Jacksonville Injury Attorney Blog
Last week in Jacksonville, a pickup truck was pulling out of a local business when it crossed in front of a motorcyclist. According to a report by Jacksonville.com, the motorcyclist was heading west on Beach Boulevard near Foster Drive, when the truck pulled out in front, giving the motorcyclist inadequate time to stop or get around the truck. The motorcyclist, who was wearing a helmet, sustained serious injuries, but is expected to survive.
Motorcycle Accidents Are Dangerous
Between the years 2001 and 2008, more than 34,000 motorcyclists lost their lives in a motorcycle accident. Of all the fatal accidents, most involved riders between 20 and 24 years of age, and in a close second, 25 to 29 years of age. Most injured in motorcycle accidents are male.
During that same period, more than 1.2 million motorcycle riders were injured. Of all the non-fatal injuries, most occurred to a rider’s foot or leg (about a third) followed by head injuries (22%).
How To Protect Yourself When Riding a Motorcycle
When riding a motorcycle, riders should take certain precautions to ensure that they do not end up as one of these sad statistics. Motorcyclists should keep the following tips in mind when riding:
· Always wear a helmet that is approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation;
· Never ride your motorcycle after you have been drinking;
· If friends try to ride after they have been drinking, stand up to them and do not let them get on their motorcycle; you may be saving a life;
· Wear protective clothing that covers both the upper and lower portions of your body;
· Avoid tailgating;
· Do not speed; and · Make sure to keep a reasonable speed when conditions are not ideal, such as rain or when traveling on a surface that contains gravel.
Always remember, when riding a motorcycle, the limitations and dangers inherent in riding. For example, keep in mind that the braking distance may not be what you are used to when driving a car. Also, heavy winds may create additional hazards. The bottom line is that all motorcycle riders should take extreme precaution when riding to ensure they remain safe.
Some Accidents Cannot Be Prevented Despite Safe Riding
Not all accidents can be avoided, no matter how safe a motorcycle rider is riding. For example, if another driver is intoxicated or is driving negligently, a motorcyclist might not be able to do anything to avoid a collision (except wear a helmet).
Click here, or call ( 904) 632-0077 to schedule a free initial consultation with a local, Florida accident attorney.
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See Related Blog Posts:
– Man Who Ran Over Jacksonville Girl Turns Himself in to Police
– Man Dies after Being Hit by a Jacksonville Transportation Authority Bus
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary damages. To further understand what rights you have, contact an experienced Jacksonville accident attorney today to discuss the facts of your case.