Attorneys Trial Group.com
Central FL Motorcycle
Accident Lawyers
Although any vehicular accident has the potential to be serious, those involving motorcycles can result in particularly severe injuries. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents have steadily increased each year since 1997.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that more than 104,000 motorcycles were involved in crashes in 2006 and that 4,810 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2006, marking the highest level of motorcycle fatalities since 1981. Furthermore, motorcycle accidents caused 88,000 injuries in 2006, up 60 percent from 55,000 in 1996. This disturbing trend is reflected on a state level with 521 motorcyclists killed in 2006 in Florida alone, setting a state record.
Orlando Motorcycle Accidents Lawyers
The Orlando motorcycle accidents lawyers at Attorneys Trial Group represent motorcyclists who are injured by inattentive drivers, dangerous road conditions, and defective equipment as well as those involved in single bike accidents and hit and run. Regardless of the circumstances of your accident, please take the time to discuss your case with our motorcycle accident attorneys. Contact our Orlando motorcycle accident attorneys at one of our convenient Central Florida locations in Orlando, Kissimmee or Apopka by calling 1-888-337-3246 or via our online accident review contact form.
With offices located in Orlando, Kissimmee, and Apopka, the Central Florida motorcycle accident lawyers of Attorneys Trial Group are ready to help those people whose lives have been affected by motorcycle mishaps in Orange County, Osceola County, and counties throughout the state of Florida.
Statistics
Motorcycle riding has become more popular in recent years, finding new fans in older and more affluent riders. This is confirmed by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data showing that in 2006, 47 percent of motorcycle riders killed in crashes were age 40 or over, compared with 30 percent in 1996. In contrast, fatalities in the under-30 age group dropped to 32 percent in 2006 from 45 percent in 1996. Fatalities among motorcyclists between 30 and 39 years old were only 21 percent in 2006.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents tend to result in severe injuries due to the fact that, by design, motorcycles are unable to provide much protection. A motorcyclist may be thrown to the ground or into traffic. In fact, head injuries (including traumatic brain injuries) are the leading cause of death from motorcycle accidents, which has led many states to enact helmet laws. Florida requires helmets only for those riders age 20 and younger. Other common injuries suffered by motorcyclists include broken bones, road rash, brain injuries, torn cartilage, and spinal cord injuries.
Injuries in the lower extremities are especially common, leading to a study by the NHTSA, which found that most incapacitating and fatal injuries were sustained when the initial point of impact was the front of the motorcycle. Lower-extremity injuries were the most common injuries sustained by motorcyclists treated in trauma centers, followed by upper-extremity and head injuries.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Accidents involving motorcycles are caused by a number of factors. Motorcycles are more vulnerable to careless drivers and to common driving hazards because motorcycles are less visible and less stable than vehicles with four wheels. In fact, many motorcycle wrecks are caused when drivers operating a four-wheel vehicle fail to check their side-view mirrors before changing lanes. Other motorcycle accidents occur when motorists fail to see cyclists and pull out from or turn on to side roads, or cut off motorcycles in intersections.
Some motorcycle accidents are caused by hazardous weather and road conditions, including debris, blind corners, loose gravel and potholes. Still others are caused by defective equipment or mechanical failure.
Statistically, motorcycle accidents are not actually the fault of the motorcyclist, but of the other driver. In a large percentage of cases, the other driver simply did not see the motorcycle. However, this does not excuse them from responsibility. People who drive cars, trucks, and other motorized vehicles have a duty to share the road with motorcycles. If you have suffered personal injuries or property damage in a motorcycle crash, you may be able to recover money damages in a civil lawsuit.
Contact the Experts
Contact Attorneys Trial Group at one of our convenient Central Florida locations in Orlando, Kissimmee or Apopka by calling 1-800-741-2243 or via our online accident review contact form.
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