Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog
A recent motorcycle accident in West Palm Beach at the intersection of Southern Boulevard and Dixie Highway sent a biker to the hospital. According to News Channel 5, there is no word on the condition of the motorists involved in the accident. It all happened shortly before 5:30 a.m. It has not been determined yet if the biker was wearing a helmet. Officials believe it’s a possibility that wet pavement may have played a role in the accident.
Our West Palm Beach motorcycle accident attorneys understand that Florida provides the perfect year-round weather for motorcycle riders. We have motorcyclists from across the country on our roadways, and for this reason, our state has some of the highest number of motorcycle accidents in the country. With these bikers traveling our roadways during every month of the year, it’s important for motorists to be cautious.
Another motorcycle accident in the area took the life of a rider after the bike collided with a rescue truck on Northwest 12th Avenue and 46th Street. This accident also happened around 6 a.m.
“When the motorcycle hit the fire truck, it caught on fire and exploded,” said a witness.
Miami Fire Rescue was called out to the scene.
According to 7News, the motorcyclist was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Motorcycles can easily be overlooked by drivers of passenger vehicles. There are a few simple safety tips drivers can exercise to help to reduce the potentially fatal results of a run-in with a motorcycle.
Motorists Driving Tips to Help Protect Motorcyclists, from FOX29:
-Remember there are a lot more trucks and cars on our roadways than motorcycles. For this reason, a lot of drivers don’t see motorcycles, because they’re not looking for them. It’s important to offer a motorcyclist the same respect you would for the driver of another car or truck.
-Because motorcycles are so small, they’re oftentimes overlooked. Be sure that you actually look for motorcycles when making maneuvers in traffic.
-Motorcycles can appear to be farther away than they actually are. Always assume a biker is closer than he or she appears.
-Motorcycles also appear to be traveling faster than they are because of their small size.
-Motorcycles’ brake lights don’t always activate because bikers often slow down by down shifting. For this reason, never follow a motorcycle too closely.
-Motorcycles zigzag in their lane to avoid bumps and road debris in their lane of traffic. Never share a lane with a motorcycle.
-Turn signals on motorcycles aren’t self-canceling like the ones on our passenger vehicles. Make sure a motorcyclists’ signal is intended.
-Motorcycles have a tough time stopping on slippery roadways. Don’t travel too closely to these bikes.
If you or someone who is close to you has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident in 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.
More Blog Entries:
Speed a Common Cause of Motorcycle Accidents in Coral Springs, Statewide, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, September 29, 2011
Motorcycle Accidents Common on Palm Beach Roads, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, April 28, 2011