- While it’s fun to ride a motorcycle, it’s also dangerous. More than 600 riders lost their lives on Florida roads in 2022.
- There are several safety tips that will help riders stay as safe as possible, such as wearing helmets and other protective gear.
- Florida law prohibits lane-splitting, stunts, and other dangerous behaviors.
- Riders must keep their headlights on while their motorcycle is running, and their bikes must have mirrors.
- Hiring an attorney will be the only way a motorcycle accident victim can obtain maximum compensation.
There’s no better place in the world than Florida to ride a motorcycle. Riders hit our state’s highways year-round, thanks to the beautiful weather and scenery. Unfortunately, Florida motorcycle accidents occur far too often, leading to severe injuries and tragic deaths.
The Eberst Law Firm has a team of skilled, passionate lawyers who will fight for your rights. We’ll be ready to help if you’ve suffered an injury or the loss of a loved one in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else. Please contact us online or call 772-225-5566 for a free consultation as soon as you can.
Florida Motorcycle Accident Statistics
There were 9,262 motorcycle accidents in 2022. These accidents resulted in 614 deaths and 7,942 severe injuries. The worst months for accidents were March (1,075) and October (949). The fewest accidents occurred in January (595) and June (622).
Stay Safe From Florida Motorcycle Accidents
When it comes to motorcycle accidents, Florida is a veritable demolition derby where hundreds of motorcyclists end up wrecking their bikes and suffering severe injuries. Motorcycle accidents are an especially dangerous breed of motor-vehicle accident where those involved tend to suffer even worse injuries than those found in other motor-vehicle accidents due to how exposed motorcyclists are while on their bikes.
Like many other states, Florida has taken measures to help reduce the amount of destruction involving motorcycles on the roads. There are a number of laws and safety measures that those riding their motorcycles need to be privy to in order to help reduce their risk of being involved in a severe accident.
Lane-Splitting is Illegal
It is not unusual to see traffic come to a complete stop here in Florida because of something like an accident or other road obstruction. In situations like this many motorcyclists can end up being impatient and will use the smaller size of their vehicle to maneuver between other larger vehicles. This maneuver is known as “lane-splitting” and is considered illegal here in the state of Florida. Currently, lane splitting is only legal in the state of California and illegal in the rest of the country.
This is due to lane splitting coming with an immense risk of causing an accident since a motorcyclist will be traveling in an area where drivers will not expect them to be. Motorcyclists already have enough of a problem with lack of visibility causing accidents so it is advised that you do not lane split. Not only because it is illegal but because it invites the unnecessary risk of an accident.
Florida Helmet Laws All Motorcyclists Should Know
One of the most important things that motorcyclists often neglect to do here in Florida is wear a helmet. It has been demonstrated through many a study that wearing a motorcycle helmet while riding can significantly reduce the chance of a rider suffering a traumatic brain injury. In Florida, motorcyclists are required to wear a proper helmet by law.
However, motorcyclists who are over the age of 21 have an insurance policy providing them with $10,000 in medical coverage in case they are involved in an accident. It should be noted that suffering a severe traumatic brain injury because you didn’t wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle will likely result in damages vastly greater than $10,000 dollars. Florida also requires that all motorcyclists wear proper eye protection while riding their motorcycles as well.
Motorcycle Headlights are Required
Florida law requires that all motorcycles be equipped with headlights that are on at all times the motorcycle is on. This means that even when riding in broad daylight, a motorcycle’s headlights have to be on.
Many motorcyclists use a modulating headlight feature that makes their motorcycle’s headlights flicker during daylight hours. This feature is legal in the state of Florida.
Other Motorcycle Laws to Keep in Mind
These are just some of the many other Florida motorcycle laws you need to know. The more familiar with these laws you are, the safer you’ll be when riding.
You Can’t Ride Without a Motorcycle Endorsement
A Florida motorcycle endorsement shows you’ve taken the courses needed to understand how to safely ride a bike. Just because you have a driver’s license doesn’t mean you’re qualified to ride. If you plan on using a motorcycle (two or three wheels) that has an engine of 50cc or larger, you must have an endorsement.
How do you go about getting one? You have to be at least 16 and pass the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic Rider Course. If you don’t plan to drive a car, you can still get a motorcycle-only operator’s license. It’s essential to know that you can’t drive a car without a driver’s license.
You Have to Keep Both Wheels on the Ground
If you’re a skilled rider, you might be tempted to show off every once in a while by popping a wheel. But if you perform this or any other type of stunt, you’ll be breaking the law. Both wheels of your bike need to be on the ground at all times.
“Ape Hanger” Handlebars
Ape hanger handlebars are a style of handlebar that is raised higher than usual above the bike and makes it so the rider’s arms are in an upward diagonal position while they are riding.
Many states have very different laws regarding how high ape hanger handlebars can go above a motorcycle which can make things difficult for traveling motorcyclists. In Florida, the rule is that the handlebars cannot extend past the rider’s shoulders.
Passenger Laws
Many motorcyclists want to share their riding experience with friends and loved ones or may simply need to give someone a lift. Motorcycles carrying passengers are a normal sight and legal.
However, in order for a motorcycle to be able to legally have a passenger along for the ride, there needs to be a seat for the passenger or a single seat on the bike has to be meant for two people. Also, there must be footrests for a passenger as well.
Do I Need to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
The answer to that question depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident. If the accident is minor, resulting in only a little bit of property damage, your insurance company should be able to handle providing whatever compensation it takes for repairs.
But if you suffer an injury and the accident wasn’t your fault, you’ll definitely need to hire an experienced attorney. A lawyer will have the skill and experience required to collect the evidence you’ll need to win your case. They’ll also be in a much better position to defeat the at-fault party’s deep-pocketed insurer and their legal team.
Consider Eberst Law Firm for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident in the Stuart, Florida, or Gainesville, Florida area, contact the experienced personal injury team at The Eberst Law Firm.
Our lawyers have a long track record of successful motorcycle accident claims that have recovered settlements that allow motorcycle accident victims to pay off their medical expenses, compensate for their lost wages, and help ease the financial hardship in general that comes with the trauma of severe injury caused by accidents.
When you hire the Eberst Law team you ensure that your case is taken on by a law firm that is willing to aggressively negotiate on your behalf for the settlement that you deserve.
When you hire the Eberst Law team you ensure that your case is taken on by a law firm that is willing to aggressively negotiate on your behalf for the settlement that you deserve. We are ready to fight your case. You can contact us online or call us at 772-225-4900.
Stuart, Florida Office
101 SE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Stuart, FL 34994
Gainesville, Florida Office
716 E. University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
