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Florida Leads Nation in Motorcycle Accidents Again

The Sunshine State leads the nation in motorcycle fatalities again in 2016 according to the most recent statistics from the federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). With 577 deaths, Florida was far and away the most dangerous state for motorcyclists according to NHTSA’s 2015 statistics, which just recently became available. This put Florida far in front, with much more populous California coming in second with 432 motorcyclist fatalities. This is consistent with past years’ statistics, including 2014, when one in every five people killed in highway crashes in Florida was on a motorcycle, even though motorcyclists represent only 7 percent of the licensed motorists in Florida according to a news article discussing the 2014 motorcycle fatality statistics. As can be seen from these statistics, motorcycle accidents can be among the most dangerous accidents of all. Therefore, if you or a loved one have been involved in an accident involving a motorcycle, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys of Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A. today.

Laws Regulating the Use of Motorcycles in Florida

Under Florida law, motorcyclists are not required to wear a helmet if they are 21 years of age or over if the person is covered by an insurance policy providing for at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle under Florida law. This is the same amount of insurance coverage as motorists who are operating a traditional motor vehicle are required to carry. Nonetheless, if a motorcyclist does not carry the required amount of insurance, he or she is required to wear a helmet or other form of protective headgear. In addition, all motorcyclists are required to wear eye protection such as safety goggles while operating a motorcycle in the state. All Florida motorcyclists are required to obey the same traffic laws as other drivers. These include observing all posted speed limits, stopping at stop signs and red lights, and obeying all other local and state traffic safety laws and ordinances. Motorcyclists also are not permitted to travel more than two bikes across in a single lane, cannot pass an automobile in the same lane that the car is traveling in and cannot drive between lanes of traffic.

Laws Regulating Motor Vehicle Drivers When Motorcycles Are Present in Florida

In Florida, there are particular laws that apply to drivers of cars and other motor vehicles when motorcycles are present on the road. For instance, Florida Statute Section 316.209 specifically provides that “All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane.” Therefore, the driver’s responsibility under Florida law in a scenario where a motorcycle is present does not differ from that where another motor vehicle is present. Accordingly, if a car’s driver is attempting to travel in the same lane as a motorcycle, then the driver would be violating Florida law. The same would be true if the driver of the motor vehicle attempted to cut off a motorcycle or pass the motorcycle without leaving the required amount of room under Florida law.

Contact The Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys of Schwed, Sobel & McGinley if You Have Been Involved in an Accident Involving a Motorcycle in Florida

If you have been involved in a motorcycle collision, contact the experienced accident attorneys at the law firm of Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A. today. At Schwed Adams, we have achieved great success in representing clients in serious personal injury matters.. We will aggressively represent you in recovering all damages recoverable under Florida law. Contact us today at (877)-694-6079 for a free consultation regarding your legal situation.