Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 5,286 motorcyclists killed in 2016, which is a 5.1-percent increase from the 5,029 motorcyclists killed in 2015. The state of Florida had 555 fatalities, the highest number of motorcycle deaths out of all other states.
Unfortunately, motorcyclists are more likely to be injured or die in a crash than those in a car or truck.
At Whittel & Melton, we provide the highest quality legal service to members of our community who have been wrongfully injured in motorcycle accidents. For over a decade we have helped injured motorcyclists and their families after a collision wreaks havoc on their lives.
Key Motorcycle Accident Statistics:
- Motorcyclist fatalities occurred nearly 28 times more frequently than passenger car occupant fatalities in traffic crashes.
- In 2016, 27% of motorcycle riders killed were riding without valid motorcycle licenses.
- Motorcyclist involved in fatal crashes in 2016 were found to have the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers than any other vehicle types  – 25% for motorcycles, 21% for passenger cars, 20% for light trucks, and 2% for large trucks.
- Of those who died in motorcycle single-vehicle collisions in 2016, 37% were impaired by alcohol.
- The NHTSA estimates that helmets saved 1,859 motorcyclists’ lives in 2016. Another 802 lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.
The state of Florida enforces the following helmet laws:
- Required to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle in Florida UNLESS you have a motorcycle insurance policy for at least $20,000 in medical benefits to cover injuries sustained in a crash.
- All riders under 21 years old must wear helmets, regardless of insurance policies.
While not every accident can be prevented, it is possible to reduce injury and fatality rates if motorcyclists wear helmets and avoid drinking and driving. Everyone on the roadway has to do their part and drivers are no exception. Drivers should be attentive behind the wheel and give motorcyclists plenty of space to ride safely.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident crash, call our Florida Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation. We can make sure you are aware of your rights and what to expect when filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim.