Articles Posted in Motorcycle accidents

A recent motorcycle accident in Volusia County took the life of a 50-year-old Fort Myers woman, Sabra Vocaturo. She was killed when she was hit from behind by an SUV late Sunday on State Road 415, according to WESH.

Accident reports indicate that debris found at the scene of the accident revealed that the SUV that hit the Fort Myers woman was a 2011 or a 2012 Infiniti QX56 SUV. The vehicle is now missing its lower left part of the bumper cover. Officials believe that the headlight on the left side of the car may also be damaged. If you have any information regarding this hit-and-run Florida motorcycle accident, please contact the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) at 407-737-2213.

From 1993 to 1997, there were 278,078 drivers who were involved in fatal accidents in the United States, according to Unlicensed to Kill. Of these fatal accidents, 1,501 drivers left the scene of the accident and left their vehicle at the scene. Of the drivers involved in these fatal accidents, about 38,000 drivers were not properly licensed. Of those who were not properly licensed, about 15 percent of them fled the scene. There are a number of reasons as to why drivers leave the scene of an accident, including not being properly licensed, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, having immigration issues, for not being properly insured.

Daytona Beach Bike Week is quickly approaching and our Florida motorcycle accident attorneys would like to remind motorists that with this event thousands of bikers from across the country will be traveling through Florida. This year marks the 71st anniversary of the “World’s Largest Motorcycle Event” which will be held from March 9th through March 18th. Harley-Davidson Insurance is presenting this year’s event.

Activities going on at this year’s Bike Week include motorcycle stunt shows, vendors, food, bike safety events and manufacturer displays. Riverfront Park will also be displaying performances from live bands and will again host the Official Bike Week Headquarters. There will also be a Bike Week Treasure Hunt, a Bike Week Community Appreciation Parade and a Harley Davidson Custom & Classic Motorcycle Ride-In Show Presented by America Iron Magazine.

Yes, motorcyclists will be out in force on our roadways during the Daytona Beach Bike Week, but this event is used to help raise awareness about the motorcycle traffic we see on our roadways year round. Florida has some of the most beautiful weather in the country and it attracts riders from across the nation year round.

For these reasons, it’s no surprise that Florida is one of the most dangerous states in the nation for motorcycle accidents. As a matter of fact, Florida ranked second as the deadliest state in the country for these accidents in 2009, only behind the state of Texas, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

We ask all travelers in the state, including truckers, car drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists, to share the roadways with one another safely and effectively. We have great weather year round and we should be able to enjoy the benefits without worrying about death and injury from irresponsible drivers on our roadways. Work together for safer travel.
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A recent motorcycle accident in Fort Myers left a Cape Coral cyclist severely injured and in the hospital. Officers with the Fort Myers Police Department responded to the accident, which involved the motorcycle and a small passenger car on Cleveland Avenue. The motorcycle was heading south when a small Toyota, heading north, attempted to make a left-hand turn and drove into the path of the biker. After the collision, the motorcyclist was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital. The driver and the passenger of the car were injured as well and also taken to the hospital, according to the North Fort Myers Neighbor. Authorities report the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet.

Our Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyers understand that motorcycling is a year-round activity here in Southwest Florida. Unfortunately, so are accidents. We’re in the heart of the winter season, and while bikers across the country have hung up their bike keys for snow shovels, riders in Florida are still cruising the open road in the beautiful Florida warmth. We are asking all motorists to be cautious of our two-wheeled friends on the road. Thousands of tourists and snowbirds are already arriving in Florida, traveling to the beaches, shopping malls and other destinations. Please be cautious and alert for the safety of all motorists on our roadways during this time.

As we recently reported, the overall traffic fatality numbers for the U.S. have shown a decrease in the last year. The new statistic also serves as the lowest number since 1949, but the truth of the matter is that during this time the number of motorcycle accident fatalities experienced a significant increase.

Motorcycle Tips from NBC2:

-Because there are so many more cars and trucks than motorcycles, many drivers don’t even recognize motorbikes as actual vehicles. Remember to treat a motorcyclist with the same courtesy as you would any other driver.

-Motorcycles may look like they’re much farther away than they actually are. This is because they appear to be so small. When looking for oncoming traffic, always assume that a motorcycle is closer than it appears.

-A lot of drivers have difficulty seeing them because of their small size as they get lost in vehicle’s blind spots easily. Make sure you take that extra second to check for a motorcycle traveling around you before making a turn, pulling out into traffic or switching lanes.

-Never tailgate a motorcycle. Many of these drivers will slow their bike down by downshifting, which doesn’t activate brake lights, instead of hitting the brakes.

-Remember that blinkers on motorcycles aren’t self-canceling like the ones are on passenger vehicles. Be aware of a motorcyclist’s intentions.

We would also like to remind riders in the area of Cape Coral Bike Night. This is an event in which the City of Cape Coral Parks and Recreation hosts a biker event to draw in motorcycle enthusiasts from the area. Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, is a proud sponsor of the event and invite you to join us at the next events:

-February 11th 2011, from 5 to 10 p.m.

-April 14th 2011, from 5 to 10 p.m.
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Motorcyclists who have bikes with antilock brakes have a better chance of avoiding a motorcycle accident in Fort Myers and elsewhere, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Institute recently released a brochure, “Motorcycle ABS: Why you want to ride with it,” to help get the word out about the safe braking system and why they’re better suited to keep you safe on our roadways. Information includes how they work, why they’re safer and how motorcyclists benefit. Tons of research has been conducted on this topic and the results are nearly unanimous: bikers with antilock braking systems are safer on our roadways.

