Motorcycle Accidents

March 4, 2020

What You Need to Know for Daytona Beach’s Bike Week | Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

For motorcycle enthusiasts in the state of Florida and around the world, it’s time to start your bikes and rev those engines because Daytona Beach’s 79th annual Bike Week is coming to town.

The 10-day event will take place from March 6 to March 15 and will be packed with several concerts, shows and races.

With so many things to keep track of, here is a general list of everything you need to know before Bike Week gets revved up.

General Information

This monumental event has been drawing motorists since 1937. You can start your day off at the welcome center located at One Daytona, right across from the Daytona International Speedway. Daytona Regional Chamber ambassadors will be around to answer any questions you have and will hand out the official pocket guide.

If you’re feeling lucky, a $50 donation will enter you in the official motorcycle drawing for a chance to win a custom Harley Dyna Glide. Only 4,500 tickets will be printed and the drawing will be held at approximately 12 p.m. on March 14.

Traffic and Safety

With so many people attending the big event, the Daytona Beach Police Department put out a traffic warning for visitors to highlight possible congestion areas, road closures and detours.

Expect the biggest crowds to be centered around the Daytona International Speedway, Main Street, Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard and North Beach Street, especially at night.

Side street traffic heading north and south between Auditorium Boulevard and Harvey Street may be restricted during events. Affected roadways include Oleander Avenue, Wild Olive Street, Grandview Avenue and Hollywood Avenue.

Atlantic Avenue/State Road A1A

Northbound: Turn left (west) on International Speedway Boulevard and then right (north) on Peninsula Drive. Please avoid trying to turn left (west) onto Main Street from Atlantic Avenue.
Southbound: Go to the right lane. Upon reaching Main Street, you may be able to turn right (west), depending on the amount of traffic. If not, continue south and turn right (west) on International Speedway Boulevard, then turn right (north) on Peninsula Drive

Peninsula Drive

Northbound: Remain on Peninsula Drive until you get to Main Street, then turn right (east).
Southbound: Turn left (east) on Oakridge Boulevard to Atlantic Avenue, then turn right (south) and head to Main Street.

North Beach Street

There will be motorcycle-only parking on selected areas of North Beach Street. These areas will be clearly marked by signage.
Expect heavy traffic around Indian Motorcycle Company.

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard

Public parking areas may be restricted to assist with pedestrian safety and vehicle areas may be restricted to assist with pedestrian safety and vehicle movement during event.

Events

March 6-15: Daytona’s 42nd Annual World’s Largest Swapmeet at the Daytona Beach Flea Market. Held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. 1425 Tomoka Farm Road, Daytona Beach.

March 6-13: Michael Austin’s Live Music Bike Week Party In The Pavilion a daily concert series inside the Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson. 1637 North U.S. Highway 1, Ormond Beach.

March 6: The Ultimate Tribute to Van Halen from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Space Coast Harley-Davidson. 1440 Sportsman Lane NE, Palm Bay.

March 7: Daytona Supercross at the Daytona International Speedway. 1801 West International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach.

March 8: Southern Fried Moto Show – Vintage Bikes 1999 and earlier from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson. 1637 North U.S. Highway 1, Ormond Beach.

March 9: 1st Annual Space Coast Harley-Davidson Bike Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Space Coast Harley-Davidson. 1440 Sportsman Lane NE, Palm Bay.

March 12: Leather and Lace MC Annual Motorcycle Rodeo from noon to 6 p.m. at Leather & Lace MC Clubhouse. 574 West Ariel Road, Edgewater.

March 12: Ruff Ride for the Animals from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Halifax Humane Society. 2364 LPGA Blvd, Daytona Beach.

March 13: World’s Largest V8 Parade from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Indian Motorcycle Daytona Beach. 290 North Beach Street, Daytona Beach.

March 14: Daytona 200/Daytona TT at the Daytona International Speedway. 1801 West International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach.

