Motorcycle accident attorneys from Zimmet & Zimmet understand how challenging it can be to overcome the injuries and bills associated with a motorcycle accident. However, if another driver’s fault or negligence caused the incident, you may be able to recover compensation.
The fact is motorcycles are a common sight on Daytona Beach roadways. While Bike Week brings in thousands of people from across the country, the beautiful weather in the area makes it a popular destination for year-round riding.
With so many motorcycles on the road, accidents are often inevitable. However, learning some of the most common causes of these accidents may help you stay safe and avoid becoming part of the statistics.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Daytona Beach
One factor that makes Florida so dangerous for motorcycle riders is the law passed in 2000. Under Florida Statutes 316.211, motorcycle operators must wear a helmet unless they are over 21 and have insurance coverage that provides a minimum of $10,000 in medical benefits. This means that helmets aren’t required by law, which makes an accident potentially deadly due to the severe head trauma that may occur. While this is required, it’s estimated that one out of seven drivers don’t have this insurance coverage.
The common causes of these accidents include:
Head-on Collisions
A head-on collision is extremely common and involves other vehicles. A common scenario that is seen is a vehicle and motorcycle riding on a single-lane road and the vehicle drifting into the motorcyclist’s lane. Head-on collisions are often fatal for those on a motorcycle.
Being Hit by Drivers Making a Left-Hand Turn
Left-turn accidents are also extremely common and can be lethal for motorcyclists. Unfortunately, it isn’t just motorcyclists who are victims of these accidents. Bicyclists, pedestrians, and other drivers are also vulnerable to left-hand accidents.
Traffic laws and traffic signals make the ability to make a legal left-hand turn much rarer than other types of maneuvers. Because of this, drivers often get impatient, and if an opportunity presents itself, some will take it without checking to see if it is safe to do so. This is one of the top causes of these types of incidents.
Rear-End Collisions
When a motorcycle is struck from behind, it can result in serious injuries. This type of accident is common with distracted drivers. Many rear-end accidents involving motorcyclists result in the rider being thrown from their bike, which can create even more serious injuries.
Lane Splitting
Many motorcyclists drive in between lanes or between vehicles that are driving slowly. This is particularly common in traffic jams.
The fact is, this is dangerous and a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. The reason for this includes:
- Vehicles are driving closer to the cyclist
- There’s not as much space to maneuver
- Cars aren’t always aware that someone is going to pass them when traffic is stopped or moving slowly
Lane Changes
Drivers must check their blind spots before they change lanes. However, some drivers are in such a rush that they only do a quick check, which means they may not notice a motorcycle. If they don’t see the rider, they may move over and collide with the rider.
One of the best ways to avoid this type of accident is to get out of the lane people are moving into. If you notice traffic starting to slow down, move into the lane where drivers don’t want to be.
Speeding and Drunk Driving
Almost half of all motorcycle accidents involve speeding and drunk driving in Daytona Beach. Accidents caused by speeding or alcohol use typically result in serious injuries or even death. Drunk drivers cannot see other people or may even merge into the lane going the opposite direction, which could cause a collision.
Open Car Doors
This is something that happens way too much. People who are on the driver’s side of a vehicle will park and then open the door to exit right when a motorcycle passes by. If a rider hits the door, it may feel like they are colliding with a brick wall and cause a serious injury. Drivers need to check before opening the door since motorcyclists need time to get out of the way.
As a motorcycle rider, you can avoid this by never trusting parked vehicles if people are still in them. Be sure to steer clear of them any time you can.
Road Hazards and Fixed Objects
While these objects may seem like they can’t cause any harm, they can. Almost 15% of all motorcycle accidents result from an accident between a motorcyclist and a fixed object. These can be fatal accidents because the rider doesn’t have any protection against the impact. Common road hazards include uneven lanes, potholes, animals, and other types of irregularities. All these things can result in a serious motorcycle accident.
Sport Motorcycles
While sport motorcycles may seem great, they are actually quite dangerous. It doesn’t matter if it is a sports or super-sport motorcycle; they go extremely fast. People who ride these motorcycles are usually under 30. These individuals are usually less cautious and more likely to take risks. People who ride these bikes are up to four times more likely to die in an accident on this type of bike than in a regular motorcycle accident.
How to Stay Safe When Driving a Motorcycle
If you plan to ride a motorcycle in Daytona Beach, it’s important to take steps to stay safe and avoid an accident. Some of the top tips to keep in mind include:
Enroll in a Safety Course
Enrolling in a motorcycle safety course will ensure you know the rules of the road. You can also learn what to do in unexpected riding situations. To ride safely, you need good judgment, and a safety course will help you with this.
Check the Weather before Riding
Snow, ice, and rain can make riding a motorcycle more dangerous. Riding a motorcycle in these elements can be hazardous because you won’t have as much traction, and visibility will be reduced. If weather conditions are going to be bad, avoid riding.
Wear the Right Protective Gear
The right motorcycle gear will help to protect you from the elements, debris on the road, and experiencing road rash if you are in an accident.
Inspect Your Motorcycle Before Heading Out
It’s smart to inspect your bike before you head out to ride. Check the fuel, headlights, horn, handlebars, brakes, turn signals, taillights, mirrors, oil, and tire pressure.
Obey All Traffic Rules
While this may sound like common sense, you need to make sure you follow all the traffic rules, use your turn signals, and follow the speed limit to avoid being involved in an accident.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for Help with Your Claim
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s fault or negligence, contact our motorcycle accident attorneys for assistance. We can review the facts of your case and ensure that you get the compensation you are entitled to.
Our legal team has represented victims of motorcycle accidents for many years and is ready to help you. At Zimmet & Zimmet, contact us right away. Our goal is to help you get the results that you want and need and to ensure you can cover the costs incurred due to the collision.
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