Articles Posted in Motorcycle accidents

The number of motorcyclist fatalities is on the rise.

According to the most recent statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), were more than 450 riders who were killed in 2011. That compares to 385 killed in 2010.

According to the Sun Sentinel, this is the first year of motorcyclist fatality increases we’ve seen in recent years, three previous years of declines.

However, our Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyers know Florida is one of the most dangerous state in the nation for motorcycle accidents. A notable trend is the increase in these kinds of accidents among middle-aged and older riders. This can often have a devastating impact on a family’s finances.

According to the most recent statistics, the number of motorcycle riders who died in traffic accidents increased nearly 20 percent in 2011.

In recent years, it was the younger riders who made up the largest group of these motorists, but that trend is slowly shifting.

“Riding motorcycles has become a major hobby for retired Baby Boomers,” said Chanyoung Lee with the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research.

When looking deeper into these statistics, you can see that an increasing number of bikers over the age of 44 are dying in these kinds of accidents. At the same time, there’s been a decrease in the number of fatalities among the younger riders.

From 2005 to 2007, the number of bikers between the ages of 45 and 54 made up less than 18 percent of all motorcyclist fatalities. From 2009 to 2011, this same age group accounted for about 20 percent of these fatalities.

Motorcyclists between the ages of 55 and 64 represented about 10.5 percent of the motorcyclist fatalities from 2005 to 2007. From 2009 to 2011, they accounted for close to 20 percent.

At the same time, riders between the ages of 25 and 34 saw their proportion of fatalities drop from about 23 percent in 2005 to 2007 to about 21.5 percent from 2009 to 2011.

Motorcyclists from the ages of 35 to 44 went from less than 20.5 percent to about 16 percent.

Lee believed that the shift is partly because those who used to ride when they were younger are hoping back on two wheels once again and their skills aren’t as sharp. He urged all bikers to enroll in a motorcycle refresher course to help to maintain safety on two wheels.

You may not fall into the group with the highest risks, but we’re urging you to be safe out there. We’re asking all motorcyclists to be safe and extremely cautious of other drivers. It’s important for everyone to remember that these two-wheeled motorists are some of the most vulnerable travelers out there and are more likely to be seriously injured, if not killed, in the event of an accident with a passenger car.
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A recent motorcycle accident at the intersection of Summerlin and Royal Palm illustrates the winter riding risks many of us face in coming months. One of the men who ran out to the scene of the accident is now calling on residents of the area to pay more attention to these two-wheeled motorists. According to FOX 4 News, Dr. Michael Driekorn was right there when the accident happened. He was behind the vehicle that slammed into the motorcycle. He was the first to call 9-1-1 for help.

“It was like here we go again,” said Dreikorn.

Our Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyers understand that these riders are some of the most vulnerable. Not only are they provided with much less protection in the event of an accident, but they’re also commonly overlooked by motorists. It’s important that riders make themselves as visible as possible and it’s important that drivers of passenger vehicles and other large vehicles take the extra second to look for our motorcycle friends. We all have the same rights to the road and we need to work together to make sure safety remains a common priority.

According to the Sales Director for Harley Davidson in Fort Myers, Ralph Galietti, motorcyclists are facing more and more dangers on our roadways as technology advances. He says there are drivers who are Tweeting, Facebooking, emailing and everything else behind the wheel — they’re not concentrating on driving. One of the best moves that we can make as a state is to enact a law that curbs distracted driving, or using a cell phone or text messaging behind the wheel.

Take New York for example. If you’re texting or talking on a phone while driving there you can wind up with a fine of $250! Florida is one of the only states left that has yet to enact any of these laws. Until we get some of these rules on the books, Galietti says, we’re going to continue seeing these kinds of careless accidents.

Galietti is asking snowbirds and resident drivers to please pay attention to all motorists on our roadways.

According to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), there were close to 400 motorcyclists killed in traffic accidents in 2010 in the state of Florida. There were another 7,000 motorcyclists injured in these accidents. Many of these accidents, injuries and fatalities could have been prevented if drivers paid a little more attention behind the wheel.

As we enter the holiday travel season, we’re asking all drivers to be safe. We’re asking you to be a courteous driver and to keep an eye out for all motorists. We all need to work together toward the goal of safer roadways. Remember that motorcyclists have a right to be there too – and we need to recognize their presence. Keep an eye out for these vulnerable motorists, especially when making turns and lane maneuvers in traffic. That extra look can save a life.
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Riders up north are getting a few last rides in before putting the motorcycles away for the winter months. But here in Florida, motorcyclists are gearing up for the beginning of a long riding season.

