Daytona Beach Motorcycle Accident Causes

The warm weather and lush scenery in Florida attracts an influx of motorcycle riders to our state each year. An increase in the number of motorcycles on the road, however, invariably leads to an increase in motorcycle crashes. Florida motorcycle accidents may be caused by a number of different contributing factors. Hazards, such as roadway debris, poor weather conditions, and speeding, are responsible for causing both single- and multiple-vehicle motorcycle crashes each year. Some common causes of Florida motorcycle accidents are discussed briefly below.

Road Hazards

Obstacles in the roadway, however miniscule, can spell disaster for motorcycle riders. Debris, potholes, puddles, rough pavement, or items in the roadway, while having little effect on automobiles, can create serious hazards for Florida motorcyclists. Motorcycle riders may have to switch lanes suddenly to avoid these hazards, creating a heightened potential for a crash.

Speeding

At high speeds, a motorcycle's front tire may begin to wobble, producing a dangerous situation for motorcycle operators. Nearly 40% of all fatal crashes in 2006 involved speeding on the part of the motorcycle operator. In the state of Florida, motorcycle operators must adhere to the same speed restrictions as all other vehicles on the road. Therefore, any speed in excess of the following is a violation of Florida law.

Location	Maximum Speed
School Zone	20 mph
Business or Residential District	30 mph
Limited Access Highways	70 mph
All other roadways	55 mph, unless otherwise posted

Be aware that the posted speed limits on Flordia's highways indicate the maximum speed allowable under ideal conditions. In inclement weather or heavy traffic, the safest speed may be well below the posted speed limit. In order to optimize safety, you should drive at a speed at which you have complete control of your motorcycle.

Riding Skills

An unskilled rider's lack of training and experience can also cause a motorcycle accident. Beginning riders may not fully appreciate the hazards of operating a motorcycle or possess the skill level required for the safe operation of a motorcycle. Consequently, novice riding skills are a contributing facor in many motorcycle crashes involving beginning riders. All novice riders are encouraged to complete a course in motorcycle safety before riding.

Weather Conditions

Inclement weather, such as wind, ice, rain, fog, and snow, can create serious hazards for motorcycle riders. Windy conditions can make it difficult to maintain control of a motorcycle. In addition, slick road surfaces can cause a rider to lose control and increase the time it may take to come to a complete stop. Rain, sleet, and snow can obsure not only the motorcyclist's visibility, but also the ability of other drivers to see the motorcyclist on the road. Motorcyclists are encouraged to avoid driving altogether in the most severe weather conditions.

Reduced Visibility

Other drivers on the road often find it difficult to see a motorcycle due to a variety of factors, such as poor weather conditions, the inherently small vehicle profile of motorcycles, and their own car’s blind spots. In most crashes involving a motorcycle and another vehicle, the driver of the other vehicle claims to have never seen the motorcyclist. The vast majority of multiple-vehicle crashes occur at intersections. Therefore, you should exercise extreme caution at every intersection. Before entering an intersection, look both ways and make sure you are able to stop, if necessary. You should also be aware of whether vehicles behind you are too close to be able to avoid hitting you if you are required to make a sudden stop at an intersection. Never pass or change lanes in an intersection.

Automobile insurance companies will often attempt to settle out of court quickly while victims are still suffering from the trauma of a Florida motorcycle accident. Vasilaros & Politis, P.A., is experienced with the complex issues involved in Daytona Beach, Deland, Deltona, Flagler, Lake Mary, Orlando, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast and Port Orange motorcycle accident cases and can assist you in receiving full compensation for your injuries. Call the Daytona Beach, Deland, Deltona, Flagler, Lake Mary, Orlando, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast and Port Orange motorcycle accident lawyers at Vasilaros & Politis, P.A. now at 1-800-351-0911 or fill out our FREE CASE REVIEW FORM. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if our Daytona Beach motorcycle accident attorneys agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don't delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a Daytona Beach, Deland, Deltona, Flagler, Lake Mary, Orlando, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast or Port Orange motorcycle accident lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.

The above is not legal advice. That can only come from a qualified attorney who is familiar with all the facts and circumstances of a particular, specific case and the relevant law. See Terms of Use.