According to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), there were 597 motorcycle fatalities that occurred in the state of Florida in 2019. The following article will provide some alarming statistics regarding Florida motorcycle accidents and will also highlight some of the most common causes of these types of accidents.
Florida Motorcycle Accident Statistics
The following statistics highlight some important information about traffic crashes involving a motorcycle in the state of Florida in 2019:
- There were 3,733 non-fatal motorcyclist injury hospitalizations.
- There were 10,934 non-fatal motorcyclist emergency room visits.
- 35% of motorcyclist fatalities were related to a traumatic brain injury.
- 55% of motorcyclist hospitalizations and emergency room visits were not covered by commercial insurance.
- The median charge for motorcyclist emergency room visits was $8,572.00.
- The total charge for all hospitalizations and emergency room visits resulting from motorcyclist accidents was $954,096,592.00.
Contributing Factors of Motorcycle Accidents
There are several potential factors that can contribute to the occurrence of motorcycle accidents, some of which include the following:
- Head-on collisions: Car crashes involving motorcycles and other vehicles account for about 56% of all motorcycle accident fatalities. Another 78% of these car crashes involved a head-on collision. These head-on collisions are often fatal to the motorcyclist.
- Drivers making left turns: Drivers making left-hand turns is one of the most dangerous situations for motorcyclists. A motorcyclist can often be struck by a driver who is turning left while the motorcyclist is simultaneously going straight through an intersection or is attempting to pass or overtake the vehicle. Crashes resulting from drivers making left turns account for 42% of all accidents involving a motorcycle and another vehicle.
- Lane splitting: Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist attempts to pass one or more vehicles by swiftly traveling from one lane to the next during traffic jams. This can be extremely dangerous due to the motorcycle’s close proximity to other vehicles; the reduced space that the motorcycle has to maneuver; and the fact that drivers do not typically anticipate motorcycles attempting to pass them during a traffic jam.
- Excessive speeding: As with any other vehicle accidents, when motorcyclists speed at excessive rates, they are much more likely to get into accidents because they will be unable to stop in time to prevent certain dangers.
- Drugs and alcohol: When any motor vehicle operator is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, she or he is much more likely to be involved in an accident – as judgment will be greatly impaired and human reflexes will not likely be as sharp.
- Road hazards: Motorcycles are unique because they are far less stable than other vehicles. As such, certain road hazards (such as potholes, road debris, slippery pavement, and other unexpected objects) can cause a motorcyclist to have a serious accident.
Were You Recently Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Speak to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Near You – Tampa – Hillsborough County – Wesley Chapel – Pasco County
If you were recently injured in a motorcycle accident, The Law Offices of Matthew J. Jowanna, P.A. can help. Have an experienced personal injury attorney answer any questions you may have and who will help you build a strong case so that you can receive proper compensation for any injuries that you have sustained from the accident. You can schedule an initial consultation appointment with us today by using our online contact form.