Riding in Wet Conditions

Statistics provided by the Florida Crash Records Database show that in 2010, 7,435 motorcyclists were injured in accidents, while 376 were killed.

Of course, a percentage of these injuries and deaths are contributed to motorcyclists driving in the common wet conditions associated with living in Florida. Additionally, most motorcycle crashes where a rider was not wearing a helmet result in severe brain damage or death, while any rider over the age of 21 is not required to wear a helmet.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident and suffer from injuries due to the negligent actions of another individual, the victim may be entitled to compensation for their losses and damages. Our West Palm Beach motorcycle accident lawyers all believe that these negligent individuals must be held accountable for their actions and pay for all losses and damages they have caused.

Wet Riding Tips

Often times, riders will experience driving in the rain. Of course, it is not always possible for us to avoid such conditions, especially here in South Florida. Rainey weather often presents many additional dangers to motorcyclists, not only because they are traveling on two wheels, but also because it increases other individual’s ability to see them. Therefore, there are a few things motorcyclists should avoid while driving in the rain.

Some things to avoid include:

• Painted Lines – All painted lines and signs in the road do not provide any grip for motorcycle tires when wet. Thus, tires will slide along these surfaces until they reach the ground.
• Road Surfaces – Surfaces such as concrete are extremely slippery when wet, so it is advised to slow down and keep your body up to avoid slipping and falling on these surfaces.
• Tires – When purchasing tires, look for the tackiest forms to provide additional traction for wet conditions. It is advised to avoid longer lasting tires, as these tires are more stiff, which means they provide less traction.
• Steel – Steel items such as manhole covers, railroad tracks, and most metal bridges are extremely slippery when wet. Therefore it is advised to slow down and try to avoid making turns on these surfaces.
• Puddles – Puddles of water should be avoided at all costs while riding a motorcycle. These puddles could be hiding a pot hole, which can be hazardous when riding a bike.
• Oil Spots – The most dangerous time for oil spots is during the first 30 to 60 minutes of riding. These spots are very slippery and can cause motorcycle tires to lose their traction in seconds.

It is advised to avoid driving a motorcycle in the rain all together, as all potential risks increase substantially. Motorcyclists should simply pull the vehicle over and let the rain pass, or take a break at a nearby restaurant, for it is not worth an accident.

Motorcycle Injuries in Wet Conditions

As motorcyclists have less protection during an accident, they have a much more susceptible to injuries than those traveling in passenger vehicles. Not to mention, motorcyclists have additional outside dangers to worry about since they are only traveling on two wheels. They must continuously be on the lookout for curbs, gutters, poles, street signs, and other vehicle, for these could potentially cause injuries or death.

A few common injuries associated with motorcycle accidents include:

• Road rash
• Broken bones
• Disfigurement
• Bruises
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck injuries
• Skin abrasions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Dislocated joints
• Paralysis

If you have fallen off your motorcycle and have any concern for injury, it is advised to seek the immediate attention of a medical professional. Additionally, these medical documents may be used to formulate a case in the court of law.

Contact an Experienced Palm Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorney

At Gordon & Partners we have been representing motorcycle accident victims for several years and believe that it is the at fault individuals responsibility to pay for damages and losses they have caused to innocent individuals.

With offices in Palm Beach Gardens, Stewart, and Pembroke Pines, we are licensed to serve the entire state of Florida.

A few locations we also serve include:

• Monet
• Gramercy Park
• Juno Ridge
• Delta
• Paradise Port
• Mangonia Park
• Lakeside Green
• Cypress Lakes

For additional information about our Florida motorcycle accident attorneys, we invite you to contact our firm today at 1 (855) 722-2552 where an experienced member of our intake team will gather information from your accident and connect you with one of our helpful lawyers suited for your specific case. Additionally, our lawyers all work on a contingency fee basis, so we will not charge you for our services unless a favorable verdict or settlement is made.

Discover more, complete the “Free Case Review” form on this page – It’s Completely FREE!