Motorcyclist Killed in Tragic Collision in West Palm Beach, FL

According to a report from The Palm Beach Post, a 30-year-old man was killed in a devastating motorcycle accident in West Palm Beach. The crash occurred near the 4800 block of Okeechobee Boulevard. The motorcycle collided with a standard sized passenger car. The victim of the tragic accident was identified as Jacob Ward. A representative for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office told reporters that speed was likely a factor in the motorcycle accident.

Motorcyclists are Vulnerable Road Users in Florida  

In Florida, the term Vulnerable Road User (VRU) is used to describe anyone who is on or along a roadway without the protective metal covering offered by an automobile. Generally, the category is used to refer to three types of road users: Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, all of whom face real risks from cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles.

For a number of different reasons, motorcyclists are considered to be especially vulnerable. A study conducted by the Department of Transportation (DOT) found that motorcyclists are nearly 35 times more likely to be severely injured or killed in a crash than are the occupants of full-sized passenger vehicles. It is crucial that motorcyclists take additional precautions to protect their health and welfare.  

Motorcycle Accident Injury Statistics in Florida (2018) 

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that there were 403,626 total motor vehicle collisions in the state in 2018. As many collisions involved multiple vehicles, state authorities estimate that nearly 700,000 drivers got into accidents. To put that into perspective, it means that more than 1,100 accidents are reported on average each day in Florida. Added together, these accidents resulted in 236,157 injuries. Of those injuries, 19,196 were deemed incapacitating. Tragically, 3,135 per were killed in car accidents in Florida in 2018.

Despite making up a relatively modest percentage of total highway traffic, motorcyclists made up a significant portion of catastrophic injuries and fatalities – far more than their proportionate share. FLHSMV reports that there were 9,143 motorcycle accidents in Florida in 2018. There were nearly 8,000 motorcycle accident injuries reported over the same period. In other words, Florida’s official data indicates that a motorcyclist is hurt nearly 90 percent of the time when a crash happens. While that is certainly a striking statistic, it is not necessarily surprising. Motorcycle riders and passengers are highly vulnerable to the risk posed by the cars and trucks.  

Get Help From Our West Palm Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach motorcycle accident lawyers are committed to providing professional, trustworthy representation to clients. We know the laws and regulations that govern motorcycle accident claims. If you or your loved one was injured in a collision, our attorneys are prepared to help. Call us now to get a no cost, no commitment review of your legal case. We represent injured motorcyclists in West Palm Beach, Miami, and throughout the wider region in Southeast Florida.

Resource:

palmbeachpost.com/story/news/crime/2020/08/18/motorcyclist-killed-in-suburban-west-palm-crash/113341490/

https://www.turnpikelaw.com/your-guide-to-floridas-motorcycle-helmet-laws-2020/