Two people were killed in a motorcycle accident in Fort Lauderdale recently, according to The Associated Press. The accident happened when their motorcycle jumped a ramp on Interstate 95 leading to westbound I-595. They landed on the railroad tracks below.
The CSX tracks in the area were closed for most of the morning, which caused significant delays for the Tri-Rail commuter system. Florida Highway Patrol is looking into the accident.
Our Miami car accident attorneys recognize the increase in traffic accidents during the summer months. For that reason, we ask motorists to be extra careful navigating our roadways as traffic has increased with both residents and tourists. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable in these situations as they oftentimes overlooked by motorists on our roadways. Add in the congestion of summer traffic and we’re looking at some potentially deadly outcomes.
Motorcycles in Florida:
-Nearly 90 percent of Florida riders that are injured in a motorcycle accident in Florida are residents of the State of Florida.
-Approximately 94 percent of motorcyclists that were killed in traffic accidents in Florida, from 2006 to 2008, were Florida residents.
-Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Orange, Pinellas, Broward, Volusia, Palm Beach, Duval, Lee and Brevard counties accounted for the highest number of motorcyclist deaths respectively in 2009.
-Population and proximity to motorcycle rallies are both factors that play a role in determining the number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities.
-In 2009, licensed motorcyclists accounted for more than 6 percent of Florida’s licensed drivers. During that same year, motorcyclists and their passengers accounted for more than 15 percent of all fatalities on Florida roadways.
To help raise awareness about these vulnerable motorists, thousands of enthusiasts gathered for the Fourth Annual Fort Lauderdale Summer Bike Fest, according to the Sun Sentinel.
The event took place last week near the Round Up in the Pine Island Plaza in Davie. At the event were the creations of more than 20 talented bike builders and 30 vendors, who sold everything from jewelry to helmets.
The annual gathering is put on by Mike Rudicel, owner of South Florida Bike Events.
“There is Daytona Beach twice a year. There is Leesburg and Panama City for Thunder Beach and Key West for Poker Run,” said Rudicel. “… There is no reason Fort Lauderdale doesn’t have a bike event of this magnitude. You have a lot of people who came out today. The weather is beautiful. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Motorcyclists are more vulnerable during certain times of the day and of the year. More than 30 percent of all deadly motorcycle accidents happen during the months of March, April and May. About 44 percent of all accidents occur on weekends.
Motorcycle injury costs in Florida:
-In 2008, the median hospital cost for motorcyclists that were admitted to a Florida hospital for the treatment of traffic accident injuries was $47,440.
-In 2008, the median hospital charge for motorcyclists that were treated and released from a Florida emergency room after sustaining traffic accident injuries was nearly $2,500.
-The total hospital charges for the initial treatment of motorcyclists injured in traffic accident was nearly $400,000,000 in 2008.
If you have been injured contact an experienced motorcycle attorney. Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC have been representing accident victims and their families in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Ft. Pierce /Port St. Lucie for years. Call us today to schedule a free and confidential appointment to discuss your case at 1-800-529-2368.
Additional Resources:
Fourth annual event for motorcycle lovers staged in Davie, by Scott Fishman, Sun Sentinel
More Blog Entries:
Motorcycle Accidents Common on Palm Beach Roads, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, April 28, 2011
Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accidents a Bike Week danger, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, March 9, 2011