Florida Highest in Motorcycle Crashes Prompting Tampa Bay Law Firm to Caution Drivers

CLEARWATER, Fla., June 05, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that, in Florida, there were 9,535 motorcycle crashes and 6,521 bicycle crashes in 2017, resulting in 611 fatalities. Of the motorcyclists involved in crashes in 2017, 42 percent were not wearing a helmet.

"Motorcycles have grown in popularity and they are a regular presence on the roadways," said Paul A. Meissner, Jr., personal injury attorney and co-founder of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett, P.A. "Motorcyclists and motor vehicles must share the road responsibly and follow all safety precautions. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents do happen and Florida's personal injury laws provide protection for those who have been injured."

Motorists can help to make the roads safer for motorcyclists by taking some simple precautions, provided by the American Automobile Association (AAA) including being extra cautious on weekends, providing adequate room for motorcyclists to maneuver, maintaining a four-second buffer zone, and never sharing a lane with a motorcycle. The AAA also provides safety tips for motorcyclists, including wearing helmets, keeping headlights and marker and taillights on at dusk and in dark or inclement weather, signaling when turning, staying three to four seconds behind a vehicle they intend to pass, checking oncoming traffic from the left side of the lane, and wearing proper clothing and footwear.

"When a motorcyclist rides recklessly or a motor vehicle operator fails to heed safety warnings, it leads to accidents, injuries, and sometimes death," continued Attorney Carlson. "When negligent behavior causes an accident, the injured party can seek relief under personal injury law. It is important to note that Florida follows a "pure comparative negligence rule", which takes into account each party's responsibility for the accident and reduces the award by an amount that reflects their percentage of fault for the accident."

Florida, like other states, has legal time limits for filing claims in the civil courts, known as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is four years from the date the accident took place. If the claim is not filed before this deadline, the Florida courts will refuse to hear the case.

To learn more about your rights and responsibilities if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact the p ersonal injury attorneys at Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett, P.A. Located in Clearwater, Florida, the law office of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett, P.A. has been serving the Tampa Bay area community for more than 46 years. An innovative practice with proven litigation skills make the firm Tampa Bay's premier legal team, with a proven track record of success and a reputation for excellence. For more information about Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett, P.A., visit the firm website at CarlsonMeissner.com or contact the office directly at 877-728-9653.

SOURCE Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett, P.A.