Our Florida Motorcycle Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton know that motorcyclists are the most vulnerable on the road. Motorcyclists are at an increased risk of injury because they lack the protection of seat-belts, airbags, and the steel frame of a car. For these reasons, we have compiled a list of safety tips for you to follow so that you can stay safe when riding around the streets of Daytona, or wherever your travels take you:

Steer clear of “No-Zones.” Avoid being in a truck’s blind spot or No-Zone. Trucks have large No-Zones on both sides, the front and behind the truck. Truck drivers cannot see you when you ride in these blind spots, which only increases the chances of a crash. The front blind spot is especially dangerous if you need to stop quickly.
Wear a helmet. The state of Florida requires every motorcycle rider under the age of 21 to wear a helmet. Riders over the age of 21 can ride a motorcycle without a helmet if they can prove they are covered by a $10,000 medical insurance policy to cover any injuries that may arise as a result of a crash. Helmets are the most important piece of equipment you can wear while riding a motorcycle. This will be your only source of protection in a serious crash.
Do not share lanes. While motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, you must adhere to the laws of the road. Never ride in between lanes of traffic or share a lane with another vehicle.
Inspect your bike before you ride. Proper maintenance will help reduce your chance of a crash.
Wear protective clothing. In addition to your helmet, wearing protective clothing including gloves, boots and a jacket will reduce the risk of severe injury if you are involved in a crash.
Obey posted speed limits. Motorcycles accelerate the fastest, so watch your speed, particularly in bad weather or at night.

At Whittel & Melton, our staff of attorneys share the love of motorcycles. We are part of the National Academy of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers and are sponsoring an online giveaway where you could win a Harley! You can enter by clicking here to win a 2020 FXDR 114 Motorcycle or the motorcycle of your choice, up to $20,000.

January 29, 2020

Watchdog Group Ranks Florida as One of the Worst States for Highway Safety Laws

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Florida has been ranked as one of the nation’s worst states for safety laws and enforcement, according to a new report from a watchdog group.

Florida is one of 12 states that fall “dangerously behind” laws recommended by Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety.

Among the problems the group found in Florida: Inadequate primary rear seat belt laws, which mean law enforcement cannot stop a vehicle simply because a seatbelt is unbuckled. The state does have a primary front seat belt law.

Nationwide, 47% of the 22,697 people killed in passenger vehicle riders were not wearing seat belts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 1,099 lives were saved in Florida in 2017 because of seat belt use. Had others been buckled in, though, it said 181 more lives could have been saved.

MOTORCYCLE HELMETS AND CHILD SEATS

Florida also received low marks for not requiring motorcycle riders of all ages to wear helmets. It’s one of 31 states without that requirement. The state allows riders over 21 to go without a helmet as long as they have a certain amount of insurance coverage.

The state also scored low in child safety laws. Florida is one of 35 states that does not require infants and toddlers to sit in a rear-facing child restraint system at least through age 2.

The report also said Florida lacks a good law requiring children who have outgrown the height and weight limit of a forward-facing safety to sit in a booster seat until he or she is 8 years old and 57 inches tall. Thirty-four states have such laws.

State law does require children age 5 and under to be “secured properly in a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device,” and children up to age 3 “must be in child restraint devices of a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer’s integrated child seat,” according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Children under 18 must wear seat belts.

Florida does somewhat better as children get older. In the decade between 2009 and 2018, the Advocates report found. There were 3,533 fatalities caused by motor vehicle crashes involving drivers aged 15 to 20. Nationally, the crash rate for teenage drivers is three times the rate of older people.

Florida did receive good ratings for some restrictions on young drivers, but falters in the report because of no nighttime restrictions for such drivers or restrictions on passengers.

The state gets mediocre marks for efforts to discourage distracted driving. While it bans text messaging while driving, the organization finds its efforts to restrict cell phone use as inadequate.

The report aims to promote the idea that as technology improves, so does the potential to prevent crashes that result in injuries and death.

Big challenges still remain for Florida. Catherine Chase, the organization’s president, cited “critical safety issues that must be addressed,” including standards to measure driver assistance technology and autonomous vehicles, further measures to combat drug-impaired driving, better safety for rear seat passengers and more protection for pedestrians and bicycle riders.

This study shows Florida’s “report card” for five different categories: occupant protection, child passenger safety, teen driving, impaired driving, and distracted driving. “Grades” of Green (Good); Yellow (Caution); and Red (Danger) provide an assessment of each state’s efforts. Florida received a “grade” of Red, which equates to “Danger.” It makes sense seeing that tens of thousands of people are killed on our nation’s roads every year. That breaks down to approximately 100 people killed every single day and nearly 7,500 more are injured in motor vehicle crashes. These traffic accidents carry a significant annual economic cost of $242 billion. This results in each person living in the U.S. essentially paying a “crash tax” of $784 every year.

If you have been in any kind of car accident, then you know just how traumatic the experience can be. Knowing that living in Florida only stacks more odds against you gives you a greater reason to protect yourself. If you are involved in an auto accident, our Florida Auto Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton are here to provide you with the right legal help.

