NHTSA Released Motorcycle Safety Facts

Last month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its Traffic Safety Facts for motorcycles. Some of the facts included in the key findings include:

  • 4,976 motorcyclists were killed in 2015, which represented an 8 percent increase in motorcycle fatalities from 2014
  • Motorcycle deaths accounted for 14 percent of motor vehicle fatalities in 2015
  • 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in accidents during 2015
  • Motorcycle fatalities occurred 29 times more frequently than fatalities involving passenger cars
  • It is estimated that helmets saved the lives of 1,772 in 2015

For all data released by NHTSA you can access the NHTSA report on its website.

HOW DID FLORIDA COMPARE TO THE NATIONAL DATA FOR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS?

The 2015 Crash Facts Annual Report by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle shows a 3.52 percent increase in motorcycle crashes from 2014 to 2015 (9,854 crashes to 10,201 crashes). The number of motorcyclists killed in crashes increased by almost 28 percent to 546 people while passenger deaths increased almost 73 percent to 38 deaths. Motorcycle accident injuries also increased by almost two and a half percent to 8,231 for 2015.

According to the information provided by the NHTSA, Florida led the nation in motorcycle fatalities for 2013 and 2015. The state had the second highest number of motorcycle accident fatalities in 2014. As you can see, the number of motorcycle accidents continue to increase in our state. All riders must take precautions to decrease their risk of being injured or killed in a motorcycle accident.

SAFETY TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FROM A LAKE CITY ATTORNEY

  • Wear a Helmet – According to Florida helmet laws, a rider can choose not to wear a helmet if he or she is at least 21 years old and has at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage. However, motorcycle helmets are designed to absorb the impact of a crash. Because a motorcyclist has no protection in a crash, wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury.
  • Take a Course – If you are a new rider, it is a good idea to take a course in motorcycle safety. Riders must complete a Basic Rider Course or Basic Rider Course updated with an authorized sponsor to obtain a motorcycle license in Florida.
  • Wear Protective Gear – Just as a helmet can protect your head from injury, boots, gloves, and leather clothing can reduce injuries in the event of a motorcycle crash.
  • Ride Defensively – Always assume that other drivers are not paying attention to you when riding a motorcycle. Avoid distractions while riding so you can focus completely on traffic and conditions.
  • Always Ride Sober and Awake – Drunk driving and drowsy driving are just as dangerous for motorcyclists as it is for all other drivers.
  • Motorcycle Maintenance – Make sure you maintain your motorcycle by having routine inspections, replacing worn parts, and making all necessary repairs before riding. Each time you ride, check your mirrors, brakes, horn, lights, throttle, and clutch to make sure they are operating correctly.

For more about motorcycle safety see Ultimate Motorcycling or Consumer Reports.

FILING AN INSURANCE CLAIM FOR A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

Even the safest motorcyclist can be injured in a motorcycle accident. You can take every precaution to reduce your risk of being injured in a crash, but there is one thing you cannot control — other drivers. If you are in an accident that is not your fault, you may have the right to file an insurance claim against the other driver. However, the insurance company for the other driver will do everything it can to deny your claim. A Lake City motorcycle accident attorney can help you file an insurance claim when the other driver hit you.

CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, call our office to schedule a free consultation with a Lake City motorcycle accident lawyer.

You can contact the Koberlein Law Offices by calling our Lake City office at 386-269-9802 or by calling our Gainesville office at 352-519-4357. You may also request a free case evaluation or ask a question by using the contact form on our website.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

