Information, Statistics, and Legal Issues:
From a statistical standpoint, riding motorcycles is a dangerous pastime. Although other drivers are often to blame for a crash, it is usually the motorcycle operator and any passengers who suffer the consequences.

469 people were killed in Florida in motorcycle accidents in 2005. (Fatalities have steadily increased each year since Florida repealed its universal helmet law in 2000.)

Nationally, 4,008 deaths and more than 76,000 injuries were attributed to motorcycle crashes in 2005.

80 percent of all motorcycle crashes result in injury or death to the motorcyclist.

Older Riders More at Risk - Protect Yourself:
Baby Boomers are returning to motorcycling (or taking it up) in record numbers. From 1990 to 2003, motorcycle ownership rose more than 25 percent among those 40 years old or older. However, traffic deaths more than tripled in the 40+ age group from 1994-2004, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. By contrast, motorcycle fatalities for those under 30 increased by just 10 percent in that time span.

Some evidence suggests Baby Boomer bikers are getting into accidents because they lack experience or proper training. All new riders (not just older riders) should:

Take a motorcycle safety training course:
Consider wearing a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing (Florida's helmet law does not require helmets for those over 21 under certain conditions)
Examine their insurance policy to make sure they have adequate coverage (especially uninsured/underinsured motorist) in the event of a crash.

The Outcome of Motorcycle Accidents:
Because of the force of a collision with a much heavier car or striking a fixed object, motorcyclist injuries are more likely to be permanent, catastrophic, or fatal. Brain injury and spinal injury occur at a higher rate, and broken bones and road rash can be severe, disabling injuries.

Insurance and Liability in Florida Motorcycle Accidents:
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash in Florida, please see our pages on What To Do After an Accident and Frequently Asked Questions.

Florida is a comparative negligence state. If you are partially at fault, you can still collect damages, but the award is reduced by the percentage of your comparative fault. (Example: If you are 25 percent at fault, you would only receive 75 percent of the damages determined by a jury.)

Motorcyclists should strongly consider carrying as much uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as possible. Because the motorcyclist is more likely to sustain substantial injury in a collision, the standard no-fault liability coverage and even the baseline UM/UIM coverage may be inadequate. If the other driver has no insurance or if their policy limit is low, you would not be fully compensated for your losses, even if the other driver is 100 percent at fault. Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer or your insurance agent to discuss your policy's protection in the event of a serious crash.

Free, No-Obligation Claim Evaluation:
In the event of a motorcycle accident, on a hog, a dresser, or a dirt bike, anywhere in Florida, please contact McMillen Law Firm to answer the question: Do I Have a Good Case? You pay no attorney's fees or costs unless we successfully recover damages on your behalf.

The McMillen Law Firm represents motorcycle accident victims throughout Florida, including Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Ft. Lauderdale, Bradenton, Clearwater, Daytona Beach, Fort Myers, Fort Pierce, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Miami, Naples, Panama City, Pensacola, Sarasota, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Sebring, Tallahassee, Vero Beach, and West Palm Beach, and the counties of Bay, Brevard, Broward, Collier, Dade, Duval, Escambia, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lee, Leon, Manatee, Martin, Miami, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, St. John’s, St. Lucie, Sarasota, Stuart, and Volusia.