A Deep Dive Into the Causes and Consequences of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

Unfortunately, Florida has significantly more motorcycle fatalities than in other states. One of the reasons for this is the lack of cold winters with snow and ice, which allows Floridian bikers to ride twelve months a year. With 365 perfect days a year to ride, that increases the odds for bikers to have the tragic experience of a ride gone tragically bad. We’ll examine the causes and consequences of fatal Florida motorcycle accidents.

If your loved one perished in a fatal motorcycle crash, contact a Gainesville accident lawyer at Meldon Law Firm. One of their compassionate, biker-friendly attorneys can help you file a claim to seek accountability and justice.

The Causes of Florida Motorcycle Fatalities

There are endless reasons why motorcycle accidents happen; unfortunately, a percentage of them end up in a biker fatality. Although the circumstances for each Florida accident involving a motorcycle  may be unique, there are some commonalities. Unfortunately, when a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle are involved in an accident, the odds are that the car driver will fare much better than the motorcyclist. This is due to the following factors.

• Lack of protection – Part of the enjoyment of riding a motorcycle is the feeling of freedom to enjoy the wind on your body. Unfortunately, this fact leaves motorcycle riders vulnerable to injury should an accident occur.
• No seat restraints – Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles don’t have any protective devices like seat belts to keep you from being thrown violently from the bike to the street.
• Careless drivers – Anyone who’s ridden a motorcycle for over a minute knows many drivers don’t give motorcycles the space they need to remain safe.
• Visibility – Motorcycles are low-profile vehicles and often can be difficult to see until it’s too late.

Unfortunately, reasons for the accidents that cause motorcycle fatalities can mostly be avoided. Other than a rare weather-related event, the circumstances that lead up to a driver colliding with a motorcyclist are careless and neglectful. Here are a few of the most common causes of fatal motorcycle accidents. These apply to both car drivers and motorcyclists.

Speeding

Driving over the posted speed limit and excessive speeding are common causes of accidents involving motorcycles. Excessive speed also causes a longer time to slow down, often leading to a biker fatality safely.

Driving While Intoxicated

Drunk or otherwise impaired drivers have for decades caused accidents involving fatalities. Unfortunately, some bikers still believe stopping for a couple of brews is acceptable. Even low levels of alcohol can impair judgment, balance, and reaction times and should always be avoided when riding on two wheels.

Left Turns

Sadly, bikers included, something as basic as making a left turn has taken so many lives. Named “T-bone” accidents, these collisions can easily be deadly in intersections. Many drivers who T-bone a motorcyclist claim they didn’t see the rider. Even at slower speeds, this collision will surely toss a rider off their motorcycle, causing severe injuries and sometimes death.

Distracted Driving

While everyone on the road must be on the lookout for distracted drivers, bikers must pull double duty for their own protection. Motorcycles are already difficult for drivers to see, and distracted drivers could easily plow into one. This is an extremely disturbing cause of a motorcycle fatality because it could have been easily avoided.

Consequences of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

For motorcyclists, the consequences of a fatal motorcycle accident are obvious. The drivers who have caused them could face a boatload of accountability and the shame of knowing they’ve taken someone’s life. At the least, they’ll most certainly face being ticketed, while in the worst-case scenario, they could be criminally charged with vehicular manslaughter. Regardless of the circumstances, the victim’s family will most likely file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Fatal Motorcycle Accidents: A Family’s Worst Nightmare

Just as much as no driver wants to be responsible for the death of a motorcyclist, the victim’s family will be devastated. Unfortunately, most motorcycle fatalities could have been avoided. Speeding, distracted driving, and intoxication are just a few of the preventable culprits. The sense of freedom a motorcycle can bring comes along with the price of very few safety features.

Contact a biker-friendly wrongful death attorney if you’ve lost a loved one due to a negligent driver. While you’re mourning your loss, they’ll fight to ensure accountability and compensation are served.

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