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.