Motorcycle Accidents in Southwest Florida During Tourist Season

Florida has served as a destination hot spot for years, even before World War II.  Tourism is one of the largest driving forces of Florida’s economy today.  Millions of people visit the Sunshine State each year generating billions of revenue for the state and its businesses.  Southwest Florida is a unique part of the Sunshine State with its beautiful and rustic coastal scenery, amazing wildlife, white sandy beaches, and more.  Southwest Florida also attracts many tourists who enjoy a plethora of shopping and dining experiences.  

Many Florida visitors either drive to Florida or rent vehicles while they are visiting which causes a substantial increase in traffic.  The increase in traffic by tourists, many of who are unfamiliar with Florida’s dangerous highways and driving perils, contributes to Florida’s vehicle accidents overall.  These accidents include serious motorcycle accidents that take place in Southwest Florida.

If you were injured by a tourist driver in Southwest Florida while on your motorcycle, contact a Florida car accident lawyer at Searcy Denney today for a free legal consultation.  We have decades of experience with motorcycle injury cases and can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for the injuries you sustain.

Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen?

Motorcycle accidents occur in Florida for many different reasons.  One common reason they occur is driver distractions.   Even though many states have stringent laws that penalize texting or talking on a cellphone while driving, distracted driving is still a leading cause of accidents.  Distracted driving causes many motorcycle accidents when another driver’s attention is diverted from driving.  Examples of common distractions that cause motorcycle accidents include, but are not limited to:

• Talking on the phone or to passengers in the car
• Texting
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Using electronic devices while driving including but not limited to a radio, navigation system, or other electronic entertainment systems

Motorcycle accidents also occur for other reasons such as drivers being negligent when driving.  Negligent drivers sometimes drive recklessly, speed, or drive under the influence of a substance.  Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see.  When a negligent driver is not driving safely, such as making an unsafe U-turn, the driver may not see the motorcyclist in enough time to stop safely.  

If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a distracted or negligent driver, contact a Florida car accident lawyer at Searcy Denney today.  Our attorneys are experienced in personal injury cases involving motorcycles and can help advocate for you to obtain compensation for the injuries you sustained because of the negligence of another driver.  We have a team of attorneys and legal support staff who can evaluate your case and fight for your rights.

Motorcycle Safety and Statistics

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides helpful information on motorcycle safety and statistics.  In fact, according to NHTSA, in 2019, motorcyclists continue to be “overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes” making up 5,014 deaths.  

Also according to NHTSA, in 2019:

• When looking at per vehicle miles traveled, motorcyclists were about 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were 4 times more likely to be injured. 
• Of the motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2019, 30% were riding without a valid motorcycle license

NHTSA recommends the following safety tips to keep motorcyclists safe:

• Always wear a helmet that meets the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (the DOT symbol will be on the outside back of the helmet)
• Cover your arms and legs when riding a motorcycle, ideally wearing leather or heavy denim
• Wear proper protective gear to prevent dehydration
• Wear boots or shoes that cover your ankles and gloves that allow for better grip and protection of your hands in the event of a crash
• Wear bright-colored clothing with reflective material to help make you more visible to other drivers
• Know traffic laws and obey traffic lights, signs, and speed limits
• Ride cautiously and defensively to make sure other drivers see you
• Be alcohol and drug-free

What Are Common Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries, sometimes even catastrophic injuries.  Unlike a passenger in a car, a motorcyclist does not have exterior protection around him or her to offer some protection in the event of an accident.  Accordingly, when an accident occurs, sometimes the impact to the motorcyclist from another vehicle on the road is direct.  Injuries sustained by motorcyclists may include, but are not limited to:

• Serious brain injuries and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Broken and fractured bones
• Facial injuries
• Fatal injuries
• Organ and soft tissue damage
• Road rash
• And more

If you or a loved one were in a motorcycle accident and sustained significant injuries, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries and impairments to your quality of life.  For example, injured motorcyclists may be entitled to damages that include: 

• Medical expenses, 
• Pain and suffering, 
• Emotional distress, 
• Lost wages, 
• Loss of future earning capacity, 
• Loss of enjoyment of life, 
• And more.

If you or a family member has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, contact Searcy Denney’s experienced personal injury attorneys.  Our attorneys and legal support teams are standing by to help you.  Our team has helped many clients obtain significant damages in their motorcycle accident cases. Call us today so we can help you.

Were you Injured by a Tourist While Driving Your Motorcycle in Southwest Florida? If So, Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer at Searcy Denney Today!

Distracted and negligent tourist drivers cause thousands of motorcycle accidents in Florida each year.  If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries from a motorcycle accident, contact a Florida car accident lawyer at Searcy Denney law firm today.  We have extensive experience in motorcycle injury cases and will fight for you to receive the compensation you deserve for the injuries you sustained.  Call us toll-free at 800-780-8607 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation with a Florida car accident lawyer. We have offices conveniently located in Tampa,  West Palm Beach and Tallahassee.