Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Miami

Florida is one of the most popular areas in the U.S. for motorcycles, with over 650,000 registered bikes across the Sunshine State. The high number of motorcycles in Florida means the state also has high rates of motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle accidents are uniquely deadly compared to other types of auto accidents, even when wearing appropriate protective gear. These statistics can help you understand motorcycle accident frequency and what kind of consequences accidents in Florida can have.

General Motorcycle Accident Data

Below are some general data points about motorcycle frequency and fatalities in Florida and Miami:

• Motorcycle accidents injure nearly 8,000 people and kill over 500 people per year, according to crash data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
• Over half of all motorcycle crashes are investigated by local police, while a quarter (22 percent) are investigated by Florida Highway Patrol.
• Motorcycle crashes are more likely to occur during the first few months of the year (January, February, March, and April).
• Miami-Dade County has the highest rate of motorcycle fatalities out of all counties at over 50 per year, according to data from Ride Smart Florida.
• Motorcycle crashes are much more common in denser urban areas near city centers.
• The average number of motorcycle crashes in Miami has grown slightly in the past few years.

Contributing Factors to Motorcycle Accidents

The single largest contributor to motorcycle accidents in Florida is alcohol and drugs. About a third (33 percent) of motorcycle accidents in Florida are due to alcohol or drug use. In Miami, specifically, drugs and alcohol contribute to accidents differently among different age groups. Alcohol was a contributing factor in about 20 percent of accidents among riders between the ages of 50 and 65. Riders aged 39 through 45 were the next most likely group to die in motorcycle accidents due to alcohol impairment.

Speeding is another major contributor to motorcycle accidents, especially among younger riders in Miami. Speed was a contributing factor in about 21 percent of fatal accidents involving riders under the age of 30 compared to just five percent for riders between 50 and 65.

Helmet Use Statistics

Florida has partial helmet laws that require anyone under the age of 21 to wear a DOT-approved helmet when on a motorcycle. Riders over the age of 21 can choose not to wear a helmet so long as they provide sufficient proof of health insurance coverage.

It is well known that there is a strong connection between universal helmet laws and fewer motorcycle fatalities, so it should come as no surprise that failing to wear a helmet is a significant cause of death in Florida motorcycle accidents. In Miami-Dade County, a lack of a helmet is a contributing factor in over 40 percent of all motorcycle accidents.

Tips for Staying Safe on Miami’s Roads

Given Miami’s propensity for motorcycle accidents, it is more important than ever for riders to stay safe while in the saddle. Below are some tips to help you continue to enjoy riding safely in the Miami area.

• Wear appropriate safety gear and high-visibility clothing.
• Check your headlights and brake lights every time before you go out for a ride.
• Avoid riding near heavy traffic or near large semi-trucks with blind spots.
• Drive defensively and give other motorists a wide berth.
• Never turn or change lanes without signaling to other motorists first.
• Avoid riding when you are fatigued or in poor weather and lighting conditions.
• Do not ride between slow or stationary lanes of traffic.
• Review the Florida motorcycle safety handbook periodically to refresh your memory on basic traffic rules.

Why Hire Law Tigers For Your Motorcycle Accident Injury Case in Miami

When it comes down to it, our member firms are made up of riders, for riders. You’re not just a number to us, you’re family. As riders ourselves we understand the challenges you face on the road. With decades of experience, success, and local member law firms across the country, we’re here to let you know that with us, you’ll never ride alone. If you or a fellow rider need a motorcycle accident and injury lawyer, please call us today for a free consultation. Don’t wait for the compensation you deserve!

Motorcycle-Specific Expertise – Our motorcycle injury attorney members understand the unique challenges riders face, from biased accident reports to complex insurance claims and injuries.

Maximized Compensation – An experienced Law Tigers member attorney fights for full compensation, including medical bills, lost wages, bike repairs, and pain and suffering, ensuring you don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Insurance Negotiation Power – Insurance companies often try to undervalue motorcycle claims. The skilled Law Tigers attorneys know their tactics and won’t let them take advantage of you.

Protection from Legal Pitfalls – Filing claims, gathering evidence, and meeting deadlines can be overwhelming. Your knowledgeable Law Tigers Miami member lawyer handles everything so you can focus on healing.

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