Motorcycle Accidents

Injury Characteristics of a Motorcycle Crash

When motorcyclists are struck by other vehicles, forced off the road, or forced to take evasive action that results in a crash, the motorcyclist is usually the only part injured. Motorcyclists of course do not have the protection that an enclosed vehicle has, which is why the vulnerability of motorcyclists generally make them safer road users than drivers. This makes it all the more unfair when a collision occurs. According to a study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 52 percent of motorcycle crashes that involve an injury are mild in severity, 28 percent are moderate, and 20 percent are severe. Even a moderate injury likely entails heavy road rash and whiplash. A moderate injury may be multiple broken bones, whiplash, a traumatic brain injury, and heavy road rash. A severe injury is life threatening, and may involve a serious traumatic brain injury, spinal damage, amputation, and disability. Other common injuries that motorcyclists often face include:

• Fractured ribs
• Thoracic spine injuries
• Internal organ injuries
• Burns
• Lacerations from glass, metal, and road infrastructure
• Deep contusions
• Facial damage, particularly to the teeth, mouth, and cheek bones
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Compound fractures

What makes motorcycle collisions so dangerous for the rider is the fact that they are making forceful contact with multiple objects all in one crash. A rider may make contact with the car that hit them, the pavement while sliding or tumbling at high speed, and another vehicle or fixed object before finally coming to rest. Fixed objects in particular are extremely dangerous, such as roadside ditches, curbs, signs, trees, buildings, and other metal and cement objects on the side of the road or sidewalk. As such, even if the initial contact with the vehicle was minor, such as a “brush” with the side of a pickup truck, the resulting damage can be severe nonetheless.

Florida Motorcycle Facts and Statistics

Motorcycle riders are categorized as “vulnerable road users” along with pedestrians and bicyclists in the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 2016 Traffic Crash Facts. This report shows 10,331 motorcycle accidents in Florida in 2016, resulting in 8,256 injuries and 515 fatalities. That means that a motorcycle accident ended in injury or death to a rider in 85% of the crashes. Compare this figure to total motor vehicle accidents, which resulted in injury or death only 43% of the time.

Motorcycle riders are simply much more vulnerable and prone to serious injury or death than occupants of a passenger vehicle. Passenger cars are made safer every year, yet motorcyclists still remain nearly fully exposed to serious injury in a collision. Although cars are continually made safer for their occupants, the rate of car accidents has actually increased in recent years, which many traffic safety experts attribute to increased cell phone use and distracted driving. Distracted driving takes the highest toll on bicyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists, as they are less visible and more easily missed by a distracted driver.

In addition to distracted driving, motorcyclists face other dangers from drivers who misjudge an oncoming motorcyclist’s speed and turn left into the bike’s path, or drivers who intentionally drive aggressively around motorcycles and crowd them out of their lane. Simple negligence such as failing to signal or check blind spots before turning or changing lanes can be equally disastrous.

Florida Motorcycle Accident Victims Face an Uphill Climb

From the very start, motorcycle accident victims are at a disadvantage compared to car accident victims. Florida’s no-fault PIP coverage does not cover motorcyclists as it does vehicle drivers, passengers and even pedestrians. Also, insurance companies and juries often have a built-in bias against motorcycle riders as dangerous or reckless drivers that must be overcome to achieve a fair settlement or significant jury verdict. With decades of litigation experience, the attorneys at Douglas & Douglas know how to successfully prepare and present a motorcycle accident case that proves the other driver’s negligence and justifies a full and fair amount of compensation for the injured victim.

Why Motorcyclists Get Blamed for Crashes They Did Not Cause

Knowledgeable and Dedicated Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Following a serious motorcycle accident, reach out to Douglas & Douglas for a complimentary consultation with a knowledgeable and accomplished motorcycle accident attorney. We are your trusted local law firm, ready to assist you when you need us most.