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While motorcyclists are sometimes blamed for reckless driving, recent data shows that they aren’t at fault in the majority of crashes. In fact, drivers of passenger vehicles are often the ones who cause these collisions. Still, rider error does contribute to a significant number of accidents involving motorcycles.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, even a single-vehicle one, you may be eligible for compensation from the at-fault party. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can advise you of your rights.
Motorcycle accident injuries and fatalities by the numbers
Despite their reputation for being dangerous, many motorcycle accidents aren’t caused by the rider, and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are over-represented in fatal crashes; 15% of all traffic fatalities in a recent year.
But how often are motorcycle riders actually to blame for these crashes? Since many accident claims are resolved through health insurance or settled outside of court, pinpointing exact fault percentages can be challenging. Reliable, comprehensive data on causation remains limited.
These facts about motorcycle safety may shed light on rider-caused crashes:
- Motorcyclists in Florida represent 17% of all traffic fatalities but only 3.5% of all registered vehicles
- Florida is the deadliest state for motorcycle accidents
- March is the deadliest month in Florida for motorcycle accidents
- In 2023, there were 9,548 motorcycle crashes and 621 fatalities
- Also, in 2023, 2,113 motorcycle crashes produced catastrophic injuries and a further 6,078 less-severe injuries
In that same year, 34 motorcycle passengers were killed in a collision, 164 suffered incapacitating injuries, and a further 408 were injured.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents
Motorcyclists have a duty to ensure their own safety while riding, and while it’s not mandatory, taking a training class (and an advanced training course) can help you avoid serious injury. Understanding common causes of motorcycle collisions can also keep you safe.
The top rider-caused reasons for motorcycle collisions are:
- Speeding and exceeding safe speeds in inclement weather conditions
- Reckless maneuvering, including lane-splitting (which is illegal in Florida)
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failure to use proper safety gear (while helmets aren’t always mandatory in Florida, they are recommended)
Even with the best of care, a motorcyclist may not be able to avoid an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. You may have grounds to file a lawsuit for negligence if your collision was due to:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield (most dangerous when motorcyclists are trying to make left-hand turns)
- Unsafe left turns, lane changes, and the failure of other drivers to check their blind spots
- Lane splitting
- Speeding
- Impaired driving
- Poor road conditions, including potholes and debris
- Malfunctioning traffic signals
Seeking compensation after a motorcycle accident
Often, the cause of the accident will lead to the party at fault. While many motorcycle accidents involve more than one vehicle, the motorcyclist may not be at fault even in single-vehicle accidents. The city or county responsible for the upkeep of the roads you’re traveling on may be to blame if the accident is due to poor road conditions, defects that reasonably should have been repaired, or failure to warn drivers of malfunctioning traffic signals.
Your motorcycle accident attorney investigates the cause of the wreck, leading to the negligent party, and can file a suit for compensatory damages against them.
Fault isn’t always what it seems
Motorcycle accidents are complex, and fault isn’t always clear-cut. Rider error can contribute to crashes, but many are caused by distracted drivers, unsafe road conditions, or failure to yield to others on the road. Even if you were the only one involved in the crash, outside factors may still be to blame.
If you’ve been injured, don’t assume you have to shoulder the burden alone. An experienced attorney can investigate the accident, determine who was truly at fault, and help you seek fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Have you been involved in a motorcycle accident? Even a single-vehicle accident may not be your fault. Contact Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath today at (561) 655-1990 for a free consultation with our motorcycle accident lawyers.