The motorcycle accident attorneys at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, have spent more than 40 years fighting for the rights of motorcycle riders and their families. For nearly a decade, we’ve sponsored Cape Coral Bike Night. This year, we are once again the headline sponsor of Southwest Florida’s largest family friendly motorcycle event.

“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.”

This year’s Bike Nights will occur Oct. 6, Dec. 8, Feb. 9, and April 13 on 47th Terrace in Cape Coral from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Florida continues to be among the deadliest states in the nation for motorcycle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2010, a total of 365 riders lost their lives in Florida motorcycle accidents. Only Texas recorded more deaths with 383. Nationwide, nearly 5,000 riders are killed each year and nearly 100,000 are seriously injured.

Make no mistake about it – most motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle are the fault of the vehicle driver. The most common cause is failure to yield when making a left hand turn into the path of an oncoming rider.

Unfortunately, there is not much a rider can do about other drivers. Fortunately, there are things every rider can do to help stay safe on the road. Organizations like the Florida Safety Council offer basic rider safety courses, which are required for new riders seeking a motorcycle license through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Fort Myers Harley Davidson also offers rider training.

Other rider safety tips:

-Consider taking an intermediate or advanced ridership course. These investments in safety training pay big dividends.

-Keep your motorcycle properly maintained. Up north, that typically means a trip to the service station at the start of spring riding season. Don’t let Florida’s year-around riding weather put proper motorcycle maintenance on the back burner. Get your bike serviced and keep it in good riding condition.

-Pay particular attention to tire wear and tire pressure.

-Make sure motorists understand your intentions. Try to make eye contact with a driver before proceeding.

-When in doubt, wait. While riders have the same rights to the road as the driver of a passenger vehicle, they unfortunately are not afforded the same protection in the event of an accident. This typically means the driver of a car walks away, while a motorcycle rider, at best, makes a trip to the hospital with serious injuries. A driver’s failure to yield is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles. Expecting it can help keep you safe.

-Watch your speed. An increase in speed increases the likelihood of serious or fatal injuries in the event of an accident. Motorists already have trouble judging a rider’s distance because of a motorcycle’s small size. Don’t exacerbate the issue by speeding.

-Wear proper protective equipment. Eye protection, long pants and sensible footwear are essential gear for the serious rider. Florida law does not require adult riders to wear a helmet. While doing so is personal preference, having a helmet on can significantly reduce the risks of head injuries in the event of an accident.

-Buy motorcycle insurance with the highest policy limits you can afford. Typically, such insurance will cost $100 a month or less. Frequently, a rider can significantly increase policy limits for a modest increase in premiums. Having this insurance will bring peace of mind to you and your family in the event of an accident.

Stay safe and Ride!
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A recent accident in Fort Myers took the life of a motorcyclist. According to The News-Press, the accident happened on Fowler Street when the motorcyclist ran into a van after it reportedly turned in front of him. The accident happened just after 12:00 p.m. Officers with the Fort Myers Police Department responded to the accident, at Market and Flower Streets, and pronounced the motorcyclists dead at the scene. Officers are saying the driver of the van is at fault. He will be cited for failing to yield to the right of way.

And that is the number one cause of motorcycle v. vehicle accidents — In far too many cases the motorist fails to yield the right of way. In the vast majority of those cases, a motorist turns left into the path of an oncoming rider.

Our Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyers urge motorists to be more aware. A motorcycle’s small size make speed and distance difficult to judge. Frequently a bike is closer and moving faster than it appears. Showing a little patience and waiting to make your turn can prevent an accident.

These motorists are at some seriously high risks for traffic accidents. What’s even worse is that they’re at higher risks for serious injury and even death in the event of a collision. Even with a helmet, these riders are vulnerable to the impact from another car, from the pavement and even from property. Drivers are asked to be safe and alert on our roadways to help to keep these vulnerable travelers safe.

In 2010, there were more than 235,000 traffic accidents in the state of Florida, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). In these accidents, there were nearly 2,500 people killed in just one year. Another 195,000 people were injured.

Of these fatalities and injuries, nearly 400 fatalities were motorcyclists and another 50 were motorcycle passengers. There was a near 30 percent increase in the number of motorcycle passengers who were killed from 2009 to 2010. In addition to all of these fatalities, there were another 9,000 motorcyclists injured in 2010.

Florida continues to be ranked as one of the top states for these kinds of accidents.

