Florida Motorcycle Accident Facts and Statistics

Even though people who crave danger are often attracted to the idea of riding a motorcycle, motorcycle riding has become much safer in recent years.  The bikes themselves are safer, as the safety features for all types of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, has improved, and current traffic laws aim to protect motorcyclists as well as the drivers of other types of vehicles and also to protect bicyclists and pedestrians.  Still, motorcycle accidents in Florida are alarmingly common, and they often result in serious injuries.  If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Florida, contact a motorcycle accident injury attorney.

The Data on Motorcycle Accidents in Florida

These data come from the Motorcycle Safety Strategic Plan published by the Florida Department of Transportation and from a news report from News 4 Jax.  The most recent data available in these reports are from 2017.

• Florida ranks fourth in the United States for the number of motorcycle accidents. This could be due in part to the fact that the weather in Florida is appropriate for motorcycle riding year-round.

• In 2017, there were 590 fatalities in motorcycle accidents, whereas there were 515 fatalities in 2016. Most of the fatalities were people driving the motorcycles, but 30 fatalities were passengers.

• In general, motorcycle fatalities are on the rise, while the total number of traffic fatalities have been on a downward trend for several years.

• Medical treatment for injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents tends to be very expensive. The median hospital bill for people injured in car accidents in 2017 was $4,702, while for people injured in motorcycle accidents, it was $77,529.  In the case of patients with health insurance, the insurance covered about half of their bills.  17 percent of people injured in motorcycle accidents in Florida in 2017 did not have medical insurance.

• Almost half of the people injured in motorcycle accidents in Florida in 2017 were younger than 35 years old. The median age for motorcycle accident fatalities was 40.

• Bone fractures are the most common motorcycle accident injury. Approximately 20 percent of people who received medical treatment after a motorcycle accident had brain injuries.

What to Do If You Are Injured in a Motorcycle Accident

If you are in a motorcycle accident or any kind of traffic accident, gather as much evidence as possible as early as you can.  Take photos of the scene of the accident.  Be examined at a doctor’s office or hospital on the day of the accident even if you do not have visible injuries.  Keep track of all your medical expenses, and keep a diary indicating your symptoms and how much time you spend managing your injuries.  This includes traveling to and from doctor’s appointments, doing physical therapy exercises, and filling prescriptions.  If an insurance company sends you a settlement offer, do not sign it without first consulting a personal injury attorney.

Reach Out to Us Today for Help

Injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents can be devastating physically and financially.  If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Palm Beach Gardens motorcycle accident attorneys at Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather Injury Lawyers for a consultation to see if you have grounds for a lawsuit.