With beautiful scenery, sunny skies, and mild temperatures all year long, it’s no wonder that motorcyclists flock to Florida. Events like Leesburg Bike Fest and Daytona Bike Week also bring motorcycle enthusiasts to the Central Florida area. While Florida can be a paradise for motorcyclists, it’s also one of the most dangerous. Florida ranks in the top five states for motorcycle accidents. Below, we discuss the guidelines motorcyclists should follow to stay safe on Florida’s roadways.
Gear
Motorcyclists under the age of 21 are required to wear a helmet. Helmets are optional for those over 21 who can show proof of insurance with at least $10,000 of medical benefits to cover the cost of injuries. These benefits can be covered through car or health insurance. Although helmets may be optional, all motorcyclists are required to wear protective eyewear while operating a motorcycle. This includes goggles, shields, and other equipment approved by the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. If you decide to wear a helmet (which is highly recommended), the eyewear can be attached to the helmet. Motorcyclists should be aware of their surroundings and be able to hear other vehicles while operating a motorcycle. For this reason, you cannot wear headphones or Bluetooth earpieces while riding a motorcycle unless it is a headset connected to the bike’s helmet. Only approved listening devices like hearing aids are allowed.
Licenses
Those who want to operate a motorcycle on a Florida road must get the appropriate endorsement on their license. To get this endorsement, you must pass the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s introductory rider training course. You must also have a valid license plate and current registration for your motorcycle.
Insurance
While Florida doesn’t require motorcyclists to obtain specific motorcycle insurance, you must have minimum insurance coverage that differs from motor vehicle insurance. For instance, motorcyclists should carry $10,000 in bodily injury projection (per person), $20,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and $10,000 in property damage insurance. If you don’t wear a helmet, you’ll also need $10,000 of medical benefits, as stated above.
Road Sharing Responsibilities
“Lane splitting,” when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic (either on the dotted white or yellow lines), is illegal in Florida. Motorcyclists shouldn’t ride with more than two bikes abreast in a single lane, either. Every motorcyclist is expected to follow basic road rules, such as traffic signs, stopping at red lights, and only passing in allowed areas.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, get medical attention immediately and call the police to report the crash. Even if you feel fine after an accident, you may not feel the full impact of your injuries until days later. Exchange contact information with the other driver and wait for a copy of the police report before leaving the scene. Take videos and photos of the damage to your vehicle and your injuries. Refrain from speculating the cause of the accident or admitting fault to the other driver or law enforcement. Then, call your insurance company to submit a claim. To ensure you receive all the compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries, contact a car accident attorney like the King Law Firm in Ocala, Florida. Get a free consultation for your case by calling us at 352-269-1814.
