but they don’t help to eliminate accidents. Currently, the state of Florida only requires riders under the age of 21 to wear a motorcycle helmet. There are only 19 states that have motorcycle laws on the books to keep all riders in a helmet.

Transportation officials say that there’s a lot we can do to help to keep these vulnerable riders safe. They add that we can also educate law enforcement officers about motorcycle safety in order to strengthen enforcement.

To help to keep motorcyclists safe, officials with the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) are backing the GOA. One of the main things that GHSA approves and supports is flexibility in the use of federal funds to help to raise awareness and address the safety of motorcyclists.

The NHTSA is scheduled to release a plan of motorcycle safety research efforts in 2013. Officials with GHSA are saying that they look forward to this research roadmap.

This kind of research and safety effort is critical, especially here in the state of Florida. A recent release from the NHTSA reported that the number of motorcycle accident fatalities is actually on the rise.

Florida continues to be ranked among the top states for these kinds of accidents. Motorcyclists from around the country visit South Florida all year. Florida provides nearly 365 days of beautiful weather and ideal conditions for the motorcycle enthusiast.

And, unlike in much the rest of the country, winter is riding season in South Florida.

It’s important that motorists do their job and keep an eye out for motorcyclists along our roadways. In many of these accident cases, motorcyclists are simply overlooked by drivers. We need to take that extra second and look for these drivers. They have rights to our roadways and those rights need to be respected!

Let’s do what we can in 2013 to make it a safer year.
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