Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
We wrote recently about driver liability for motorcycle collisions. Most traffic collisions involving a motorcycle and another vehicle are the fault of the vehicle’s driver. The vast majority of riders understand the risks and do whatever they can to help ensure they return home safely to their families.
But there are still a number of things riders can do to help reduce the risks of being involved in a motorcycle accident. Our Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyers have been fighting for the rights of motorcycle accidents victims and their families since 1971 and have built a reputation throughout Southwest Florida as staunch advocates of motorcycle rights, both on the roads and in the courtroom.
Motorcycle Riders Safety Tips
- Wear a helmet: Like most states, Florida has a partial helmet law but most adult riders are not required to wear a helmet. The Florida helmet law (F.S. 316.211) requires riders under the age of 21 to wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet is a choice. And an injured rider may recover compensation from an at-fault party regardless of whether a helmet is worn. However, from a safety standpoint, wearing a helmet is unquestionably the best option.
- Take a rider safety course: The Florida Rider Training Program has been required of all new riders in Florida since 2008. However, even veteran riders can benefit from a safety refresher. Taking an Advanced Rider Course can be a great way to improve safety skills and awareness while meeting other area riders.
- Bike Maintenance: Most riders have their motorcycles serviced at the start of the spring riding season. Florida’s year around riding weather can make basic motorcycle maintenance more of a hit-or-miss proposition. Depending on how much you ride, resolve to have your motorcycle professionally serviced at least once or twice a year. Don’t let maintenance issues linger.
- Learn how to crash: Crash avoidance strategies, or, if all else fails, crash mitigation strategies, can significantly reduce the likelihood of serious or fatal injuries. Advanced rider courses and other resources that teach riders how to best lay a motorcycle down at speed, or how to best separate themselves from a pending collision, can save your life.
- Plan your ride: Mapping safe routes, looking for safer alternatives, checking for road construction, and taking into consideration the weather forecast, can all reduce your road risks.
- Make friends: Statistically, you are less likely to be injured in a crash when traveling with other motorcycle riders. Making plans to ride in small groups can improve your visibility and reduce your road risks.
- Review your insurance: Most motorcycle accidents involve serious or fatal injuries. Most veteran riders are involved in a serious collision at some point in their riding careers. Take a moment to consider what those risks mean: As a motorcycle rider you are likely to be involved in a collision at some point. Make sure you carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in sufficient amounts to protect the financial well-being of you and your family in the event of as serious or fatal accident.
As veteran motorcycle accident attorneys in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, we will carefully review your case and take immediate steps to protect your rights.
If you or a loved one is injured, call Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, at 1-800-646-1210.