To help to keep our riders safe, we’re asking all drivers to be on the lookout for our two-wheeled friends. Riders are often overlooked on our roadways. We just all need to take that extra second to check for any motorcycles. This is especially important when you’re changing lanes, when you’re making a turn or when you’re reversing. These riders can easily get lost in your blind spots, too. Make sure that you physically turn your head to check your blind spots before making a move. They may have smaller vehicles and less wheels than most of us but they’re still entitled to the same rights on our roadways, that includes the right to an entire lane.

Never try to share a lane with a motorcyclist.
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In 2011, the number of motorcycle accidents in Fort Myers and elsewhere remained the same as the previous year while the overall number of motor vehicle accidents took a steep decline nationwide.

The nation experienced fewer fatal accidents than at anytime since 1949. Yet motorcyclists were some of the only ones who didn’t get to see any safety improvements on our roadways. This is especially true in the state of Florida where we see some of the highest risks and numbers of fatal motorcycle accidents.

According to a recent report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), there were more than 4,500 fatal motorcycle accidents in each of 2010 and 2011. This occurred despite the fact that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported a decrease of more than 1.5 percent in the number of overall traffic fatalities. As a matter of fact, the number of fatal motorcycle accidents actually increased in 27 states, according to Insurance Journal.

Our Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyers understand that a good number of these fatal motorcycle accidents occurred in the state of Florida. As a matter of fact, we produce some of the highest numbers year after year. The spike in motorcycle accidents in 2010 and 2011 worries officials because it comes on the heals of a decade of increases.

The jump from 2010 to 2011 surprised many and now safety experts are looking to pinpoint the cause. They’ve come up with a couple of theories.

Possible Reasons for the Increase:

-Improving Economy: With more cash flow, residents are feeling more comfortable going out and purchasing that motorcycle they’ve had their eye on.

-Prices at the Pump: With gas prices relatively high over recent months, experts believe that Floridians just wanted a cheaper way to get around. What gets better gas mileage than a motorcycle?

-Weak Helmet Laws: Experts think that the lack of helmet laws in states across the country may have had more riders out on our roadways without a helmet and therefor at higher risks for death in the event of an accident. Officials say that helmets are one of the most effective ways to help keep riders safe. Right now, only 19 states required bikers to wear helmets. That’s down from 26 states in 1997.

“It is disappointing that we are not making progress in motorcycle safety, particularly as fatalities involving other motorists continue to decline,” said Troy Costales, chairman with GHSA.

As we head into the summer driving season, motorists are asked to be on the lookout for motorcyclists on our roadways. Accidents with these drivers are typically the result of being overlooked in traffic. Be sure to keep a watchful eye out for these vulnerable motorists.
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As our Fort Myers accident lawyers recently discussed, the entire month of May is used to raise awareness about motorcyclists on our roadways. It’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). During this time, drivers are asked to be more cautious. Up north, riders are getting their bikes out for the spring and summer. In Florida, riding weather is year around but riders are gearing up for the summer riding season.

During this time of the year, motorcycle accidents are much more common on roadways nationwide.

In Lee County, local police officers had to respond to two Fort Myers motorcycle accidents in the same night, according to WINK NEWS.

The first of the accidents happened on Blount Street when a motorcyclist was struck by a car. The second of the accidents happened on Martin Luther King and Fowler Street when a pickup truck stopped for passing first responders who were responding to an accident. As the pickup truck stopped, a motorcycle slammed into the back of it. That biker was transported to a local hospital.

Florida Motorcycle Accident Statistics, 2009:

-There were more than 8,310 motorcycle accidents.

-There were nearly 7,440 motorcycle rider injuries.

-There were nearly 400 motorcycle rider fatalities.

-Motorcycle accidents accounted for more than 15 percent of all traffic-related fatalities even though they only accounted for about 6 percent of the motoring public.

-Drivers between the ages of 45- and 54-years-old were involved in the most accidents.

-The median age of riders who were killed in 2009 was 42-years-old.

-Nearly 95 percent of the motorcyclists who were killed in accidents in 2009 were Florida residents.

-Lee County was one of the top counties that accounted for the most motorcycle fatalities.

-Nearly 50 percent of motorcyclists weren’t wearing a helmet when a fatal accident happened.

-About a quarter of all motorcycle accidents involve a motorcyclist falling off of the motorcycle, hitting another object, overturning or running off of the road.

-More than 30 percent of motorcycle accidents happen between March and May.

-Nearly 45 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents occur during the weekend.

-About a third of all motorcyclist fatalities result from a traumatic brain injury.

