Alejandro Figueroa | March 15, 2022 | Motorcycle Accidents
Sunshine and beautiful weather year-round make Tampa a motorcycle driver’s dream. However, the highways and streets of the city can also be quite dangerous for both motorcycle drivers and their passengers. Accidents are likely, even with the greatest care, and those on a bike suffer more severe injuries than a driver in a car or a truck.
Florida Motorcycle Accidents by the Numbers
The Sunshine State has the highest number of motorcycle accident fatalities, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Between 2015 and 2020, the number of motorcycle deaths from accidents in Florida has consistently been above 500 per year. Even if a motorcycle crash isn’t fatal, those on bikes sustain much more serious injuries than those in cars or trucks.
According to Florida’s Integrated Report Exchange System (FIRES), motorcycle wrecks in the Tampa Bay area averaged 727 per year between 2014 and 2016, while injuries from those wrecks in the same time frame averaged 612.
What Makes Riding a Motorcycle in Florida So Dangerous?
Several unique circumstances in Florida make it statistically more dangerous to ride a motorcycle. First, the sheer number of people on bikes is high in Florida compared to just about every other state. The number of new riders may also contribute to the number of accidents since it’s more likely that a rider will wreck in their first year.
The year-round warm weather means that motorcycle riders are out on the roads more, too. Additional factors in the number of accidents include:
- Frequent rain, storms, or other poor weather conditions
- Intoxicated or impaired drivers
- Road construction and debris
- Tourists unfamiliar with the streets
- Distracted drivers
Motorcycle riders themselves may also share the responsibility for a higher number of accidents. Some motorcyclists may be distracted or choose to drive under the influence or drive in unsafe conditions.
How Can I Avoid a Tampa Motorcycle Accident?
Many riders take defensive driving courses, which teach new riders how to avoid accidents and be more observant while on the roads. These courses also teach riders what to do if they start to lose control over the vehicle, such as how to put the bike down to reduce the chances of injury.
All drivers and motorcycle passengers should wear a helmet that includes a visor or other eye protection. Even though Florida summers can be hot, wearing protective clothing is essential. Passengers should also wear protective clothing and respect passenger safety protocols.
Risks of a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents can be especially harmful because they lack the protective metal “shell” that cars and trucks do. Even with a helmet, head injuries like concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common. Other common injuries include:
- Neck, back, and spine damage
- Fractures or broken bones
- Lacerations and bruising
- “Road rash,” or deep skin wounds and scrapes
- Life-changing injuries or disfigurations
If you’ve been in a motorcycle crash, seek medical attention immediately. Sometimes, injuries don’t show up right away, and you need a trained medical provider to determine the extent of your injuries. Plus, after a wreck, your body releases a lot of adrenaline, which may mean that while you’re injured, you may not feel hurt.
The police should also be notified of any accidents on Tampa roads. The police report of the accident will document the people involved and determine the cause of the accident.
If the wreck wasn’t your fault, the police report could pinpoint the person responsible. This report is important to have when you hire a Tampa motorcycle accident attorney to pursue a claim for damages.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in Tampa, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Tampa, FL, and need legal help, contact our Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers at Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers
Bank of America Plaza
101 E Kennedy Blvd #2400
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 222-8656
We also provide legal assistance throughout the Tampa Bay Area including Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Bradenton.
