Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale (and throughout the nation) include speeding, driving while intoxicated, distracted driving, disobeying traffic laws, inattention during left turns, lane splitting, and unsafe lane changes.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash caused by a negligent vehicle driver, a Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for your damages. Most personal injury law firms will evaluate your motorcycle accident claim for free.
More Details On The Common Causes Of Motorcycle Crashes In Fort Lauderdale
According to the Florida Department of Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), 775 motorcycle accidents occurred in Broward County in 2024, resulting in 629 injuries and 32 fatalities. The causes of these accidents vary, but many result from negligence.
Speeding
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding contributes to approximately one-third of all fatal motor vehicle accidents. Driving faster than the speed limit or what road conditions allow is always dangerous. Slowing down can save lives.
Driving While Intoxicated
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs leads to slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and lack of coordination—a real recipe for disaster! No one should get behind the wheel or on a motorcycle if they are intoxicated or impaired in any way.
Distracted Driving
The NHTSA reports that distracted driving claimed over 3,300 lives in 2022. Common distractions include
- Sending or reading text messages
- Talking on the phone
- Scrolling social media
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the radio
- Checking GPS or maps
- Interacting with other people or pets
If you must use your phone or focus on something else, pull over before doing so.
Disobeying Traffic Laws
Breaking traffic laws frequently leads to accidents. Running red lights or stop signs, failing to yield, or changing lanes without signaling can easily cause a motorcycle crash.
Dangerous Left Turns
Drivers of all vehicles must use heightened caution when turning left. Suppose a driver fails to see a motorcycle approaching an intersection in the opposite direction. Or perhaps they incorrectly think they have enough time to turn left before hitting a bike. Either could result in a catastrophic collision.
Lane Splitting
Like many states, lane splitting (driving a motorcycle between lanes of traffic) is illegal in Florida, per Florida Statutes § 316.209. However, motorcyclists still engage in the practice to save time and get ahead of busy traffic.
If a car, truck, or other vehicle attempts to change lanes while a motorcyclist is lane splitting, the motorcyclist could get crushed or slammed into another vehicle, barrier, or object.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Because motorcycles are so much smaller than other cars, it’s more difficult for vehicle drivers to see them, especially in a blind spot. Should a motorist change lanes without looking for a motorcyclist in an adjacent lane, they might cause an accident.
How A Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You After A Crash
Regardless of what caused the crash, hiring a motorcycle accident attorney can significantly benefit you. While you rest and focus on recovering from your injuries, your lawyer can handle the entire legal process for you, including:
- Coming to your home or hospital room if you can’t go to their office
- Answering your questions and addressing your concerns
- Sending you regular updates about your case
- Accounting for all your economic and non-economic damages
- Negotiating with the negligent party’s insurance provider for a fair settlement
- Filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit on your behalf
- Fighting for you in court if necessary
Your Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can also help you access quality medical care, schedule appointments for you, and help you get your motorcycle repaired or replaced.
Seeking Justice And Compensation After A Fatal Motorcycle Crash In Fort Lauderdale
The NHTSA also found that Florida led the nation with 668 fatal motorcycle accidents. While state officials often focus on education and public awareness of the issue to bring numbers down, far too many families are suffering after losing loved ones in motorcycle wrecks.
Is your family facing this devastating situation? A Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyer can handle your claim while you concentrate on grieving, honoring your loved one, and caring for your family.
Damages You May Qualify For After A Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident
Injured motorcycle riders may qualify for a wide range of damages after an accident.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the direct financial costs you incurred because of the accident. They may include:
- Medical care costs, including ambulance transportation, emergency room care, hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, medical devices, and more
- Necessary home or vehicle modifications related to your injuries
- Household services you can no longer handle, such as yardwork and cleaning
- Lost income and other professional damages
- Lost earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job
- Property damage, including repairing or replacing your motorcycle
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages compensate you for the motorcycle accident’s physical, emotional, and psychological effects. They generally include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Disability or disfigurement
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a loved one, your Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorney could help you seek wrongful death damages, such as:
- Funeral and burial or cremation expenses
- Loss of household services
- Loss of income and benefits
- Loss of companionship, consortium, and parental guidance
Contact The Law Offices Of Anidjar & Levine Today For A Free Motorcycle Accident Consultation
Were you injured in a recent motorcycle accident? Our legal team understands the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale and will determine if negligence led the at-fault driver to commit one of them. Then, we’ll negotiate with the liable party’s insurance company on your behalf and aim to recover maximum compensation for you.
We have served Floridians since 2005 and work on a contingency fee basis, so you’ll pay us nothing upfront or out of pocket to secure legal representation from a Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer. Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for a free consultation.
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