If you have been in a car accident in Florida, we urge you to speak with one of our personal injury lawyers. We know how overwhelming life can be after a car accident, and we can help you take the next steps towards securing financial compensation for your damages.The last thing you need is the added stress of fighting with insurance companies while the medical bills keep piling in.

September 23, 2019

Off-Duty Ocala Police Officer Killed in Motorcycle Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

An off-duty Ocala Police officer was killed late Thursday night after he was ejected from his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

The 43-year-old man was traveling west on SW 95th Street Rd. when his white motorcycle suddenly veered left and traveled across the center median while spinning and then falling onto its side. The motorcycle continued to slide across the median and came to rest in the eastbound lanes, a Florida Highway Patrol report states.

The man was ejected from the motorcycle and also ended up in the eastbound lanes of SW 95th Street Rd. He was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries, the FHP report says.

An ejection from the motorcycle is a common pathway to injury or fatality, because when the bike comes to a sudden stop, there is nothing affixing the rider to the bike. Also, the rider can forcibly strike any objects within the pathway of the ejection – as well as the ground.

Ocala, and the rest of the state of Florida, is beautiful pretty much year-round for motorcycle riders everywhere. With plenty of roads, attractive scenery, and gorgeous weather, Florida is a mecca for motorcyclists, as well as other tourists. But with more bikers on the roads, this also means more injuries. Motorcycle accidents tend to be more catastrophic than passenger car accidents because motorcycles lack the protection of a metal frame that cars have.

When a person is ejected from a motorcycle, serious injuries and death can easily occur. Since motorcycles have no seatbelts, roof, or doors to contain riders and passengers, nearly any motorcycle accident can result in ejection injuries. Riders without helmets are much more likely to suffer fatal injuries during accidents that result in ejection than riders that wear helmets.

When drivers and passengers are ejected from a motorcycle, the impact usually injures the head and neck. Motorcyclists can also easily collide with stationary objects that are in the path of the collision, which can result in more serious ejection injuries. Back and spinal cord trauma can also occur from ejection injuries due to the fact that the spine often becomes compressed during the ejection impact. However, any part of the body can be injured during a motorcycle ejection crash. It really all depends upon the way that the rider falls.

Injuries that are commonly suffered during a motorcycle ejection include:

Broken bones
Lacerations
Severe foot and leg injuries
Amputations
Traumatic brain injuries
Paralysis injuries
Concussions
Eye and facial injuries

A motorcycle collision can cause extreme violence to riders and passengers. More than 80 percent of traffic accidents involving motorcycles result in either injuries or death to the motorcyclist. As we mentioned before, motorcycles offer no protections to its driver or passengers. There is nothing to prevent the riders from being thrown off the motorcycle in the event of an accident. When ejected, the rider is quite likely to be injured again when hitting the ground or any other obstacle in the rider’s path of flight, including walls, trees, signs, other cars, etc.

There are many different types of motorcycle crashes, and some are more common than others. Here are the top ten reasons for motorcycle crashes:

Unsafe lane changes
Car doors opening
Inexperienced drivers
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
A sudden stop
Left turn accidents
Speeding
Lane splitting
Head-on collisions
Road hazards

If you are a motorcyclist, there are preventative measures you can take to eliminate the possibility of a crash. You should wear a helmet, wear bright clothing, and invest in reflectors that shine brighter when illuminated by headlights. You should also limit the number of times you weave between lanes when traffic is stalled, as distracted drivers that are not paying attention can easily change lanes unexpectedly and strike you and your bike.

Our Ocala Motorcycle Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton also recommend the following to prevent tragic accidents:

Ride with a group to improve visibility
Avoid lane-splitting
Avoid riding on unfamiliar surfaces, such as gravel, loose asphalt, potholes, oil slicks, and other debris
Always ride defensively
Do not ride above your skill level. Take a safety course or refresher class to help improve your skill level.

March 12, 2019

You Can Win a 2019 FXDR 114 Motorcycle

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The National Academy of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers (NAMIL) is doing an online giveaway where one lucky winner will receive a brand new 2019 FXDR 114 Harley Davidson Motorcycle valued at over $21,000.00.

The FXDR 114 is fast, agile and boasts loads of torque for blasting off from stop lights and hitting entrance ramps. The bike features a Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine, Bold 2-into-1 Exhaust, and a Softail Frame. The all-new aluminum swingarm and subframe reduces overall weight and maximizes acceleration, braking, and performance.

