What are the Chances of Surviving a Motorcycle Accident in Florida?

Do You Have Good Chances of Surviving a Motorcycle Accident?

There’s a saying in the world of motorcycles: “There are two types of motorcyclists: those who have crashed, and those who will.” As dire as it sounds, this reflects the unfortunate reality of the vulnerability of motorcyclists.

Many motorcyclists will end up involved in a crash during their time riding, but not every crash doubles as a fatality.

Your chances of surviving a motorcycle accident are higher if you follow appropriate precautions and do what you can to look out for yourself on the road.

Of course, even if your crash isn’t fatal, you could still face tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages and medical costs. The road to recovery isn’t an easy or cheap one.

This is why it’s crucial for you to have a reliable Winter Haven motorcycle accident attorney at your side. JustCallMoe is here to help Florida residents just like you get through the trials of post-crash life and recovery, supporting you every step of the way.

Fatal Florida Motorcycle Crash Statistics

At first glance, it may seem that motorcyclists don’t suffer from many fatal crashes. However, that’s because there are fewer motorcyclists on the road than drivers of covered vehicles.

According to RideSmart, motorcyclists make up a disproportionate amount of total traffic fatalities in Florida.

Though motorcycles only represent 3 percent of all registered vehicles and 2 percent of Florida traffic crashes, motorcyclists make up an enormous 17 percent of all traffic crash deaths.

Other statistics include:

• Saturday has the highest rate of motorcycle crash fatalities.
• Saturday also has the highest rate of serious motorcycle injuries.
• March is the most lethal month.
• Over the last 5 years, motorcycle fatalities increased by 15 percent.

This paints a dire picture. Your motorcycle crash survival rate is still 83 percent, but when you’re gambling with your life, is 83 percent really enough to make you feel comfortable?

On top of that, the concerning trend of fatal crashes applies to all vehicles, with covered vehicle drivers seeing a 13 percent increase, too. Just what’s causing this increase? What makes motorcyclists prone to crashes in the first place?

Risk Factors in Motorcycle Collisions

Several factors contribute to the heightened risk of collision that motorcyclists across the nation face. They may include:

• The small size of a motorcycle
• A rider dressing in dark colors that drivers struggle to spot
• Dangerous behavior on the part of the motorcyclist or other drivers

First, the road and weather conditions pose a major problem to a motorcyclist. You can spot and plan for some of these issues, like staying indoors on a rainy day. Other issues, like unexpected potholes, create hurdles motorcyclists must avoid with little to no warning.

Other drivers pose the biggest risk to motorcyclists by far, though. Speeding, distracted driving, aggressive driving and intoxicated driving make the road dangerous for every other driver on it, but these behaviors are especially dangerous for motorcyclists.

On top of that, drivers often don’t scan the road for motorcyclists, instead focusing on other cars. This means they can cut off or even sideswipe motorcyclists making their way alongside them.

Injuries Associated With Florida Motorcycle Crashes

Motorcyclists don’t have the same protection as covered vehicle drivers. When another car hits them, they often take the impact directly with their body. This results in catastrophic injuries in situations where a covered vehicle driver may come out unscathed.

Some common injuries associated with motorcycle crashes are:

• Road rash
• Broken or fractured bones
• Severe bruising
• Injuries to the head, neck and spine
• Internal injuries
• Burns

In particularly severe crashes, victims may even face amputations or crush injuries, which can cause permanent damage to the body.

Avoiding Motorcycle Fatalities and Bettering Your Survival Odds

While it’s not possible to bring your risk of getting into a crash down to zero, it is possible to better your chances of avoiding crashes. You can even improve the survival rate of a motorcycle accident, so if you do get into a crash, your chances of surviving rise significantly.

Fortunately, these steps are simple and easy, too.

Motorcycle helmets

By far, helmets are one of the best safety tools to add to your arsenal. A helmet can’t guarantee your survival, but you’re much more likely to suffer from a fatal or near-fatal injury without one.

When buying a motorcycle helmet, make sure to:

• Have the fit professionally checked and tested
• Get a helmet with full coverage and protection
• Look for even pressure across the head
• Prioritize safety, fit and comfort

Motorcycle safety courses

In the same way that car drivers can take extra defensive driving courses to add to their skill, you can take motorcycle safety courses to add to yours.

You can’t get a motorcycle license without passing basic skills tests, but a motorcycle safety course will:

• Teach you about different types of motorcycles
• Teach you the personal attributes needed to become a good rider
• Show you the safest choices to make in risky situations
• Give you a better idea of the best safety gear to buy and use

Essentially, taking a course gives you the tools you need to spot and react to danger quickly while keeping yourself out of dangerous situations to begin with.

How Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help Motorcycle Accident Victims

Unfortunately, even with your best defensive driving skills, accidents can and do still happen. While you can improve your chances of surviving a motorcycle accident, the possibility of a fatal crash occurring still exists.

Even if you don’t suffer a fatality, serious injuries from a motorcycle crash can alter your life forever. If you find yourself in a situation like that, reach out to JustCallMoe. Our attorneys help motorcycle accident victims just like you pursue compensation for damages. This can help get you back on your feet after a crash, supporting you as you pay your medical bills and go through a recovery period that may take you away from your work.

Don’t hesitate. Contact JustCallMoe today to learn about your compensation options.