Category: Motorcycle Accidents
Tampa, Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney
For residents of Tampa Bay who love riding a motorcycle near home, there is nothing quite like the riding available in the area. Nearly all of us describe it as freeing because it allows us to honestly enjoy the commute to and from work. Interestingly, a lot of us have one image in mind when a motorcycle is mentioned. The bike pictured is the typical two-wheeled motorcycle. This is, however, a problem statistically speaking because the term motorcycle covers all the following:
- Traditional motorcycles
- Pocket rockets
- Scooters
- Mopeds
- Three-wheeled vehicles.
The width and breadth of what is considered a motorcycle can make for wide and mixed reporting when it comes to Tampa Bay motorcycle accidents, but one thing does remain consistent. No matter what variety of motorcycle is being ridden, motorcycle rider and passenger must be the top priority.
Expected Causes of Tampa Motorcycle Accidents
- Vehicles making left-hand
- Motorcycle visibility
- Unexpected motorcycle lane changes
- Motor vehicle doors
- Splitting lanes
- Inebriation
- Road conditions.
A sobering piece of information when considering motorcycle accidents is the realization that in more than 80% of all motorcycle accidents that result in death, it was not the motorcycle rider who caused the accident. In this large group of motorcycle accidents, the driver of the passenger car just did not see the motorcycle rider. This occurs because the car is very often turning out and in front of or directly into a person on a motorcycle. This means that visibility of the rider and vehicle is paramount when considering motorcycle safety.
It is vitally important for a motorcycle rider to understand all of the motorcycle laws of each city and state in which he or she plans to ride a motorcycle. This is necessary because, just as the size and scope of the motorcycle fall into a specific range from state to state, so do the laws governing the person who is operating the motorcycle.
Although a helmet will significantly improve the protection for a Tampa motorcycle rider, it could be surprising for you to learn that not all states require motorcycle operators to wear helmets. The federal government has been working diligently to get each state to put mandatory helmet laws in place, but it just has not happened in each state yet. In fact, less than one-half of all states in the United States require a motorcycle operator to wear a helmet while riding. No matter what the helmet law is in your state, the NHTSA believes that motorcyclists who do not wear a helmet are 40% more likely to die if involved in a motorcycle accident.
If you or a loved one has been in an accident that resulted in personal injury, this is when you need the best representation possible. No matter whether it was a bicycle, car, pedestrian or motorcycle, the impact on the rest of your life can be significant. You don’t want to bargain shop your attorney or representation. You also don’t want an attorney that gives you a cookie-cutter solution. Your situation is unique and you need a unique approach. You want the best for your family and so do we. Contact us today for a free consultation about your personal injury situation. Let us work for you so that you can concentrate on your recovery and family.
Top 3 Most Common Motorcycle Injuries
There is an increased risk to choosing to ride a motorcycle rather than a car. The motorcycle is an interesting hybrid of human, vehicle, and environment. It has been reported that more than 80% of reported motorcycle accidents are fatal. Therefore, as the motorcycle rider is more vulnerable to injury, here are the 3 most common injuries that occur on the road.
Head and brain injuries lead the way for the most common injury which includes concussions and even brain damage. A concussion can range in intensity however brain damage is serious and can also be fatal. Any contact to the head in an accident should be examined and monitored in the hospital immediately. The neck may also be damaged in a head injury which can paralyze or kill the rider. Therefore, anyone riding a motorcycle should wear a helmet. A helmet can make a big difference in safety.
Another type of injury for motorcyclists is road rash. Road rash is injury from the situation of a rider sliding across the pavement after an accident. The concrete rubs across layers of clothes and exposed skin resulting in skin damage that can lead to irritation, infections, and even surface nerve damage. Persistent road rash should be looked at by a medical professional, it may require antibiotics to prevent infections. There are protective measures that can be taken to prevent road rash such as wearing specific motorcycle jeans instead of regular jeans and other specialized garments.
Other areas of the body are frequently affected in Common Motorcycle Injuries accidents such as legs, knees, and feet. These injuries are less threatening however if not properly treated can be problematic. Legs and feet can be broken, other trauma like shattered or fractured bones or knees can occur. A motorcycle rider may hurt his legs with scrapes, large cuts, or road rash. Safe driving, long pants, and motorcycle boots are all suggested as a way to prevent these injuries on the road.
Motorcycle riding can be exciting yet risky with Common Motorcycle Injuries such as head trauma, road rash, and injuries to the legs and feet. A helmet and protective gear are necessary to protect the rider in the event of an accident. Safe driving practices and knowledge of the risks involved in riding a motorcycle are beneficial in avoiding these types of accidents.
The information provided in this article is an overview of the type of injuries that can be expected in a motorcycle crash. To discuss your specific claim and the potential negligence of another Tampa area driver, consult the motorcycle accident attorneys from Diaco Law.