Common causes of bicycle accidents

Bicyclists constantly face the risk of being unnoticed by drivers of other vehicles. The following acts of driver carelessness account for many bicyclists’ injuries:

• Being distracted by mobile devices
• Driving impaired
• Sideswiping cyclists when riding too close or lane changing
• Neglecting to stop or yield properly
• Making wide turns in front of oncoming cyclists

Responsibilities and protections of bicyclists

In Florida, a bicycle is considered another vehicle on the road. Among other things, cyclists must stop at signs and lights, and ride with the traffic flow. However, since cyclists do not enjoy the safeguards of enclosed motor vehicles, Florida law recognizes their vulnerability and gives them added protections. For example, Florida drivers must leave a minimum of three feet of space when passing bicycles.

Cyclists are entitled to insurance benefits for motor vehicle accidents via personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Given the potential of serious injuries being insufficiently compensated by basic PIP coverage, it may also be beneficial to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect yourself against these drivers and hit and run drivers.

If your insurance compensation is insufficient to cover your damages in a Clearwater bicycle accident, you may need the aid of a knowledgeable Florida accident attorney to obtain just compensation.

Unique biker vulnerabilities

Some dangers particular to motorcyclists are:

• Small size. The smaller size of motorcycles may obscure them from drivers of larger vehicles when making left turns at intersections and changing lanes. Even those who ride safely and wear conspicuous clothing may be difficult to see, particularly if other drivers are distracted.
• Inadequate protections. Helmets can help prevent the loss of life, but they do not equal the safeguards and restraints of an enclosed vehicle.
• Greater susceptibility to hazards. Slick roads, debris and uneven surfaces pose greater dangers to motorcyclists than to drivers of larger, four-wheeled vehicles.
• Lane splitting. Lane splitting can be dangerous and is illegal in Florida

Florida’s helmet laws

Motorcyclists treasure that feeling of freedom that cruising the open road gives them. Some also value the freedom of riding without a helmet. Under Florida law, riders over age 21 with $10,000 of insurance can ride without one. Note that most accidents occur at speeds less than 30 miles per hour, and statistics show that at these speeds helmets reduce both the number and severity of traumatic head and brain injuries by half. Aside from the increased safety of wearing a helmet, the decision to forego one tends to play into cultural stereotypes in and out of the courtroom. Bikers who suffer head injuries in an accident during in which they were not wearing a helmet generally receive much lower awards, even if they were not at fault for the accident.

To successfully combat any potential misperceptions in court, it helps to retain a sympathetic Florida attorney who has skillfully represented motorcycle accident victims in the Tampa area for more than 25 years.

Wear a helmet

Although Florida law permits riders over the age of 21 to ride without a helmet if they carry $10,000 or more in medical benefits insurance, all riders benefit from their use. Motorcycle helmets have been shown to be 29% effective in avoiding fatal injuries, and 67% percent effective in avoiding serious brain injury.  For additional protection, riders should wear a helmet that provides full face protection.

Use protective clothing

Proper clothing also helps riders to avoid serious injury from crashes and roadside debris. Important clothing items include specialized padded motorcycle jackets, bright and conspicuous clothing, and either jeans or leather leg coverings as well as appropriate shoes or boots.

Pay attention to weather conditions

Because motorcycles have less traction than cars and do not have windshield wipers to ensure front visibility, motorcyclists are highly prone to harm from poor weather conditions such as rain or sandstorms.  Therefore, before going out in the road, motorcyclists should always check the weather reports and avoid riding in dangerous weather conditions.

Avoid distractions

Distracted driving can be deadly. This is particularly true for motorcyclists. The enhanced risks and limited visibility of motorcycles requires motorcyclists to remain extremely aware of their surroundings.  This is impossible if the rider is changing the settings on an iPod or looking at a phone while riding.

By following basic safety protocols, a motorcyclist can greatly reduce the likelihood and potential harm of an accident. If you or a family member has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, it is important to retain an experienced, local personal injury firm that can help you receive the compensation that you deserve.