Are motorcycles really that dangerous?

Here in the sunshine state, it’s almost always a perfect day for a leisurely drive near the water. Many Floridians enjoy riding motorcycles. 

In fact, Florida has continued to rank high on the list of most dangerous states for motorcyclists. Most recently, Florida was named the fourth most dangerous state to ride a motorcycle with 590 riders killed in 2017 alone. 

These staggering statistics prove that, yes, motorcycles are really that dangerous. But what can we be aware of as we brave the roads here in our beautiful state? 

The Risks of Motorcycles

When you ride or drive a motorcycle, there are many more risks than if you drive a car. On a motorcycle, it’s just you and the open road. There are no airbags to help protect you, no seatbelts, and no extra protection whatsoever. 

In the event of a car accident, the fatality risk for motorcycle drivers is nearly double that of a typical car driver. We have discussed this fact in our blogs many times, it’s not necessarily if you’ll be involved in an accident, but rather when. 

This is important to keep in mind as you make your decisions surrounding your involvement with motorcycles. If you do decide to take the risk, be sure that you follow the proper road safety rules and laws and carry adequate insurance. 

Motorcycle Accidents

Other than the increased risks of severe damage, motorcycle accidents are no different than any other accident. 

Common causes can be: 

• Reckless driving
• Drunk driving 
• Texting and driving
• Poor visibility
• Lane splitting
• Unforeseen hazards
• Or any other cause under the sun. 

As the driver of the motorcycle, engaging in any of these potential causes increases the likelihood of a severe accident that will have immensely negative results. 

What can you do to stay safe?

It is so important for motorcyclists to remain vigilant and to adhere to all traffic laws. You can’t control how other people drive but you can take action to protect yourself in other ways. 

Key factors to staying safe on your motorcycle:

• Wear a helmet and other protective gear
• Avoid participating in dangerous activities (mentioned above)
• Carry proper motorcycle insurance
• Follow traffic laws
• Keep an eye out for potentially reckless drivers or dangerous situations

In the event that you find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident, reach out to an attorney immediately. 

Your insurance company may likely be difficult to deal with and it’s important to get a professional on your side to fight for your compensation. It may come as a surprise, but your insurance company doesn’t want the best for you – they want the best for themselves. 

If you have questions regarding your recent motorcycle accident, please reach out to us at Pipas Law today. We know how difficult it can be to seek the compensation you need. Working with one of our skilled attorneys can take a lot off of your plate to give you the time and space you need to get back on your feet.