Motorcycle Accidents and Pickup Trucks
Motorcycle accidents can lead to serious, permanent injuries. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help injured motorcyclists get the compensation they need to deal with medical costs and other damages.
When pickup trucks collide with motorcycles, it can leave surviving motorcyclists with life-changing injuries. At Chanfrau & Chanfrau, our attorneys represent victims of motorcycle accidents and pick-up trucks in Daytona Beach, FL, and Palm Coast, FL. We strive to help victims and their families recover financial compensation for their injuries.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
In 2018 alone, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that there were just under 9,000 motorcycle crashes throughout the state, 7,228 of which resulted in injuries and 506 of which resulted in fatalities.
Because of events like Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach, which draw large crowds and many motorcyclists, motorcycle accidents are unfortunately common in Volusia and Flagler Counties. According to data compiled by the Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), out of 94 Florida cities assessed, Daytona Beach ranked second in motorcycle injuries and fatalities, followed by Ormond Beach in third, New Smyrna Beach in fourth, and DeLand in fifth. Other areas, including Port Orange and Holly Hill, also saw significant numbers of injuries and fatalities from motorcycle accidents. In fact, Holly Hill ranked sixth out of 123 cities.
Risks to Motorcyclists in Volusia and Flagler Counties
Events like Biketoberfest, during which large numbers of people gather and alcohol consumption occurs, can increase the risk of motorcycle accidents. Alcohol causes motorists and pedestrians to make poor judgments, sometimes with devastating results.
In addition to an increase in alcohol consumption, motorcycle accidents with pickup trucks can occur during such festivities when people bring their 4x4s to permitted beach areas.
Even everyday occurrences on the roads can pose particular risk to motorcyclists. Combine that with pickup trucks carrying full loads, an accident between a truck and motorcycle can have serious consequences.
Some traffic and road conditions of note for motorcyclists include:
- Construction projects: When it comes to pickup trucks and motorcycle accidents, areas where construction projects are occurring can be risky. Drivers of pickup trucks carrying large loads of building or landscaping materials may not be able to see clearly, or at all, out of the back of their truck. This can make it extremely difficult to see motorcycles on the road and may lead to a dangerous collision.
- Traffic choke points: Traffic choke points pose unique risks to motorcyclists. Choke points occur when traffic is constricted by lanes ending, freeway interchanges, poorly timed traffic lights, or even a curve in the road. Motorcyclists who split lanes to move past a choke point may not be seen and may subsequently be hit by a vehicle merging or changing lanes, especially if that vehicle’s view is already obstructed in some way.
- Highway corridors: Vehicles are typically operated at high speeds through highway corridors. Driving a pickup truck or motorcycle above the speed limit can increase the severity of a collision, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities for motorcyclists.
Contact the Law Offices of Chanfrau & Chanfrau
When involved in a motorcycle accident, it's important to consult a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible to help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, the attorneys of Chanfrau & Chanfrau can help you pursue the maximum settlement for your injuries, pain and suffering. Please call (386) 258-7313 to schedule a consultation today.