-The total costs for hospital charges for motorcyclist injuries in 2009 was nearly $400,000,000.

-The average hospital charge for one of these injuries was nearly $3,000.

Motorcyclists face some serious risks for injury and death in the event of an auto accident. As a matter of fact, these riders are injured roughly 80 percent of the time while occupants of passenger vehicles are injured about 20 percent of the time.
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Motorcyclists face some of the highest risks for fatal accidents in Fort Myers and elsewhere. Recent statistics reveal that more and more drivers over the age of 45 are riding. Still, riders of all ages are at serious risks for accidents.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), nearly 45 percent of motorcycle driver who were killed in 2010 accidents were over the age of 44. To help to minimize the risks of these accidents, Governor Rick Scott has declared the month of May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, according to ABC27.

“Motorcycle riding is an activity that can be enjoyable for a lifetime, and all riders should get endorsed and take steps to ride safely,” said Julie L. Jones, DHSMV Executive Director.

Our Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyers understand that motorcycle drivers in the state of Florida are required to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license before they can operate a bike on the road. To get this endorsement, drivers are required to complete a basic rider training course through the Florida Rider Trainer Program. Still, with all of this training and education, far too many motorcycles are involved in fatal accidents on our roadways. Florida is one of the most dangerous states in the country for these kinds of accidents. The beautiful year-round weather we’re blessed with provides a prime opportunity for motorcyclists to hit our roads at any time they want. The more riders, the higher the risks are for accidents.

State Laws for Motorcycle Drivers:

-Drivers under the age of 21 who are not covered by at least $10,000 in medical benefits through their insurance policy are required to wear a helmet while driving.

-Drivers are required to wear eye protection. The windshield on the bike is not considered eye protection.

-All bikes must have foot pegs for passengers.

Additional Safety Measures for Riders:

-Drivers are urged to wear adequate footwear. Protective shoes offer support to the ankle and helps to give drivers a good grip on the surface of the road.

-Wear gloves to keep hands well protected.

-Jackets and pants are a must when providing protection against abrasions, dehydration, windburn and sunburn.

In 2009, there were more than 8,300 motorcycle accidents in the state of Florida. In these accidents, more than 7,430 motorcyclists were injured, according to Ride Smart Florida. In addition to those injuries, there were nearly 400 motorcyclists who were killed in traffic accidents during that same year. Of these people who were killed in these accidents, nearly 95 percent of them were Florida residents.

Drivers are asked to be cautious of one another when traveling along our roadways. Safe driving habits may be the one and only way to help keep our roads safe for all travelers. Take the vow to fight for road safety!
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The Fort Myers motorcycle accident attorneys at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, are taking a comprehensive look at motorcycle safety as we head into the the heart of Spring Break and the summer riding season.

We’d like to discuss some of the previous years’ statistics and trends to help motorists get an idea of the scope of the issue. Awareness is one of the first steps toward correcting a very dangerous situation.

According to Ride Smart Florida, there were nearly 8,315 motorcycle crashes in the state of Florida in 2009. Every year, from 1997 to 2008, our state saw an increase in the number of motorcycle accidents, fatalities and injuries in Fort Myers and elsewhere.

As our state’s population continues to grow and more and more people make the Sunshine State their vacation destination, motorcycle enthusiasts continue to push motorcycle safety as a top issue, and rightfully so. Every year, far too many motorcyclists are killed in our state. Florida is one of the most dangerous states in the country for these kinds of accidents, year after year.

From 2008 to 2009 there was a near 14 percent reduction in the number of motorcycle accidents and a near 13 percent reduction in the number of motorcycle injuries. While some may see that reduction as a hopeful start, safe driving advocates know that it’s no time to relax. Right now, were in the middle of Spring Break, we just completed Daytona Beach Bike Week 2012 and we still have prime motorcycling riding weather. All of that means that there are still bikes navigating our roadways in large numbers. In groups both large and small. More bikes equates to higher accident risks.

Some aren’t even crediting anyone’s driving skills to the recent, and quick, reduction. Some are saying that the implementation of Florida’s Motorcycle Safety Coalition and the new rider training requirements that were put into place back in 2008, have helped contribute to the decrease. Doubts are expressed across the board about a continuation of this downward trend.

So who’s at risk? It’s obvious that motorcyclists are at higher risks for injuries and fatalities in the event of a motor vehicle accident. But do you know who is more likely to be involved in a serious wreck? According to statistics, motorcyclists between the age of 45- and 54 years-old were involved in the most motorcycle accidents in 2009 — more than any other age group of riders. Coming in at number two was the 25- to 34-years-old age group. The median off all of the riders who were killed in 2009 motorcycle accidents was 42-years-old.

