The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that in the three years following Florida’s decision to repeal its mandatory helmet law in 2000 that there were 933 motorcyclists killed. The number of Florida motorcycle deaths increased 81 percent, an increase from the 515 bikers killed from 1997 to 1999.
While Florida law requires helmet use by riders under 21, fatalities among that group nearly tripled in the three years after the repeal, and 45 percent of those killed were not wearing helmets. Twenty states and the District of Columbia all require motorcycle riders to wear protective helmets, which is significantly less than the 47 states that required helmets in 1975. In 2004, the number of fatalities resulting from motorcycle accidents nationwide increased nearly eight percent to 4,008. That was the first year since 1987 that motorcycle deaths exceeded 4,000 since 1987.
In a 2006 update, NHTSA reported that motorcycle rider fatalities have increased for the seventh year in a row.
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident? The attorneys of Gordon & Doner, P.A. represent those who are injured in motorcycle accidents, and works to ensure injured cyclists get fair and just compensation for their injuries.
Most multi-vehicle accidents involving motorcycles are caused by the negligence of the driver of an automobile. This occurs because motorcycles can stop much faster than cars and are thus more likely be rear-ended by a negligent driver following too closely. Motorcyclists are at a disadvantage in most traffic accidents, and are far more likely to suffer serious injury or death than the driver of a car. Doctors report that most motorcycle injuries involve the spinal cord and extremities, while head injuries cause the majority of deaths.
If you are in a motorcycle accident, you should:
- Say nothing, or as little as possible about the accident.
- Preserve any and all evidence and information that you can while the memory is still fresh.
- Take care of any injuries that require medical attention immediately.
- Call the police to report the accident.
- Notify your insurance company.
- Contact an attorney.
The negligence of another driver that contributed fully or partially to the motorcycle accident allows compensation to be awarded. Depending on the severity and impact of the motorcycle accident, medical bills, lost wages, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and a loss of life enjoyment can be claimed. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will then begin to investigate the accident in order to prove liability if the case presented appears to be strong. Despite safety precautions you may have taken to avoid a motorcycle accident, drivers cannot always avoid the negligence of others.
The attorneys of Gordon & Doner understand that it is often a challenge to combat prejudices that many people have against motorcyclists when an accident occurs. It is important that you know your legal rights, and that you be represented by an attorney who knows and understands the dynamics of motorcycle riding and accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact a motorcycle accident lawyer at Gordon & Doner for a free, no-obligation, and confidential consultation. At Gordon & Doner, we believe our system of justice works best when skilled attorneys that have the resources to fully prepare and try a case represent both sides. Please complete our online contact form or call us toll free at 1-800-659-1159.
For more information, please see the following related pages on our
website:
Car Accidents
Truck Accidents
Tractor Trailer Accidents