The promotion runs through September 30, 2019. The winner will be drawn at random on October 31st, 2019. Feeling lucky? Enter the giveaway by clicking here. The contest is limited to one entry per person.

Whittel & Melton are Founding Members of NAMIL

Our Florida Motorcycle Injury & Wrongful Death Attorneys at Whittel & Melton are founding members of NAMIL – National Association of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers. This means we are fully competent in Motorcycle Injury Law as evidenced by the fulfillment of standards and criteria as established by the NAMIL Board of Examiners and Board of Governors: we have substantial experience in handling complex matters relating to Motorcycle Injury claims, we have been recognized by our peers as a leading practitioner in the area of Motorcycle Injury Law, and we are actively involved in improving the practice and study of Motorcycle Law as well as protecting Motorcyclists rights.

Call Us Today if You Have Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Florida

August 8, 2018

NHTSA Latest Motorcycle Statistics

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 5,286 motorcyclists killed in 2016, which is a 5.1-percent increase from the 5,029 motorcyclists killed in 2015. The state of Florida had 555 fatalities, the highest number of motorcycle deaths out of all other states.

Unfortunately, motorcyclists are more likely to be injured or die in a crash than those in a car or truck.

At Whittel & Melton, we provide the highest quality legal service to members of our community who have been wrongfully injured in motorcycle accidents. For over a decade we have helped injured motorcyclists and their families after a collision wreaks havoc on their lives.

Key Motorcycle Accident Statistics:

Motorcyclist fatalities occurred nearly 28 times more frequently than passenger car occupant fatalities in traffic crashes.
In 2016, 27% of motorcycle riders killed were riding without valid motorcycle licenses.
Motorcyclist involved in fatal crashes in 2016 were found to have the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers than any other vehicle types – 25% for motorcycles, 21% for passenger cars, 20% for light trucks, and 2% for large trucks.
Of those who died in motorcycle single-vehicle collisions in 2016, 37% were impaired by alcohol.
The NHTSA estimates that helmets saved 1,859 motorcyclists’ lives in 2016. Another 802 lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.

The state of Florida enforces the following helmet laws:

Required to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle in Florida UNLESS you have a motorcycle insurance policy for at least $20,000 in medical benefits to cover injuries sustained in a crash.
All riders under 21 years old must wear helmets, regardless of insurance policies.

While not every accident can be prevented, it is possible to reduce injury and fatality rates if motorcyclists wear helmets and avoid drinking and driving. Everyone on the roadway has to do their part and drivers are no exception. Drivers should be attentive behind the wheel and give motorcyclists plenty of space to ride safely.

June 8, 2018

Fort Lauderdale Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash on Turnpike

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Investigators are still trying to figure out what caused a crash that killed a motorcycle rider on Florida’s Turnpike Sunday afternoon.

Troopers were notified of the crash around 4pm that happened on the turnpike southbound exit ramp to Sunrise Boulevard.

Arriving troopers found a 2007 Harley Davidson in a retention pond on the southwest shoulder of the ramp.

The 64-year-old motorcycle rider was pronounced dead at the scene.

No other information regarding the crash is available.

Motorcycle accidents usually result in very serious personal injuries or wrongful death. After a motorcycle accident, it is extremely important to be aware of your rights to recover for injuries or wrongful death including, but not limited to, past and future medical bills, loss of wages, hospital expenses, pain and suffering, disfigurement, funeral costs and other damages.

April 30, 2018

Woman Hit by Pickup Truck, Killed while Riding Moped

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 73-year-old woman was killed after being hit by a pickup truck while she was riding a moped in Groveland Sunday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The Winter Haven woman was driving a 2005 Honda scooter north on State Road 33 behind a Honda pickup.

The truck driver drove onto the road’s shoulder before making a U-turn to drive south on S.R. 33. The truck collided with her scooter about 10:55 a.m.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck was taken to South Lake Hospital with minor injuries.

The crash is under investigation and charges are pending.

When drivers are making a turn of any kind they have an obligation to look out for other vehicles. Unfortunately, they are often focused on cars and trucks and fail to see motorcyclists, bikers, moped drivers and pedestrians. When cars make a left turn or U-turn without seeing a rider they are not giving the rider enough time to react and can hit the motorcycle, scooter or moped causing severe injuries or even wrongful death. Even if the rider is able to maneuver in a way where they avoid a collision, they can still be injured or killed for taking such evasive action.