The IIHS created this pamphlet for motorcycle retailers and advocates to pass out at motorcycle driving courses, motorcycle shops and other motorcycle venues. It’s being used to urge riders to choose the safer braking system to help save some lives on our roadways. Antilock brakes come as a standard feature on some motorcycles, but can be added on as an option on many others.

Our Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyers understand that Florida is one of the top states for motorcycle accidents in the country. Our state provides perfect riding weather year round, attracting riders from across the country. With safe driving skills, the proper protection and antilock brakes, a motorcyclist can ride safer.

“Research shows that motorcycle antilocks dramatically cut the risk of a deadly crash,” says Institute president Adrian Lund.

Braking is much more difficult on a motorcycle than in a passenger car. Most motorcycles have two different brake controls. One is used for the front tire and a separate one for the back tire. Either brake can lockup during a quick stop, which can be extremely dangerous. When the tires lockup on a passenger car, the vehicle can skid. When the tires lockup on a motorcycle, the rider can lose his or her balance and could wind up in a fatal fall.

With antilock brakes, motorcyclists can hit the brake without the fear of the tires locking up. Here’s how it works: The brakes reduce pressure when it senses that the tires are about to lockup. The pressure is increased once traction is restored. The brakes do this because they can measure the speed of the wheel. The system will only step in when it senses that the wheels are about to stop spinning. A rider should not notice any changes during normal braking situations.

Motorcycles with antilock brakes have been proven to be nearly 40 percent safer on our roadways. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, insurance claim filings have been reduced by more than 20 percent for motorcycles with the braking system.

In 2009, more than 4,000 people were killed in motorcycle accidents in the U.S. As more riders grab hold of the braking system, motorcycle advocates are hoping that this number will drop significantly.

You can send an email to publications@iihs.org to request a copy of “Motorcycle ABS: Why you want to ride with it.”
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A recent motorcycle accident Naples left a family from Southwest Florida pleading for the public’s help to find a hit-and-run driver. The accident happened on Interstate 75 near Immokalee Road and left a man paralyzed. Officials have yet to catch the motorist responsible for the accident, according to

Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Julie Jones has announced that motorcyclist and passenger deaths declined between 2009 and 2010 by 4.7 percent. This information is contained in the 2010 Florida Traffic Crash Statistics Report, released in August.

Our Fort Myers motorcycle accident attorneys point out that if you combine the number of motorcyclists killed with the number of motorcycle passengers killed, there is about a 5 percent decline. However, if you separate these numbers, motorcyclists killed dropped by almost 7 percent while motorcycle passenger deaths rose by a staggering 26 percent. Motorcycle crashes are a frequent topic on our Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, which is why the 26 percent increase in motorcycle passenger deaths is alarming.

Other motorcycle statistics in the report include: the number of crashes from 2009 to 2010 declined by almost 10 percent; motorcycle operator injuries dropped by 10 percent; and motorcycle passengers injured fell by almost 5.5 percent.

Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner Personal Injury Lawyers is once again the headline sponsor of the 2011 Cape Coral Bike Nights, in partnership with the Cape Coral Parks and Recreation. Cape’s Bike Night is a chance for motorcycle enthusiasts to join together and celebrate their common interests while eating great food, enjoying local bands and meeting other riders. The first of this year’s events will take place on October 1st from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on SE 47th Terrace in Cape Coral. We invite all Southwest Florida residents to come out and enjoy the festivities.

Other dates are Dec. 10, Feb. 11 and April 14.

Florida is fortunate enough to experience top notch motorcycle riding weather all year long. Unfortunately, with more riding time the number of motorcycle accidents in Fort Myers and elsewhere in the state are also among the highest in the nation.

Recently, a 57-year-old woman motorcycle passenger was killed on U.S. 41 by the Coconut Point Mall entrance when a vehicle hit the bike. The accident happened at about 8:30 p.m. The 40-year-old male driver of the motorcycle was taken to the hospital and was treated for injuries. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is currently investigating that accident, according to the Lehigh Acres Citizen.

According to the Florida Department of Transportation, there were nearly 400 motorcycle fatalities in the state of Florida in 2009. Our state also witnessed nearly 7,500 injuries sustained by motorcyclists in the 8,313 accidents that involved a motorcycle during the year.

Here are the age groups and the number of accidents experienced by each. Some motorcycle riders face a greater risk of being injured than others:

-Under the age of 21: 977 accidents.

-21- to 24-years-old: 831 accidents.

-25- to 34-years-old: 1,427 accidents.

-35- to 44-years-old: 1,375 accidents.

-45- to 54-years-old: 1,667 accidents.

-55- to 64-years-old: 963 accidents.

-65- to 74-years-old: 322 accidents.

-75- to 84-years-old: 46 accidents.

-85- to 89-years-old: 1 accident.

-90 and older: 1 accident.

-Unknown: 125 accidents.

The median age of motorcycle rider deaths in 2009 was 42-years-old. Nearly 95 percent of those who were killed in motorcycle accidents in Florida during the year were residents of the state. Although the number of licensed motorcyclists on Florida roadways accounted for 6 percent of all licensed drivers, their fatalities accounted for more than 15 percent of all of the traffic accident fatalities.

Motorists are asked to keep an eye out for motorcyclists on our roadways year round. These two-wheeled travelers are much more vulnerable to injury and death in the event of a traffic accident than passenger-vehicle occupants.

We would like to invite you to come out to the 2011 Cape Coral Bike Night and enjoy some local food and entertainment and to show support for our local motorcyclists. See you there!
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