Motor Bike Accident Kills NFL Player in Miami—What Are the Personal Injury Risks of Motorcycles?

An NFL player was killed recently when his motorbike crashed into a car in Miami. The fourth-round NFL player was riding his Honda dirt bike when he collided with a Ford Escape. The Honda dirt bike allegedly did not have headlights. Fox News reports that motorcycles must have headlights in order to legally operate on Miami roads. If the motorbike didn’t have headlights, the driver may have been in violation of the law.

While this accident is a tragedy, motorcycle riding and motorcycle deaths are increasingly becoming a risk that affects more middle-aged riders. According to the New York Times, almost half of all motorcycle riders killed in 2006 were over age 40. About 25% were over age 50. Many blame the increase in injuries to the weakening of laws requiring helmet use. While many states still require mandatory helmet use, the federal government relaxed its requirement that states implement helmet laws in order to receive highway money.

What leads to motorcycle accidents?

According to the New York Times, the causes of motorcycle accidents are generally split right down the middle, with 50% of accidents occurring because motorcyclists collide with another vehicle—or when a vehicle collides into a motorcycle. Yet, that leaves another 50% of motorcycle accidents that take place because the rider lost control of the bike.

Motorcycle riders, while only making up 2% of all the vehicles on the road, account for a disproportionate number of accidents. Motorcycle riders make up 10% of all traffic fatalities.

The reasons are clear.

Motorcyclists don’t have the same protective chassis of a car. When they get into accidents, they are more likely to suffer serious traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, road rash, and they are more likely to die as a result of the accident. When other cars are involved and when other drivers make errors, motorcyclists are often the ones who suffer the most serious injuries. In the accident involving the NFL player, the woman in the car sustained no injuries, while the motorcyclist died. The accident underscores the danger and risk of motorcycle riding, but it also highlights the fact that both drivers and motorcyclists need to be extra cautious when bikers are on the road.

For many motorcyclists, the joys of riding a motorcycle outweigh the risks. Yet, there are some simple measures bikers can take to keep themselves safe. For one, they can make sure to always wear a helmet. Next, they should obey all local and state road laws. Bikers should also ensure that their vehicle is properly equipped and built to handle the kinds of roads on which they’ll be riding. Finally, bikers should always make sure that they understand their bike’s limits, follow posted speed limits, and never drive aggressively when biking.

Wolfson & Leon is a team of personal injury lawyers in Miami, Florida who assist injured motorcyclists and other accident victims. If you’ve been hurt, contact us today. We may be able to help you recover money for your injuries, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.