What is the number one cause of motorcycle accidents?

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With mild weather conditions in the Florida area all year round, motorcycles are a popular means of transportation. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are at risk of serious injury in the event of an accident. If you have been harmed in a motorcycle crash, it is essential to determine the cause of the accident.

In the event you were injured by a negligent driver or another negligent party, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your losses. When you work with a Florida motorcycle accident lawyer from Hoskin Turco Lloyd & Lloyd, they will conduct a thorough investigation of your accident to determine exactly what happened and why.

To learn more about the most common cause of motorcycle accidents, let’s start by taking a look at some facts and statistics about bike accidents in Florida.

Motorcycle Accidents in Florida: Facts & Statistics

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), motorcyclists and motorcycle passengers are considered vulnerable road users. The FLHSMV keeps a close eye on all road accidents, including those involving motorcycles. The following motorcycle accident statistics apply to 2020:

• There were 8,045 motorcycle accidents.
• 1,890 crashes resulted in incapacitating injuries.
• Of the 8,045 crashes, 552 were fatal.
• 517 of the 552 fatalities were motorcyclists, and 35 were motorcycle passengers.
• Nearly 20% of all fatal accidents in Florida involved a motorcycle.

The statistics above show just how severe a motorcycle crash can be.

If you or someone you love has been harmed in a wreck and are looking to pursue compensation for related losses, you need to understand the cause of the event.

The Primary Cause of Motorcycle Accidents

While many drivers, motorcyclists, and other road users are responsible and mindful when traveling, accidents still happen.

In terms of motorcycle crashes, the number one cause of accidents is a phenomenon called inattentional blindness. This is when motorists fail to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic. As a result, drivers miss important signals or signs and cannot act in an appropriate or timely manner.

There are a number of factors that impact inattentional blindness. For example, drivers are used to looking for vehicles similar to their own on the road. As a result, the brain may register a motorcycle as something other than a vehicle, making it less dangerous. They may also not process the motorcycle as a moving object, since it is much smaller than the average vehicle on the road.

There is also another risk presented by motorcycles’ small size: in heavy traffic, the view of a motorcyclist could be obstructed by other traffic. Motorcycle accidents are more likely to occur in intersections because drivers do not or can not see the two-wheeled vehicles, and they fail to yield correctly. Further, the motorcycle may be completely in the other vehicle’s blind spot, and the other driver may fail to fully survey the road as required by law, leading to a collision with the motorcyclist.

Additional Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Inattentional blindness may be the primary cause of your motorcycle accident. However, it is important to understand the other common causes of crashes, as well:

• Left turns. After inattentional blindness, the most common cause of motorcycle accidents is left turns. Drivers often fail to see the motorcycle approaching from the oncoming lane and turn left in front of it. The motorcycle is then often unable to come to a stop or evade a collision, often leading to a serious crash.
• Lane splitting. Lane splitting is when a motorcycle drives between a line of stop or slowly moving cars in an attempt to get ahead. This is a common cause of crashes because drivers are not expecting to be passed in slowed or stopped traffic. It is also difficult for motorcycles to maneuver in some areas because of tight spaces. It is important to note that lane-splitting is illegal in Florida.
• Road hazards. Common road hazards include debris from construction or other vehicles, poorly maintained roads, wildlife, and inadequate lighting during storms or dark nights. While a traditional car may be able to correct itself after coming in contact with the road hazard, it is significantly harder for a motorcyclist to do so.
• Poor weather. While the majority of motorcyclists will avoid travel on rainy or stormy days or drive a four-wheeled vehicle, the unpredictable Florida weather can take motorcyclists by surprise. It is not uncommon for a sporadic afternoon shower to come out of nowhere and lead to wet and slippery road conditions. It’s easier for a vehicle with only two wheels to lose grip of the road when it is wet.
• When road users choose to speed, they put everyone around them at risk. Speeding reduces the control a driver has over their vehicle. In the event of a sudden road hazard, construction, or another unexpected vehicle, the speeding driver may be unable to control their vehicle, directly leading to an accident.

What To Do If You Have Been Injured in a Motorcycle Crash

You may be disoriented and in shock in the moments following a motorcycle accident. As the motorcyclist, you likely sustained injuries that require emergency medical attention. If you are able, you can call 911; however, it is likely someone else who witnessed the crash, or the driver will make the call instead.

Make sure the accident is reported to police, preferably with a police officer responding directly to the scene. Then, seek prompt medical attention.

Once you have been evaluated, diagnosed, and treated, it is time to start thinking about what your recovery could look like. If you believe another driver’s actions resulted in your motorcycle accident, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. Doing so can put you on the path to seeking the compensation you need to recover as fully as possible and get your life back in order.

Contact a Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash that was not your fault and you are looking to recover compensation for your losses, Hoskins Turco Lloyd & Lloyd can help.

When you contact us, we will start by reviewing your situation. We recognize that every client’s story is unique, so we will give you the time to explain what you have been through. Our attorneys will explain your legal rights and options to help you determine the best course of action for your health, well-being, and future.

Call 866-460-1990 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney on Florida’s Treasure Coast.