Motorcycle Riding: Sharing the Road Safely in the Sunshine State

Florida welcomes motorcyclists to the state each year and encourages its own native riders to enjoy the highways and roads at leisure. However, bikers in Florida are encouraged to be aware of and follow the laws that the state has set aside especially for motorcyclists. These laws are designed to protect both riders and other motorists on the roadways. When a motorcycle rider does become involved in an accident, he or she can rely on a lawyer to ensure that all of the applicable laws were followed.

Florida Helmet Law

Unlike some states that stipulate that riders wear helmets, Florida’s helmet law is more lax. Bikers over the age of 21 are not required to wear helmets so long as they have at least $10,000 in medical insurance. People under this age and those without the mandated amount of medical coverage must wear a helmet while riding.

Other Related Laws

Florida does mandate that bikers wear eye protection and avoid using headphones while wearing a helmet. These protective stipulations prevent motorcyclists from sustaining damage to their eyes and allow them to hear traffic noises like approaching ambulances, horns, and other alerts. Likewise, they must keep their headlights on during the daytime hours so that other drivers can see them.

Motorcycle Traffic Laws

As when driving a car, bikers must give other drivers around them plenty of space and follow traffic at a safe distance. They are accorded by law the use of one full lane, however, they cannot pass traffic in the same lane. They must merge and pass in the next lane of traffic. Moreover, bikers are required to ride at the legal speed limit without speeding or driving too slowly. They also must use their turn signals when turning or switching lanes.

Motorcyclists would agree that operating a motorcycle differs significantly from driving a car. Most notably, cyclists are more vulnerable to injuries and death when they are in accidents. Preparing for an accident and knowing what to do afterward should be an important part of a motorcyclist’s training.

Fender Benders for Motorcycles

Because they are exposed and do not have the protection of a car’s body, motorcyclists do not simply experience minor fender benders. When they rear end a car or another vehicle, bikers often suffer physical injuries and sustain significant damage to their motorcycles. Every accident, in fact, can be an occasion that leads to a biker suffering devastating cuts, bruises, broken bones, and other physical damage. Staying alert while riding, wearing protective gear, and expecting the worst of other drivers may help bikers prepare themselves for an accident, should it occur.

Personal Injury Law Help

Accidents often happen very quickly, and people involved in these wrecks may not be sure of what happened or what caused the events. Motorcyclists who are injured in an accident can get help finding out who caused their injuries by retaining a local lawyer. Retaining a local lawyer who is knowledgeable about the local and state laws to where the accident occurred would be ideal. For example, if a person was involved in an accident within Tampa’s local roadway, then hiring an equipped Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer would be best. Motorcycle riders in Florida should not agree to anything or appear in court without first consulting a personal injury attorney.

Florida’s motorcycle laws are designed to protect motorcycle riders and help them enjoy the state’s roadways. When a biker is injured in an accident, he or she can help protect himself or herself by retaining a lawyer. This attorney can find out what traffic laws were violated and pursue the responsible party in court.

Lisa Coleman writes to encourage drivers to be alert and aware of other drivers when traveling, but stresses the importance of this to motorcyclists who face a higher level of danger when driving. Williams Law Association, P.A., a Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer firm, is experienced and equipped to represent the legalities for clients who have been involved or injured in a motorcycle accident in the Tampa, FL area.

1 thought on “Motorcycle Riding: Sharing the Road Safely in the Sunshine State

  1. Denis Leary

    Motorcyclists must be careful while riding bike. Every year thousands of bikers die due to road accident. They must wear helmet, should not use head phone while riding. Police should take strict action for offenders, or against bikers who ride very fast. Even other innocent people may be injured fatally for these bikers. However there is law that if the biker has $10000 insurance then he /she need not to wear helmet, but probably this is risky as life is more important than anything .If the biker lose life or vital part of body then it can not be compensated. If everybody follow rules like wearing helmet and not listening to music then we can save thousands of life every year. One of deadliest trend is to speak over phone while driving,it is very dangerous and cause maximum number of accident .

Comments are closed.