A 51-year-old Dunedin, Florida man was rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital with severe injuries early Monday morning after a crash with a motor vehicle ejected him from his Harley Davidson.
According to Pinellas County officials, the man was driving his 2007 Harley in Tarpon Springs around 4 a.m. when he lost control of his motorcycle.
A 27-year-old Palm Harbor man was driving behind the man and allegedly rear ended the motorcycle.
According to police, the man was immediately thrown from his bike and hit by the car, which supposedly did not stop.
The driver was unharmed and an investigation is ongoing.
Florida’s beautiful year-round weather makes it a very attractive place for motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages. Because of this, motorcycle safety is an important issue. Motorcycle crash statistics throughout the United States have shown an upward rise in fatalities and injuries throughout the past few years, and while Florida’s crash statistics have shown improvement over the years, there are still a tremendous number of casualties for bikers. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the amount of Florida motorcycle collisions and injuries doubled between the late 1990s through 2008. In 2009, a total of 8,313 crashes left 7,435 Florida motorcycle riders with injuries. In that same year, the total number of fatalities involving motorcycle crashes including passenger deaths reached 402. However, that number fell in 2010 to 383 deaths.
Bikers between the ages of 45-54 had the highest number of injuries totaling 1,667 in 2009, according to the Center for Urban Transportation. The same age group had the highest number of fatalities in 2009 as well. According to the National Trauma Databank, riders between the ages of 50-59 are the fastest growing group of injured with their risk for injury almost doubling what it is for younger age groups. When compared to bikers under the age of 40, those over the age of 40 are found to encounter a higher percentage of traumatic injuries, a longer stay in the hospital and even death.
Florida motorcycle accident injuries are physically, emotionally and financially damaging.
Motorcycles do not have the same steel protection of a car, so even the slightest of injuries can put a rider out of work for lengthy time periods causing a family to lose wages, while the aftermath of an accident demands money for repairs, medical bills and other accident-related expenses. Major motorcycle crash injuries can require constant treatment that can cause medical bills to hit the roof causing you even more stress when the reality is you should be focusing on regaining optimal health. From traumatic brain injuries to broken bones and road rash, the Florida Motorcycle Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can get you the medical attention you are entitled to after you have sustained serious motorcycle injuries. Bikers have the same road rights as all other motorists, and the law acknowledges that fact, so do not hesitate to seek the medical care and financial compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you love is facing financial, physical or emotional issues following a motorcycle accident anywhere in the state of Florida, contact the Florida Motorcycle Injury Attorneys at the Law Offices of Whittel & Melton, LLC online or dial our Pinellas County office at 727-847-2299 or reach us statewide and toll-free at 1-866-608-5LAW (5529).