A recent motorcycle accident in St. Lucie County took the life of a 69-year-old man from Martin County. The accident happened when a passenger vehicle took an improper turn on State Road A1A, reports the Florida Highway Patrol.
According to the TC Palm, the accident happened as the motorcyclist was heading north on A1A when the 17-year-old driver of a BMW passenger car made a U-turn right in front of the bike’s path. Upon collision, the motorcyclist was thrown from his bike and landed on top of the BMW. It happened almost two miles north of Regal Road. Officials are still investigating the accident.
Our St. Lucie motorcycle accident attorneys understand that the number of motorcycle accidents is expected to increase as we make our way through the holiday season. During the end of every year, tourists, vacationers and seasonal residents flock to the Sunshine State to escape the wicked northern winter weather.
During this season, our roads are more congested than ever. Increased traffic means riskier roadways for everyone, but especially for motorcyclists. Drivers are urged to be cautious and considerate on our roadways through the holiday season and year round. Despite all the “Watch for Motorcycles” bumper stickers, drivers still often don’t take their time and can cause major damage.
Florida’s 2009 Motorcycle Statistics from Ride Smart Florida:
-There were more than 8,300 motorcycle accidents.
-There were nearly 7,500 resulting injuries.
-Nearly 400 motorcyclists’ lives were lost.
-More bikers ages 45 to 54 were injured in motorcycle accidents than any other group.
-Motorcycle riders age 45 to 54 were fatally injured in motorcycle accidents than any other age group. Riders age 25 to 34 followed.
-The median age for those who were killed in a motorcycle accident was 42.
-Florida hosts the most motorcycle enthusiast events in the country.
-Nearly 95 percent of those who are killed in motorcycle accidents in the state are residents of Florida.
-Brevard, Lee, Duval, Palm Beach, Volusia, Broward, Pinellas, Orange, Miami-Dade and Hillsborough counties witnessed the most number of motorcycle accidents in 2009.
-Proximity and population have both been proven to be a significant factor in determining the number of motorcycle accident a location sees.
-Licensed motorcyclists made up more than 5 percent of Florida’s motoring public, but accounted for nearly 20 percent of all accident fatalities.
-Nearly 50 percent of motorcyclists weren’t wearing a helmet during a fatal accident.
-More than 30 percent of fatalities were related to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from 2007 to 2009.
-More than 30 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents happened between March and May.
-More than 40 percent of fatal accidents happened during weekends.
-The average cost for hospital stay for a motorcycle accident injury was nearly $54,000.
-The median hospital bill for a motorcyclist treated in an emergency room was nearly $3,000.
-The year’s total hospital cost for the initial treatment of injuries was more than $385,000,000.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a motorcycle accident in St. Lucie, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach or the surrounding areas, contact the personal injury lawyers at Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez LLC. Call for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights at 1-800-529-2368.
Additional Resources:
Jensen Beach motorcyclist killed in crash on A1A in St. Lucie, by Elliott Jones, TC Palm
More Blog Entries:
peed a Common Cause of Motorcycle Accidents in Coral Springs, Statewide, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, September 29, 2011
Motorcycle Accidents Common on Palm Beach Roads, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, April 28, 2011