Motorcycles are often invisible to cars. Many fatal accidents are caused by drivers who are unaware of a motorcycle and fail to see them merging into traffic or crossing into their lane. One such incident resulted in the tragic death of Panama City teen Dylan Corbin, 19, who was thrown from his motorcycle and died of his injuries last fall. Now, Corbin’s image has joined fellow accident victim Kristopher John McElhenny, 18, who was killed under similar conditions in 2002. The two boys have become the face of Florida’s new motorcycle safety campaign encouraging drivers to “Look Twice, Save a Life.”
With its balmy weather and long stretches of highway, Florida is a great place to enjoy riding a motorcycle. However, the mix of motorcycles and cars and trucks on the same roads, traveling at high speeds can be deadly. Even with proper safety gear, a motorcyclist is extremely vulnerable in an accident.
Common motorcycle accident scenarios include:
- Failure to negotiate a bend — especially when traveling at high speed, or when there is sand, salt or debris on the road, a motorcyclist can easily enter an uncontrolled skid while attempting to lean into a bend;
- Overtaking a vehicle — in a contest between a motorcycle and a car, the car is likely to win. Overtaking another vehicle requires skill and timing. Often the motorcycle is not visible to the driver of the car, so the biker must correctly and accurately gage the speed and trajectory of the car, as well as the acceleration of the bike in order to overtake it safely;
- Collision at an intersection — Bikers are required to follow all traffic flow laws, and sometimes act impatiently at stop or yield signs.
- Merging into traffic — many accidents occur when a motorcycle, eager to join the flow, merges at an unsafe speed without fully clearing the traffic, thereby cutting off a car in the lane.
In addition to these common accidents, motorcycles are vulnerable to road conditions. When it’s raining or foggy, visibility is compromised and motorcycles are even more invisible to cars. It is crucial that bikers use proper lighting, reflective tape and protective gear at all times.
Accidents happen, and motorcycle accidents are often serious or fatal. If you have been involved in an accident, it is important that you act quickly to document the events of the crash. A personal injury lawyer at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can help you get compensation for your injuries. Call our West Palm Beach offices at 561-665-1990 or contact online to make an appointment for your free consultation.
