The warm weather in Florida affords motorcycle riders the luxury of riding year-round. However, more time on the road proportionally also increases the likelihood of a dangerous or fatal motorcycle accident. The latest data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that there were about 106,000 motorcycle crashes in 2009 with over 4,400 rider fatalities.
Take caution on the road when driving a motorcycle. Ride responsibly at safe speeds and be aware of road conditions at all times. Seriously consider taking a motorcycle rider safety course, either for the first time or as a refresher course.
Protective gear such as helmets, gloves and heavy jackets cannot protect a rider in a high-speed accident. The majority of injuries occur after the ejection from the bike. While protective gear can mitigate injuries, an ejection from the motorcycle can result in a harsh impact with the pavement. Emergency rooms commonly deal with head injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken limbs and internal organ damage resulting from motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycle accident injuries may require extended hospital stays, which means time away from work. In addition to lost wages, there are insurance claims and liability issues to handle. There are also long-term costs such as physical rehabilitation and therapy. Extreme injuries result in death and a subsequent wrongful death action.
Lastly, there will be damage to your motorcycle. The repair bills can run into the thousands of dollars, and there is the possibility that the motorcycle could be a total loss. You want to make sure that you and the other party has adequate insurance coverage.