South Florida is an attractive area for motorcyclists. That's why it's important that operators of both motorcycles and passenger vehicles do whatever they can to keep the roads safe for everyone.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida (PRWEB) May 29, 2014
Ginnis & Krathen, P.A., a Fort Lauderdale personal injury firm that provides legal representation for victims of motorcycle accidents, is providing some suggestions for how motorists can avoid becoming involved in motorcycle accidents in South Florida.
"Because of the mild weather throughout the year here in South Florida, it's an attractive area for motorcyclists," says Eric Ginnis, co-founder of Ginnis & Krathen. "That's why it's important that operators of both motorcycles and passenger vehicles do whatever they can to keep the roads safe for everyone."
Almost 5,000 people are killed across the nation in motorcycle accidents each year. And Florida ranks third in the country for prevalence of motorcycle fatalities (behind California and Texas). "Per mile traveled, a person is about thirty times more likely to die while on a motorcycle than in a car," Eric Ginnis says.
That's why it is essential that motorcycle riders take every possible precaution in order to avoid being involved in an accident. Here are some suggestions for how motorcyclists can remain safe:
- Slow down. As with passenger cars, excessive speed is a common contributing factor to motorcycle accidents. Always travel at a safe speed, especially when approaching curves and corners.
- Be aware of the conditions. Keep an eye out for patches of gravel or other substances that can cause you to lose control of your bike. And try to avoid riding if there's a chance of moderate to heavy rain.
- Always assume that vehicle drivers cannot see you. This is especially true with cars that are waiting to turn left in front of you, or people who are exiting cars after parking near a curb. Expecting the unexpected can give you enough time to avoid a collision.
- Don't ride in a car's blind spot. Vehicle drivers aren't conditioned to checking their blind spots for motorcycles. To reduce the risk of having a car swerve into your lane, don't remain in someone else's blind spot any longer than you have to.
- Be prepared before you ride. Broadly speaking, that means take a motorcycle education course before getting out on the roads. And never ride while you are angry, stressed, or impaired by drugs or alcohol.
But reducing the number of motorcycle accidents in South Florida is not solely the responsibility of those who ride two-wheelers. Drivers of cars, trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles must also do their part to prevent a collision with a bike. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Always check your blind spots. Unless your vehicle has a blind spot detection system, always turn your head before switching lanes to make sure no motorcyclists are next to you. The one time you forget to do so could be deadly for a motorcyclist.
- Never tailgate a motorcycle. Bikes can and do stop more quickly than cars; and often their operators simply let off the throttle to slow down, meaning that the brake light doesn't illuminate. So you should always leave enough room to avoid a rear-end collision.
- Never share lanes. Resist the temptation to accelerate or swerve into a lane that's occupied by a motorcycle. Even if you think you have enough room, it creates a dangerous situation that frequently results in a motorcycle accident.
- Always signal your turns and lane changes. It can be difficult to accurately judge the speed of a motorcycle. If you warn motorcyclists about where you're going, they'll have time to slow down and stay out of your way.
- Be aware of weather conditions. It's easy to forget that it's raining or windy outside if you're sitting in a climate-controlled vehicle. But since motorcyclists have to deal with Mother Nature on a more intimate basis, you should allow them plenty of margin for error in inclement weather.
If motorcyclists and vehicle drivers in South Florida follow these tips, they can help decrease the number of injuries and deaths that result from motorcycle accidents. However, those who are injured in these types of incidents have the right to seek financial relief in civil court from those who are held responsible. A personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death lawsuit can help plaintiffs receive compensation for unearned wages, reimbursement for medical expenses, and even monetary damages for pain and suffering.
Ginnis & Krathen has been helping South Florida motorcycle accident victims for many years. The firm’s attorneys have the knowledge, expertise, and experience to fight for the rights of their clients, negotiate with stubborn insurance companies, and litigate cases at trial if necessary. Anyone who has been hurt in a motorcycle accident in South Florida, or has lost a loved one due to an accident caused by someone else, should contact Ginnis & Krathen for a free, in-person consultation by calling 954-905-4600, or by submitting a request to speak to an attorney at the firm’s website.
About Ginnis & Krathen
Ginnis & Krathen, P.A. is a firm that employs motor vehicle accident attorneys that assist clients in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and throughout South Florida. Their highly qualified attorneys are well skilled in all areas of negligence, including standard auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, hit-and-run accidents, drunk driving accidents, and wrongful death lawsuits. Ginnis & Krathen prides itself on providing personal attention, straightforward answers to questions, and superior legal representation in your individual case. The firm is dedicated to serving its clients with honor, honesty, and integrity.