Differences Between Boynton Beach Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents

While a bicycle is often subjected to the same traffic regulations as a motorcycle, there are many differences between Boynton Beach motorcycle and bicycle accidents. Motorcycles are generally capable of traveling at much higher speeds than a self-propelled bicycle, as a result, a biker may have less of a chance of escaping a dangerous roadway situation.

Contact a skilled Boynton Beach bike accident lawyer and they could review the facts of your case to help determine liability. If you suffered a severe injury in a bicycle accident, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation.

Complying with Traffic Regulations as a Bicyclist or Motorcyclist

When a person operates on the roadway as a bicyclist or motorcyclist, they generally are expected to follow the same traffic rules as other motor vehicles. These regulations may include:

• Following traffic signals
• Adhering to the speed limit or maintaining a safe speed
• Staying in their respective lanes and not weaving in or out of traffic
• Using proper hand or light signals to indicate a change in direction

Adhering to Safety Measures

A motorcyclist generally is not required to have any protection to prevent injury from their operation unless they are under the age of 16. This typically applies to passengers, as most motorcycle licenses require a rider to be 16 years or older to legally operate them on the roadway. A bicyclist could be of any age as there is typically no requirement for a license or registration. However, under Florida law, a person who is under the age of 16 may be required to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. Additionally, a bicyclist is often allowed to use the sidewalk whereas a motorcycle, along with other motorized vehicles are typically strictly prohibited from operating on sidewalks and other pedestrian pathways.

In essence, it could be important for both a motorcyclist and a bicyclist to follow proper safety measures. Most riders of such vehicles are generally more vulnerable to experiencing severe injuries during a collision with a more conventional vehicle.  Cars and trucks typically have more physical protection as they are equipped with a metal frame and multiple airbags. A bicyclist and a motorcyclist do not generally have those safety measures.

Common Accident and Injury Scenarios

In a sidewalk violation of the right of way, a vehicle typically pulls out and the bicycle may hit the side of the car or the driver of the car goes past the stop line and hits the bicycle. Those are relatively low-speed impacts. However, the bicyclist could still be thrown or ejected off the bike or thrown onto the hood of the car which may result in serious injuries. Landing on the ground could cause many different significant injuries. These injuries often include:

• Road rash
• Concussion
• Fractured bones
• Lacerations
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage

Contacting an Experienced Boynton Beach Bike Accident Lawyer

If you suffered a severe injury as a bicyclist due to the recklessness of a negligent driver, you may be wondering how a compassionate personal injury lawyer could help. In many cases, an attorney could help investigate the accident by reviewing police reports and relevant photos or video footage to search for evidence that may support the negligence of another party. Reach out to a knowledgeable attorney from Kogan & DiSalvo who could assess your bike accident and potentially help explain the differences between Boynton Beach motorcycle and bicycle accidents.