Jacksonville Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Motorcycle Laws
Florida’s motorcycle laws are intended to save lives among the participants in this popular mode of transportation. And the popularity of the sport is growing all the time.
While the registered number of motorcycles in the state was 339,488 in 2002, that number jumped to 582,740 in 2006, and the popularity is growing among young riders, and especially among the Baby Boomer group.
These hard financial times are also fueling the surge in motorcycle ownership as they are much cheaper to own and operate than an automobile.
Newly initiated riders and old pros must follow the same state motorcycle laws for Florida road travel including:
Safety Helmet - While not required for anyone over the age of 21 with a minimum of $10,000 in medical insurance, See statute 316.211, riders age 21 and under, must have a helmet and protective eye wear.
Rider Education - Beginning July 1,2008, all first time on-road motorcycle riders must complete a bike rider safety course.
A daytime use of a headlight is required; Earphones are not allowed, but helmet speakers are allowed. There are no periodic motorcycle safety inspections required in Florida.
Muffler - Under 316.293 (5) No one is supposed to modify their exhaust system from the original design. No one is supposed to ride on the highway with a modified exhaust system or noise-abatement system. This is designed to minimize the sound levels of motorcycles. The maximum allowable sound levels are regulated.
Personal Injury Protection - or PIP does not apply to Florida motorcycles. But financial responsibility law applies to all motor vehicles in the state which suggests a motorcycle driver / owner should purchase motor vehicle liability insurance. The failure to carry bodily injury liability insurance and property damage in case of a crash or a DUI conviction, could cause the loss of a license/tag and registration or a civil court judgment.
Many automobile drivers in Florida are uninsured or underinsured. What happens to you if you collide with a vehicle driven by someone without insurance? You are out of luck unless you have your own coverage.
Handlebar height - Handlebars on motorcycles registered in Florida are supposed to be no higher than the top of the shoulders of the operator.
Two Abreast - Motorcycles are allowed to ride two abreast in the same lane and all motorcycles are also entitled to full use of a lane. Operators are not supposed to ride a motorcycle between lanes of traffic.
The number of motorcycle fatalities in Florida, dropped 24% in 2009 from the previous year. And even with that substantial drop, 402 motorcycle riders lost their lives on Florida roads in 2009, according to state statistics.
People riding motorcycles are six times more likely to die in an accident than a motorist.
Catastrophic injury is also far more likely in a motorcycle accident including traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injuries. Even a minor crash that leaves an automobile driver unscathed can render severe injuries to a biker.
The experienced Florida motorcycle accident attorneys at Farah and Farah can help you pursue your claim for compensation in a motorcycle accident including loss of income, medical costs, and pain and suffering. Call us for a comprehensive consultation.