The Villages Motorcycle Accident

The Villages Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Whittel & Melton
Call Today 352-369-5334

Handling Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Cases in Lake, Marion and Sumter County

Bikers in The Villages get on their bikes every single day and head to a destination – work, a local business, just out for a ride, or home. Most make it to their destination safe and sound, but the truth is many others do not. According to the NHTSA, there were 5,172 motorcyclists killed in 2017, the most recent statistics available. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) found that in 2017 Florida accounted for 504 motorcycle deaths.

Riders Over 40 Make Up Largest Group of Motorcycle Fatalities Nationwide

While statistics used to point to younger riders accounting for a larger number of motorcycle deaths each year, the latest data from the GHSA shows the opposite. Likewise, data from FARS for 2013-2016 shows that the over 40 age group took the top spot for motorcycle deaths. In 2013 over 40 riders made up 55% of motorcyclist deaths, and in 2014, 2015, and 2016 the 40+ age group accounted for 54% of motorcyclist deaths. The average age of motorcyclists killed in 2013-2015 was 42 and in 2016 the average age rose to 43.

As we age, our bodies go through changes including changes to our vision, balance, muscle strength, and hearing. Older riders may find it more challenging to handle certain situations that usually lead to a motorcycle crash. Along with the challenges of operating a motorcycle safely, when an accident does occur, the risk for serious injury only increases as we age. Changes in bone density can result in fractures and breaks easily after a collision and the complications from an accident are much more likely the older we get. Older motorcycle riders also have slower recovery times compared to younger riders that survive a motorcycle crash.

Helmets Can Sabe Lies…Especially in The Villages, Florida

This might be shocking to some bikers in The Villages, but only about 61% of riders wear a DOT-compliant helmet when they take their motorcycles out. There are numerous studies that show the benefits of wearing a helmet when on a motorcycle, including that they can prevent fatalities. In fact, the Insurance Information Safety Institute (iii) found that around 37 of every 100 motorcycle fatal crash victims would have most likely survived the accident if they had been wearing a helmet.

State laws surrounding motorcycle helmet use can send the wrong message to riders. In the state of Florida, riders under the age of 21 must wear a helmet. However, for motorcyclists over the age of 21, they have the option to wear a helmet or opt out if they have an insurance policy carrying at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries occurred in the event of a motorcycle accident. The state of Florida provides riders over the age of 21 the freedom to choose how they want to handle their road safety.

What Should You Do If You are Injured in a Motorcycle Crash in The Villages?

Around 70% of motorcycle accidents are frontal crashes, which can lead to riders being ejected from their bike. When this happens, riders can land on their head and suffer severe brain, head, or even neck injuries. If a biker in The Villages manages to land on their side, they could suffer arm and rib fractures. Other common injuries after a motorcycle accident are broken bones, dislocations, burns, road rash, scrapes, and bruises.

After a motorcycle collision in The Villages, you want to stay at the scene until paramedics arrive and limit your movement as you could cause serious harm to your neck or spine. When you are in pain it is extremely hard to not move, but you must limit your movements and stay still until medical help arrives.

Paramedics in The Villages will assess you and you should go to the hospital to get checked out by a doctor. Your medical diagnosis needs to be documented so that the full scope of your injuries is accounted for. This will be very important for your injury case later on.

Once you are able, you need to speak with our Villages Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton. We can protect your rights and make sure all the necessary evidence is preserved so that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance companies involved. The insurance companies could try and blame you for an accident that you did not cause or contribute to. We will make sure that you are treated fairly and fight for the justice you deserve.

How to Contact Us

If another person’s negligence resulted in you or your loved ones motorcycle collision in The Villages or elsewhere in Lake or Sumter County, our Villages Motorcycle Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are here to provide you with the legal help you need for your personal injury or wrongful death matter. Call us today at 352-369-5334 or contact us online 24/7 for a completely free case analysis.

About The Villages

The Villages is located in Central Florida and is the number one active-adult retirement community in the United States. The most unique thing about The Villages is that everything this 55+ community wants to enjoy from golf to movies, restaurants, and shopping is just a golf cart ride away. The Villages is home to over 115,000 residents and is made up of 12 districts with about 4,000 households in each that range in size from 1,000-1,500 acres.