Boasting a year-round sunny climate, Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations and is host to a number of motorcycle enthusiast events. Miami-Dade, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Broward, Duval, Orange, and Pasco counties are home to a majority of the motorcycle riding throughout the state, and they are also the counties that listed the largest number of motorcycle fatalities in 2010. With the many motorcycle rallies that take place throughout the state, population and proximity play a role in determining the number of motorcycle crashes and fatalities.
Interestingly enough, registered motorcycles accounted for just over 4% of Florida's motoring public in 2008, and the number of licensed motorcyclists had only increased to 7% as of 2011. However, motorcyclists and their passengers represented 14.3% of all fatalities on Florida's roadways. If you own a motorcycle or moped with a 50 cc or larger engine, you are required by law to register it with the state of Florida and obtain the regular motorcycle license plates. This registration must be renewed annually. Many motorcyclists also choose to establish financial responsibility in order to ensure that they are financially protected in the event of an accident.
The DHSMV recommends that you follow the state's minimum coverage requirements for private passenger vehicles as they are outlined in the Financial Responsibility Law. There are also additional types of coverage, such as a No-Fault Law, that will protect you in incidents where no bodily injuries occur. No-Fault Law also provides for $10,000 per person/crash in personal injury protection and $10,000 per crash in property damage liability. This insurance is important because owners who cannot show proof of insurance will face penalties such as suspended driving privileges, registrations and license plates, as well as reinstatement fees.
Motorcycle insurance is designed to cover the damages that result from a crash or an unavoidable natural occurrence, and this insurance covers property damage, personal injury expenses and lost wages. The most costly expense of a motorcycle accident is typically the injury to riders or passengers, and it is important to try and avoid accident situations and hazardous road conditions at all costs. This includes wearing your helmet and always being on the alert while you are on your motorcycle.
If you are one of the thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts that live in Florida, you are probably familiar with the safety hazards associated with not wearing a helmet. Statistics show that helmet use in Florida was observed at 49.3 percent in 2011, and many studies show that motorcyclists who do not wear helmets are more likely to suffer serious injury and fatality. Every motorcyclist is also required to wear eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windshield, regardless of their age or insurance. Any trace of alcohol in the body will increase the chance of crashing by five times, and 25% of all fatal alcohol-related motorcycle crashes involve motorcyclists overturning, running off the road, or falling from the motorcycle to avoid hitting another object.
There are many ways and reasons for why a motorcycle accident happens, and our Miami motorcycle accident lawyers are here to protect the rights of those who have been injured. Over the years, we have handled numerous claims on the behalf of riders and passengers who were injured when they were involved in a motorcycle accident. We understand the state's laws for motorcyclists and are intimately acquainted with how to protect the rights of victims. Call today to schedule a free consultation with Mesa Law Firm, where you can learn more about your rights and how to recover compensation when you have been injured.