Motorcycle Fatality Rates in Florida Among Highest in Nation

According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), motorcycle fatality rates in Florida are among the highest in the nation, with 590 people killed by such crashes in 2022 alone.

There are many ways you can help to prevent motorcycle fatalities, including by riding safely and watching out for motorcyclists. If you do lose a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you can file a wrongful death case against the responsible party.

Motorcycle Fatalities in Florida

Fatal motorcycle accidents in Florida have remained high for the past few years, but sources may differ on the precise number of fatalities.

No matter how you count, the results are the same: motorcycle fatality rates in Florida are among the highest in the nation.

Motorcycle Fatalities Are on the Rise

FHSMV tracks motorcycle accidents and fatalities on a yearly basis. Their data for the past four years shows that:

• In 2020, 8,045 motorcycle accidents resulted in 552 fatalities.
• In 2021, 8,649 accidents resulted in 621 fatalities.
• In 2022, 9,156 accidents resulted in 590 fatalities.
• In 2023, so far, 4,164 accidents resulted in 240 fatalities.

In other words, Florida motorcycle accidents have increased steadily, and fatalities have more or less kept pace with that increase.

Why Are Florida’s Motorcycle Fatality Rates So High?

Several factors may contribute to Florida’s high rate of motorcycle deaths. One reason is the state’s weather. With year-round warmth and sunshine, Floridians may be more likely to ride more often than people in states with cold, unpleasant winters. More motorcyclists on the road increase the risk of motorcycle accident fatalities.

In addition, there are factors that affect motorcycle safety all over the country. As the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) explains, motorcyclists are more likely to die in traffic accidents than car occupants. This is because of:

• The lack of protection that motorcycles offer as compared with cars and trucks that completely surround the occupants
• The fact that motorcyclists are not secured to their vehicles (e.g., by a seatbelt) and are more likely to be thrown violently in the event of a crash
• Careless behavior from drivers, such as speeding, ignoring stop signs and red lights, or texting while driving
• The fact that many drivers fail to watch out for motorcyclists and may accidentally crowd or bump into a motorcycle without realizing they are there

Both drivers and motorcyclists can work to lower the death rate by staying attentive and alert while on the road. They should never:

• Drink or do drugs before driving (this includes prescription drugs if you are not sure how you will react to them)
• Be on the phone while driving
• Drive while too tired to think straight
• Give in to road rage or aggressive driving behaviors
• Turn around to look at passengers when their eyes should be on the road

Motorcyclists should also wear a well-fitted helmet while riding, as head injuries are a leading cause of motorcycle fatalities. If you are involved in an accident, the helmet would protect you and greatly increase your chances of surviving.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Fatality

Losing a loved one is devastating and life-altering for any family. Your grief may be compounded if your loved one passed away as the result of a preventable, negligence-related traffic accident.

After a fatal motorcycle crash, you can consider hiring a wrongful death lawyer to investigate and fight your case. Your family may be eligible for various forms of financial compensation from the at-fault party, including money for:

• The funeral service, the burial and/or cremation, and the settling of your loved one’s estate
• The money your loved one would have earned and contributed to the family economy over the course of their lifetime
• The loss of your loved one’s presence in your daily life and all of the affection, comfort, and guidance they provided to relatives
• The financial losses your loved one sustained prior to their passing (e.g. if they paid for their own medical treatment)
• The physical and emotional suffering your loved one endured prior to their passing

With a few exceptions, you have to file a wrongful death case within two years of your loved one’s passing. Otherwise, as Florida Statutes § 95.11 explains, you no longer have the right to take legal action against the liable party.

If you hire a motorcycle accident law firm within this deadline, there are many tasks they may be able to perform on your family’s behalf. This includes:

• Looking for evidence that proves the liable party caused your loved one’s injury by behaving negligently
• Calculating how much compensation your family should ask for
• Confronting the liable party by demanding their insurance company pay the damages they owe you
• Fighting hard to make sure you get the right amount of compensation, either by negotiating a settlement or going to court for a jury award
• Answering your questions about your case, how the law works, and what is happening with your case as it moves through the system

Motorcycle fatalities are an all-too-common occurrence in Florida. You may nevertheless feel alone, overwhelmed, and angry after losing a loved one in a motorcycle crash.

It may help you to remember that you have legal options in this situation and that a legal representative can explain those options to you during this difficult time.

After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash, Call Us

With motorcycle fatality rates in Florida among the highest in the nation, there are, unfortunately, many people looking for help from a wrongful death attorney. Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers is a family-owned firm, and you would work directly with our partners to resolve your case. Contact us today for a free strategy session.