When a motorcyclist or a moped driver is involved in an accident with a larger vehicle, the motorcyclist will suffer the most serious injuries in the majority of instances. Moped riders and bikers are much more vulnerable than automobile drivers and lack the protection of a metal frame.

January 30, 2018

Car Accidents, Slip & Falls Rank #4 in Top 10 Leading Causes of Death in U.S.

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A new report out from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looks at the shifting trends in Americans’ health and mortality, and the conditions most likely to take lives.

While heart disease and cancer still top the list, Motor vehicle accidents, unintentional drug overdoses, and accidental falls and other injuries take the no. 4 spot.

According to the CDC, more than 2 million people are injured, and another 33,000 deaths occur each year due to auto accidents. It is no wonder why motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death in the U.S.

In 2015, more than 35,000 car-accident deaths occurred throughout the U.S., according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Of those deaths, 3,174 occurred in Florida.

The good news is that most injuries and deaths on the road are entirely preventable,. The bad news is that the majority of those injured or killed are done so through no fault of their own. Auto accident victims are left with medical bills, lost wages, physical and emotional pain and suffering, and, in many cases, permanent injury or death. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in an auto accident in Florida, our Car Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help you understand how to pursue financial compensation from the at-fault party.

According to the National Safety Council, slip and falls are one of the leading causes of accidental injury. Slip and falls lead to an estimated 9 million visits to the emergency room each year. The risk of slipping and falling increases with age. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a slip and fall, it is best to speak with our Florida Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton to understand your legal options.

October 26, 2017

Motorcyclist Killed in Hit-And-Run in Daytona Beach

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A motorcyclist was killed Sunday in a hit-and-run crash in Daytona Beach, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash happened at the intersection of 13th Street and San Jose Boulevard at about 5:10 p.m.

Troopers said the crash involved a motorcycle and a pickup truck.

The motorcyclist died at Halifax Medical Center.

The driver of the pickup fled on foot, according to reports. Witnesses saw the driver of the pickup get into a white passenger car that fled the scene, according to police.

Other motorcyclists have died in crashes in Central Florida since Friday.

Two motorcyclists were killed in a crash near International Speedway Boulevard in Volusia County on Friday.

A fatal motorcycle crash in Volusia County was reported on Saturday.

Thousands of motorcyclists were in Daytona Beach Oct. 21-22 for Biketoberfest.

Drivers who cause motorcycle collisions may experience a moment of panic immediately after when they decide to stay or flee the scene. Those who choose to leave the scene of the crash are are in fact breaking the law and committing a serious crime. In such cases, it is the victim and their family who are burdened with all the expenses of the aftermath of the crash, including costs of hospitalization, rehabilitation and even funeral expenses, lost wages and more. Our Florida Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help those injured and families of those killed in hit-and-run accidents better understand their legal rights.

October 19, 2017

New Bill Pushes For Helmets For Younger Motorcyclists

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Florida lawmakers are discussing a potential law that would make helmets mandatory for motorcycle riders under 21.

Sen. Keith Perry’s (R-Gainesville) bill would change the helmet exemption from 16 to 21. Under the change, drivers over 21 must have an insurance policy for at least $10,000 to ride without a helmet.

Any motorcyclist under 21 not wearing a helmet would be charged with a traffic infraction.

According to AAA, motorcycle accident deaths in Florida are up 30 percent since 2014, with 606 motorcyclists losing their lives in 2015 alone.

Lawmakers have tried and failed to bring back the mandatory helmet law the legislature repealed in 2000.

The new bill would require that motorcyclists and moped drivers under the age of 21 wear helmets.

Still, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration finds it’s not young people but motorcyclists 40 and over who are more likely to die in accidents: that age group comprised 54 percent of motorcycle fatalities in 2015.

One of every five motorcycle crashes reported results in head or neck injuries. Head injuries are are far more common in motorcycle crashes. Research shows that wearing a helmet reduces the risk of neck or head injury. Most crashes on a motorcycle happen on shorter trips and even with low-speed crashes, there can be a fatality. For most riders who are travelling at around 30 miles an hour when they get get involved in a crash, helmets can cut both the number and the severity of injuries by half. Regardless of what speed a motorcyclist is travelling at, not wearing a helmet places you at an increased risk of suffering from a head injury or wrongful death than riders who are wearing helmets at the time of the crash.