Although thousands and thousands of motorcyclists flock to the state of Florida, nearly 95 percent of motorcyclists who were killed in the state in 2009 were in fact residents.

Alcohol has been proven to be an increasingly common factor in a lot of motorcycle accidents. In 2005 less than 30 percent of motorcycle accidents involved alcohol. In 2008, there was less than 20 percent. In 2009, more than 40 percent of motorcycle accidents involved alcohol.
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Our Sebring motorcycle accident attorneys have been talking about the risks associated with summer riding in Florida.

Did you know that most motorcycle accidents happen in the month of March, April and May? This is because that’s in the middle of Spring Break and the summer riding season. We’re in the middle of Spring Break and that summer riding season is right around the corner. Although we have a large amount of riders in the state throughout the year, these two riding periods are extremely dangerous on our roadways and we want to talk about the risks before it’s too late.

Let’s continue on in this discussion.

According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, about a third of motorcycle fatalities involved a drunk motorcyclist in 2008. Alcohol-impaired motorcyclists accounted for more than 40 percent of motorcycle accidents in Sebring and elsewhere. This wasn’t just a problem in Florida during this time. Fatal motorcycle accidents involving alcohol throughout the nation in 2008 saw an increase as well.

Motorcycle riders are at higher risks for death in the event of an accident than the occupants of passenger vehicles and trucks. Nearly 30 percent of the traffic accident fatalities in which alcohol was a factor 2009 were of motorcyclists. Less than 25 percent were the occupants of passenger cars. Less than 25 percent were of light trucks and the last 2 percent were for large trucks.

As we said, most motorcycle accidents happen during the months of March, April and May. There are also specific days of the week and times of the day that these accidents are more likely to happen. As a matter of fact, nearly 45 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents happen on weekends.

In 2009, the median for hospital charges resulting from acute care hospital for a nonfatal motorcycle accident totaled nearly $54,000. Emergency rooms were costly, too.

Believe it or not, nearly half of all hospitalizations and E.R. visits are not covered by commercial insurance. Roughly 30 percent of these bills were paid directly by the victim’s personal funds or were paid by their personal insurance.

As you know, motorcycle accidents can be some of the most devastating and catastrophic crashes we see on our roadways. Injuries are oftentimes severe, if not deadly. From 2007 to 2009, nearly a third of all motorcyclist deaths were the result of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). About 35 percent resulted in injuries to multiple body regions, about 30 percent resulted in injuries to unspecified body regions and less than 10 percent resulted with injuries to the thorax.
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As we recently reported on our Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, Daytona Beach Bike Week 2012 is taking place this month. During this time, we can expect thousands of motorcyclists to be on roadways across the state, requiring heightened awareness from motorists of all kinds.

One of the most important aspects of this year’s event is the Bike Week Appreciation Parade. This year’s parade is being presented by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. What’s so important about this year’s parade is that it’s back after seven years! Before being stopped years ago, the parade was an iconic event of Bike Week. Officials put a stop to it back in 2005 because the Daytona 200 event was moved from a Sunday to a Saturday. At the time, local officials didn’t feel like they were equipped to help move the nearly 10,000 participants from the Ocean Center to the Daytona International Speedway.

Our Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyers are pleased to announce the return of this event. This year, Bob Coleman, the Task Force Chairman of the Bike Week Festival, said he couldn’t be happier! He sees the event as a way to help thank the community and thank the participants of this huge event and to help raise awareness of motorcyclists on our Florida roadways. He says that it only makes sense that Harley-Davidson is the sponsor of this year’s Bike Week and of this year’s parade considering they’ve been with the event since the beginning.

Since the event was canceled in 2005, officials in Daytona Beach have worked to provide the resources needed to handle such a large event. Since 2005, tens of thousands of Bike Week fans have lined the route every year asking for the parade to return. Earlier in the year, officials with the Speedway, with the City and with the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce met to go over all the aspects of the event to make sure that everything’s covered and that everything will run smoothly.

The parade is more than 5 miles long and motorcyclists from around the country are expected to join. Along the route, residents from the area will be gathering to show their appreciation and pride for the World’s Largest Motorcycle Event.

Participating in the parade is free, but riders are able to enter the Budweiser Party Porch at the end of the parade for only $20. At the Speedway, riders will be able to enjoy ice cold beer while catching excellent views of the Daytona 200.
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