An important part of keeping roadways safe is sharing the road with motorcycle riders. In the event of a crash, motorcycle riders don’t have airbags, seat belts and protective steel enclosures to enhance their safety.  They are truly at the mercy of other drivers on the road. Sharing the road is the best way to help keep motorcyclists and other drivers safe. This means drivers need to be on the lookout for riders.

Keeping Riders and Drivers Safe

It’s especially important to check for motorcycles before turning at intersections and making lane changes. Since motorcycles are smaller than traditional cars and trucks, it’s easy for drivers to overlook them on the road. Always check blind spots before merging and turning. It’s also important for riders to take precautions to keep themselves safe. Never ride distracted, and always make eye contact with the drivers around you. Many riders also choose to wear protective helmets, gloves, boots and jackets. These are great items for minimizing the risk of potential injury. Unfortunately, safety gear doesn’t automatically keep motorcyclists from getting hurt, or even from dying, so it’s important to ride defensively too.

Just the Facts

• In 2011, there were 4,612 motorcycle fatalities.
• Per vehicle mile traveled, motorcycle riders are over 30 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger car occupants.
• Helmets are only estimated to be 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to riders who are involved in wrecks.

After a Motorcycle Accident

Since riders don’t have the safety measures that are available to drivers, they’re at an increased risk for serious and fatal injuries. Even with the proper safety precautions, riders can still become injured or die as a result of a dangerous collision. First, it’s important to get medical attention for your injuries. Motorcycle wrecks can be devastating for riders. Riders may need weeks or even months to recover from injuries. They will be out of work and off of their feet. Once your immediate medical needs have been addressed, contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney can be a helpful advocate during a difficult time. An attorney can stay abreast of official investigations and help victims recover compensation for their injuries and property damage. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact the experienced attorneys at Weldon & Rothman, PL at (855) SWFL-LAW for a free consultation.

Legal Disclaimer: The above guidelines are educational in nature and do not create an attorney/client relationship. It is highly recommended that all Florida accident victims contact an experienced local Florida personal injury attorney to assist them with specific facts and circumstances regarding their motor vehicle accident. If you have been the victim of a motor vehicle accident in Florida, then feel free to contact Attorney Weldon toll free at (877) 730-5180 or via e-mail atinfo@weldonrothman.com

Richard L. Weldon, II is an experienced Florida personal injury attorney who has obtained the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He is the managing attorney of Weldon & Rothman, PL – a Southwest Florida law firm with offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Sarasota.