FRED KOBERLEIN

Fred Koberlein is a trial attorney who opened Koberlein Law Offices after acquiring extensive legal experience in three legal practice areas, which are: personal injury law; criminal defense; and local government matters which require you to appear or present your matter before your local government Boards, government Councils, and government Agencies. Mr. Koberlein began trial preparation through an externship as a legal clerk with the Judges of the Third Judicial Circuit for Florida prior to his graduation from the University of Florida, College of Law.  After law school Mr. Koberlein was dedicated to becoming a trial attorney and worked with the Public Defender’s Office from 2004 to 2007, where he was promoted to handling felony cases within eight months of hire.  Mr.  Koberlein has handled over 1500 criminal cases ranging from possession of cannabis, DUI, serious felonies, white-collar crimes, violations of probation hearings, and countless motion hearings. Mr.  Koberlein began practicing in the areas of personal injury and insurance defense during 2006.  Mr. Koberlein’s experience in prosecuting personal injury claims against those insurance companies he was not representing and defending other insurance companies and their customers provided a unique experience where he was able to learn what each side anticipates from the opposing party.Next, Mr. Koberlein was hired by a City to defend the City’s interests and three additional Cities quickly followed and retained Mr. Koberlein to protect their interests.  Currently, Mr. Koberlein represents a total of four (4) municipalities in the North Florida area.  As Mr. Koberlein focused on civil litigation he remained passionate about representing individuals charged with misdemeanor and felony crimes as well as civil litigation issues. Mr.  Koberlein has the experience and reputation to negotiate a favorable resolution in your matter, and if that is not possible, to provide the best, most zealous trial representation available.  Utilizing competent and trusted investigators and experts, your case will be prepared so that the best result will be achieved.  If you or a loved one is hurt, damaged, or is facing criminal charges, you want a qualified, hard-working attorney who will explain your options to you in a straightforward, commonsense, and honest manner. Education and Practice Experience: University of Florida; Gainesville, Florida; Bachelor of Science, 1997 University of South Florida; Tampa, Florida; 1998 University of Florida, College of Law; Gainesville, Florida; 2003 Bar and Court Admissions: Florida Bar, 2004 – Present All 67 Counties in Florida All 20 Circuits in Florida U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida Professional and Civic Activities: Florida Bar Trial Lawyers, 2007 – Present Florida Bar Business Law Section, 2007 – Present Florida Bar Criminal Law Section, 2004 – Present Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2004 – Present Third Judicial Bar Association, 2004 – Present Mr.  Koberlein is committed to his clients and devotes himself to protecting their interests from the beginning to the end of their case.  Mr. Koberlein has spent his career helping clients defend themselves against criminal charges, fight insurance companies, and proceed through the bureaucratic process of local governments.  Mr. Koberlein welcomes the opportunity to meet with you and evaluate your legal needs and provide you with an experienced and competent analysis.

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TESTIMONIALS & RESULTS

“I have employed Mr. Koberlein on several occasions for my personal and business matters. Each time Mr. Koberlein has performed diligently with great communication. I would recommend his services to anyone in need of legal guidance.”
David W.DILIGENT WITH GREAT COMMUNICATION

“Mr. Koberlein explained the litigation process to me, a few times, until I understood the entire process. His ability to forecast events and provide me with options was refreshing and reassuring. I felt as though he always had my interests at heart.”

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DON’T GO INTO THE COURTROOM ALONE

Whether it’s a personal injury case, a criminal case, or an administrative dealing with the government, you will want a dedicated attorney at your side. We take each case very seriously, and we are dedicated to getting our clients the success they deserve.

The attorneys’ experiences create the core skills which the law firm uses to focus their representation of clients’ needs in the three areas mentioned. The law firm does not attempt to practice in every area of the law, like some law firms. Instead, a focus of skills in the areas shown above is attempted in order to achieve the best possible outcome for the client.

Call Koberlein Law Offices for free consultations to provide you with a thorough and competent analysis of your legal circumstances. Also, visit the attorneys’ profile pages to learn more about how their individual professional histories have created the areas of focus they now practice together, and why so many attorneys refer specific cases to them at Koberlein Law Offices.

Last, before selecting us or any other attorney search their name and the law firm’s name on the Internet and read the reviews and the rankings that other legal ranking services provide. The Internet is an invaluable source in today’s legal market and it can help you not only determine how attorneys stack up against one another and determine which attorney will fit your needs best, but also help you make the best selection for your needs. We encourage you to research our attorneys.

CONTACT US

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DON’T GO INTO THE COURTROOM ALONE

Whether it’s a personal injury case, a criminal case, or an administrative dealing with the government, you will want a dedicated attorney at your side. We take each case very seriously, and we are dedicated to getting our clients the success they deserve.

OFFICE LOCATIONS

Address:
855 SW Baya Drive
Lake City, FL 32025
Phone:
386-269-9802

Address:
118 Ohio Ave N Suite A
Live Oak, FL 32064
Phone:
386-516-2626

Address:
8443 SW 14 Ln
Gainesville, FL 32607
Phone:
352-519-4357

  • Contact Us

    EMAIL OUR FIRM

PRACTICE AREAS

Link to: Personal Injury Area
Link to: Criminal Area
Link to: Local Government Area
Link to: Family Law

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Welcome to the website for Koberlein Law Offices (aka: “KLO”). Our firm is honored to be retained to represent the interests of individuals and agencies throughout the state of Florida.

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KOBERLEIN LAW OFFICES, PLLC
855 SW Baya Drive
Lake City, FL 32025
Phone:
386-269-9802

KOBERLEIN LAW OFFICES, PLLC
118 Ohio Ave N Suite A
Live Oak, FL 32064
Phone:
386-516-2626

KOBERLEIN LAW OFFICES, PLLC
8443 SW 14 Ln
Gainesville, FL 32607
Phone:
352-519-4357

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