Motorcycle crashes are flooding the headlines in Florida. In Martin County, a 64-year-old man driving a Harley-Davidson was rear-ended and thrown into the path of an oncoming vehicle. In Wesley Chapel, 20-year-old Darren Richard Derby, while on his Suzuki GSX-R600, crashed into the side of a moving Mazda, throwing him from his motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. In Jacksonville, 26-year-old motorcyclist Peter Hapsis crashed into the side of a pickup truck after the truck unexpectedly accelerated and drove into Hapsis’ path. Hapsis was dead at the scene.
Sadly, these cases aren’t isolated. Florida consistently ranks high in the number of motorcycle deaths each year, topped only by Texas and California.
Injuries sustained in motorcycle crashes — Motorcycle crashes can lead to a wide range of injuries, many of which are devastating. Possible injuries include:
- Abrasions
- Broken bones
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injury
- Death
Causes of motorcycle crashes — There are many factors that can lead to a motorcycle crash, including the actions of the motorcyclist and the actions of any other drivers on the road. Common factors include:
- Unsafe driving, such as failure to yield, following too closely or speeding
- Distracted driving
- Alcohol use
- Fatigue
- Environmental conditions
Motorcycle safety tips — A motorcyclist should follow every safety precaution to prevent a catastrophic injury. Safety tips include:
- Wear a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation.
- Wear protective clothing with reflective material.
- Drive at a safe speed.
- Use extra caution when the road is slippery or damaged.
- Avoid tailgating.
- Be consistently aware that car and truck drivers may not see you
If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury in a motorcycle accident, contact a motorcycle injury lawyer today. An attorney can review the facts of your case to determine the potentially liable parties and help you seek compensation.