Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog
An 18-year-old from Jupiter was flown to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach after his motor scooter crashed into a sport utility vehicle (SUV). He was last listed in critical condition, according to The Palm Beach Post.
The rider sustained life-threatening injuries during the accident, which happened just before 3:00 p.m. at the intersection of Toney Penna Drive and Military Trail. According to officials, the driver of the scooter slammed into the back of an SUV that was stopped in the road to let pedestrians crossed. The driver of the SUV was not injured in the accident.
Our Fort Lauderdale accident lawyers understand more than 3,000 people are taken to an emergency room because of an accident involving a motorized scooter each year. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 40 percent of these injuries happen to kids who are under the age of 15. Most commonly, these injuries include fractures to the head, legs or arm, but they can easily turn fatal when a motor vehicle is involved.
Scooters and mopeds are awfully popular in the state of Florida. They provide a quick, easy and inexpensive way to get around town. Unfortunately, they come with some serious risks for injury and even death in the event of an accident. These vulnerable riders are provided with virtually no protection against the power and the strength of a motor vehicle. You’ve heard it a thousand times — always wear a helmet! Well, we’re going to tell you again and we’re also going to offer you some beneficial scooter riding tips from GEICO to help you to stay safe out there along our busy and dangerous roadways.
Scooter Safety Tips:
-Even with the bright colors of some of the scooters out there, motorists have a tough time seeing you. You’re a lot smaller than regular passenger vehicles. Be sure to stay out of a car’s blind spots and make your maneuvers in traffic as predictable as possible!
-Wear a helmet. It’s one of the best things you can wear to protect yourself. Get one that meets the safety standards of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Not only does it protect your noggin’, but it helps to shield your face and your eyes by minimizing debris and reducing wind.
-Always signal your maneuvers in traffic. You want to give those around you plenty of notice when you’re about to make a turn or change lanes.
-Wear protective clothing on your body. Wear eye protection, a jacket, protective pants and full, closed-toed shoes.
-Wear bright clothing so that motorists can see you better. You don’t want to blend in. You want to stand out! Make sure everyone sees you — which makes it easier to avoid you!
-Don’t be shy. Use your horn if you have to!
If you have been injured in an accident, contact Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case at 1-800-529-2368.
Additional Resources:
Jupiter man flown to hospital after scooter rear-ends SUV, by Alexandra Seltzer and Julius Whigham II, The Palm Beach Post
More Blog Entries:
West Palm Beach Motorcycle Accidents Prove Fatal, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, February 12, 2012
Two Recent Tragedies Remind Us of the Dangers of Motorcycle Accidents in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, July 7, 2011