Inclement Weather: A Factor in Florida Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riders are 30 times more likely than passenger vehicles occupants to die from an accident. Weather changes on the open highway frequently place Broward County motorcyclists at higher risk for serious accidents, injuries, and death. South Florida is known for their intense summer showers, accounting for over 70% of the county’s yearly rainfall.  Last month, certain areas of Broward County received over three inches in one hour, eight inches in one day, and 13 inches in one week.  Rainfall serves as a major inconvenience for students, shoppers, and especially commuters. Even more so, motorcycle riders face an entirely different degree of inconvenience on rainy days.

Why do most motorcycle accidents occur?

The chief causes of the majority of motorcycle accidents in Broward County include: inattentive driver of passenger vehicle, DUI, inexperienced motorcyclist, speeding, and hazardous road conditions.

Motorcycle accidents result in serious injuries including: road rash, scarring, disfigurement, dental damage, pain, plastic surgery, fractures, nerve damage, spinal cord damage, paralysis, head trauma, concussion, brain injury, and death. Victims injured in Broward County motorcycle accidents caused by severe weather conditions may, in fact, be eligible for compensation, depending on the road conditions present at the time.

Hazardous Road Conditions Cause Motorcycle Accidents

Broward County motorcycle enthusiasts are generally well aware of the threats that await them. While the issue facing many riders revolves around lack of education and training, sometimes riders just can’t predict what dangers they may face on the road. The list below explains various hazardous road conditions that affect motorcyclists, which are likely to increase a rider’s risk for serious accident and injury.

1. Hydroplaning. When motorcycles hit a puddle of water, or even moisture atop barely wet pavement, the wheels are likely to hydroplane. The combination of fast speed and water can be lethal for any motorcyclists, experienced or not.
2. Bumpy or Rough Roads. Construction work, wear and tear, and ineffective resurfacing each contribute to bumpy and rough roads, a major hazardous road condition for motorcycles.
3. Gravel. Even experienced motorcyclists have a very difficult time driving on loose gravel, especially while making turns and cornering. Gravel is often found on windy roads.
4. Road Joints. When two roads come together, they are called an expansion joint. The uneven surface is quite hazardous for motorcycles, especially during rainy weather.

Get Help!

Broward County motorcyclists pay a high price for their freedom, often resulting in serious injuries, such as paralysis and head trauma or death. Because motorcycles don’t provide the safety and security of seatbelts, air bags, insulation, and the structure of an automobile, they are incredibly vulnerable to road hazards and mistakes made by other drivers.

If you have been in a motorcycle accident in South Florida and sustained a serious injury caused by weather or hazardous road conditions, it is important to talk with an experienced South Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney. Contact David M. Benenfeld today for a free consultation.