Cowen Edwards represents motorcycle accident victims in Fort Lauderdale. Riding your motorcycle is usually a thrilling experience, and given the almost ideal conditions in Fort Lauderdale, it’s extremely popular. Still, there’s always the possibility that you could be in an accident. Thus, it’s important to understand the data on these accidents. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Fort Lauderdale, contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your options.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Broward County?
With beautiful weather, beaches, and a variety of other attractions, it’s not shocking that people stream through Fort Lauderdale in large numbers. It’s also not shocking, then, that motorcycle riding is so popular here.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), though, Broward County has seen its fair share of motorcycle accidents over the last five years. On average, there have been:
- 3,469 total motorcycle accidents.
Broken down per year, this equals out to:
- 2019 – 657
- 2020 – 602
- 2021 – 705
- 2022 – 746
- 2023 – 759
Given these numbers, it’s easy to see how common motorcycle accidents are in both Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. The question you may have, though, is do you need a lawyer? The answer depends on the circumstances and how hurt you are. Minor accidents and injuries don’t normally require legal action, but the more hurt you are, the more help you’ll probably need. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers can explain your rights and then guide you through the process.
How Damaging Are Motorcycle Accidents in Broward County?
One of the things that’s universal across motorcycle accidents is how damaging they can be. There’s any number of reasons for this, but chief among them is the lack of protection and high speeds. This raises the stakes of any motorcycle accident in terms of injuries.
According to FLHSMV data, of the 759 motorcycle accidents in the county in 2023:
- 628 resulted in injuries
- 35 were fatal
Unfortunately, these numbers are in line with the averages over the last five years in Broward County as it relates to the damage in motorcycle accidents:
- 2019 – 541 injuries; 30 fatal
- 2020 – 482 injuries; 49 fatal
- 2021 – 574 injuries; 46 fatal
- 2022 – 598 injuries; 44 fatal
- 2023 – 628 injuries; 35 fatal
Again, a motorcycle accident is likely to result in some level of injury to you. These injuries can vary depending on the type and other circumstances, but you can expect to have to deal with some form of the following:
- Road rash -Cuts, scrapes, and abrasions from skin rubbing against pavement.
- Broken bones – Fractures of arms, legs, and ribs from being thrown off the bike.
- Head injuries – Traumatic brain injuries from inadequate helmet protection.
- Spinal cord injuries – Paralysis or long-term disabilities from impact.
- Internal injuries – Organ damage from being struck or thrown.
- Emotional trauma – Anxiety, depression, and PTSD from accidents.
When Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Broward County?
If there are any drawbacks to riding your motorcycle in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere else in Broward County, it’s that the climate and ideal conditions mean there’s not really an “off-season.” As such, motorcycle accidents can happen at any time of the year here, while in other places it’s not as common at certain times of the year.
The data from FLHSMV bores this out, showing the month by month breakdown of motorcycle accidents in 2023:
- January – 83
- February – 66
- March – 86
- April – 59
- May – 68
- June – 50
- July – 53
- August – 55
- September – 36
- October – 61
- November – 71
- December – 71
As you can see, the winter months carried the bulk of motorcycle accidents in the previous year. The reason for this is that it’s much better riding conditions in Fort Lauderdale during this time of year due to the milder temperatures.
Who Investigates a Motorcycle Accident in Broward County?
With any motorcycle accidents, there’s a few things that you’ll need to do to protect your health and rights. First and foremost, you should always put your health first and call 911 for an ambulance. That should also prompt a police response to clear the scene and help investigate what happened. But depending on where the accident happens, different police agencies could be dispatched.
There are generally three police departments that have this responsibility in Fort Lauderdale:
- The Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD)
- The Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO)
- The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)
Per the FLHSMV data for 2023, the breakdown of motorcycle accidents investigated looked like this:
- FLPD – 320
- BCSO – 342
- FHP – 97
A police investigation is an important part of any motorcycle accident, since they’ll gather vital information about the accident itself. But there’s other things that you’ll need to do at the scene, independent of police involvement:
- Start collecting evidence – If you’re able, gather evidence by taking pictures of the scene, including any injuries and damage to your motorcycle. It’s also a good idea to note anything that led up to the accident and document it.
- Seek medical care – Get further help at a hospital or doctor’s office to connect all your injuries to the accident.
- Keep track of your losses – Keep track of things you lose because of the accident, as well as expenses like medical records, bills, and repair estimates.
- Handle insurance carefully – Be careful when talking to insurers; consult our team before giving detailed statements.
- Don’t post on social media – Anything you say or do can factor into your claim, so you shouldn’t post about the accident on social media.
- Cooperate with any investigations – Work fully with police and insurance investigations, giving accurate information.
Just having the right to file an injury claim after your motorcycle accident isn’t enough to recover the financial support that Florida law makes available to you. You have to prove your case, and taking these steps sets up a strong foundation for your claim. When you decide you want to take further action, reach out to our experienced Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers.
Experienced Legal Guidance After a Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident
Riding your motorcycle in Fort Lauderdale is usually a fun and thrilling experience. However, this can change when you’re hurt in an accident. At Cowen Edwards, our team can help guide through this tough situation. With our experience and dedication on your side, you can navigate the legal process confidently. Better yet, we can help you put together a strong claim for damages, like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Repair or replacement costs for damaged property
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life or companionship
- Wrongful death damages if the accident is fatal
Working with us makes the process easier. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options.
