What Causes Serious Bradenton Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycles are a popular form of transportation, especially in Bradenton, Florida, with its warm and sunny weather. However, it can also prove dangerous, especially when there is an accident due to the failure of another sharing the roadway to follow traffic signs and signals or failing to watch for motorcyclists.
A fatal Bradenton motorcycle crash in 2022 left two people dead—a 25-year-old man driving a motorcycle with his 22-year-old female passenger. They were on State Road 70, approaching I-75, when they were struck by a 77-year-old Bradenton woman in an SUV traveling west on State Road 70. The motorcyclist started braking to avoid crashing into the SUV but caused the bike to overturn and collide with the car.
The driver and passenger were thrown from the motorcycle. The passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, and the motorcycle driver was taken to the hospital but then pronounced dead. This is just one story of how a motorcycle ride can turn dangerous in Bradenton.
Common Causes of Bradenton Motorcycle Accidents
As of 2020, more than half a million motorcycles were registered in Florida, showing just how popular this mode of transportation is in the state. According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, more than 9000 motorcycle accidents occurred in just one year, showing a high risk of injury or death.
The Florida Crash Dashboard shows 150 motorcycle crashes in 2022 in Manatee County, with 17 fatalities from these crashes and 124 injuries.
What are some of the more common causes of these motorcycle accidents?
Blind Spots
More than 40% of passenger vehicles have blind spots, making it more difficult for a motorist to see a motorcyclist. Many motorcyclists are taught to weave through traffic to increase their visibility, but this is a lesser-known fact among many motorists. Instead of seeing this behavior as intentional, other drivers sharing the roadways often view it as reckless.
A-Pillars (Obstructing Vision)
The pillars on a passenger vehicle to its left and right can cause an obstructed view for the driver. For this reason, you want to check and adjust your mirrors when you get into your vehicle. It just may help to avoid a catastrophic collision with a motorcyclist.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is also common as people are attached to their cell phones and navigational devices. These kinds of distractions can lead to serious accidents and injuries. According to FLHSMV data, there were more than 333 fatalities in 2021 in Florida as a result of distracted driving accidents.
Reckless Driving
Reckless or aggressive driving is another common cause of Bradenton motorcycle accidents. This could be a driver not paying attention, misjudging their following distance, speeding over the posted speed limits, or taking neglectful actions when driving.
Reckless driving turns into a criminal charge when there is excessive speeding, red light running, weaving through traffic, failure to yield, tailgating, and refusing to stop before a collision occurs.
Aggressive driving often turns into road rage, which can be especially dangerous for a motorcyclist sharing the same roadways. The injuries due to road rage for a motorcyclist can prove astronomical.
Motorcycle Injuries
Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries are just a few of the more severe injuries you may face when involved in a Bradenton motorcycle accident.
These injuries can lead to impaired cognitive functions, diminished vision or hearing, poor balance and coordination, and a number of other serious conditions that can significantly diminish one’s quality of life after an accident.
If you have been involved in a Bradenton motorcycle accident, the first step is securing experienced legal representation. Don’t let your confusion, anger, or other emotions stop you from taking the necessary steps to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
