Florida Motorcycle Passengers at Higher Risk of Head Injuries
Nobody needs to be told that riding a motorcycle can be dangerous, especially in the event of an accident. A recent report from Reuters, though, reveals that motorcycle passengers are more likely than riders to become victims of traumatic brain injuries.
Citing a study appearing on The Jama Network, Reuters notes that motorcycle passengers suffered traumatic brain injuries in 40 percent of accidents, compared to 36 percent for riders. Even when wearing helmets, passengers suffered traumatic brain injuries in 36 percent of accidents, compared to 31 percent for riders.
The study covered accidents involving 80,000 motorcycle riders and nearly 6,000 passengers from 2007 to 2010.
Experts say passengers are in particular danger of traumatic head injuries because they are more likely to be ejected from a motorcycle during an accident. Motorcycle operators are afforded some protection during a crash by the motorcycle's windshield and grip of the steering column. Passengers, quite literally, are "along for the ride," and are more exposed because they are sitting higher than the driver with little support to keep them in place.
Florida has a significant problem with serious motorcycle crashes
Nowhere are motorcycle accident statistics scarier than in Florida. Injuries are on the rise as well, according to the state's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, from 8,040 in 2014 to 8,256 in 2016. Motorcycle passenger injuries totaled 742 in 2016, with 30 fatalities, compared to 22 fatalities in 2014.
The attraction of riding a motorcycle on a beautiful Florida day is undeniable. Being able to enjoy the open road 365 days a year means motorcycles are a year-round way of life for many residents. Yet the day can turn tragic in an instant. Too many motorists fail to safely share our state roadways with motorcycles. Through no fault of your own, you can be the victim of a life-changing accident.
If you have suffered a serious head injury in a motorcycle accident, you are not in any shape - physically, emotionally or mentally - to stand up to pushy insurance companies who are going to pressure you to settle for far less than you deserve. You may be out of work. You may have weeks or months of physical rehabilitation ahead of you. You could be burdened by a heap of medical expenses that only seem to increase with the need for more care. If you are caring for someone who has been injured, you are just as overwhelmed managing your own life while tending to the needs of your loved one. In either case, you need an advocate.
The experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic have been handling cases like yours since 1974. If you or someone close to you has suffered a traumatic brain injury in a motorcycle accident in the greater Jacksonville area, our team is standing by to aggressively protect your rights while treating you with professionalism and compassion. Call us at 904-358-8881 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation.