Understanding the Causes of Motorcycle Collisions
In a tragic turn of events, the South Florida Sun Sentinel recently published an article centered on one example of the potential negative implications of motorcycle accidents. Sadly, a motorcyclist recently died and another suffered serious injuries in a Pembroke Pines crash after the two collided. Traffic was rerouted around the crash scene for about four hour after the crash which occurred around 3:00 in the morning. Both drivers were headed eastbound when they collided. This tragedy is also sad for yet another reason – the collision involved young men who were just 19 and 22-years-old at the time of the fatal crash.
How Serious Can a Motorcycle Accident Be?
Motorcycle riding continues to be a popular pastime throughout the country and here in the Sunshine State where our mild weather provides an ideal setting for this kind of recreational activity. But unfortunately, the fact that an activity happens to be popular doesn’t help make it any safer and doesn’t stop the trend toward serious accidents. The fatalities associated with motorcycles reportedly occur 28 times more often those of passenger vehicle occupants, based on per mile traveled. For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has asserted that more than 5,000 motorcyclists died in motorcycle crashes in 2017 alone.
What Causes Motorcycle Collisions?
Some of the contributing causes of motorcycle collisions include:
- Negligent vehicle operators. An unfortunate reality is that sometimes the drivers behind the wheels of cars simply aren’t paying attention. In addition, drivers who notice other, bigger vehicles, can still miss those using smaller vehicles and modes of transportation alongside them such as those walking, using motorcycles and riding bicycles.
- Alcohol is involved. Drinking and driving is always a bad idea and is often a factor in the collision of vehicles and accidents that result no matter the involved vehicles. Therefore, if drinking, always designate a sober driver or use a ride sharing app such as Lyft or Uber.
- Negligent motorcycle operators. Those beyond the wheel of a car aren’t the only ones who can undertake negligent or risky behavior. For example, protective equipment should always be worn which includes everything from a properly-fitting helmet to eyewear that eliminates sun glare.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
Unfortunately, motorcyclists are killed or injured in crashes which are not their fault here in the Sunshine State more often than anyone who makes a habit of riding one would like to contemplate. And safely, even when these accidents aren’t fatal, they often leave those riders who happen to survive with serious injuries that typically require ongoing hospitalization and medical treatment. Therefore, additional steps need to be taken to protect the legal rights of the injured motorcyclist or the family members of someone killed in a motorcycle crash whenever this kind of accident occurs because of someone else’s negligent behavior. If you or a loved one has been affected by a motorcycle accident, you should undertake steps as soon as possible to preserve your rights and ensure that you obtain the compensation that you are entitled to. As the South Florida motorcycle accident attorneys with offices in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach at Leifer & Ramirez, you can depend on us for the help you need and deserve. Contact us today to begin.
Resource:
sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/pembroke-pines/fl-ne-pines-motorcycles-crash-20200324-mial3r6tjjbztndtxxxlne2yjy-story.html
