Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is Observed in May
Motorcyclists in Florida have the right to expect other drivers to share the road responsibly. But far too often, that right is violated—and the rider pays the price. May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a timely reminder that most motorcycle crashes aren’t random or unavoidable. They’re the result of drivers making careless choices behind the wheel.
Under Florida law, motorcyclists can hold those drivers accountable—even without direct eyewitnesses. Crash scene data, cell phone records, and vehicle damage can all serve as proof of negligence. This legal standard is critical in motorcycle cases, where the rider is often left with life-altering injuries and little recourse unless fault is clearly established.
Whether a rider is navigating I-95, Military Trail, or a local street near the Gardens Mall, they face an uphill battle when other drivers ignore the rules of the road. A skilled Palm Beach County motorcycle accident lawyer can make the difference between a dismissed claim and a full financial recovery. And the first step is understanding exactly how negligence leads to these crashes.
Common Driver Behaviors That Lead to Motorcycle Crashes
Most motorcycle accidents are not caused by motorcyclists. They happen because someone in a car, SUV, or truck was not paying attention or chose to act recklessly. These negligent behaviors are not just dangerous — they are preventable. Understanding the most frequent causes can help explain how and why these collisions occur across Palm Beach County.
These are some of the most common forms of negligence that result in motorcycle crashes in South Florida:
- Texting or Using a Phone Behind the Wheel: Distracted driving is a top cause of local motorcycle accidents. Even a glance at a phone can be enough to miss a rider in a blind spot or crosswalk.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: High-speed driving reduces reaction time and increases crash severity. Many drivers speed through intersections or weave through traffic, often failing to see motorcyclists until it is too late.
- Improper Lane Changes: Drivers who fail to check their mirrors or use turn signals often sideswipe motorcyclists, which can happen on multi-lane roads like PGA Boulevard or US-1.
- Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way: Whether merging, turning left, or entering a roundabout, many drivers fail to yield to motorcyclists, despite clear traffic laws requiring them to do so.
- Tailgating or Following Too Closely: Motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars, but impatient drivers who follow too closely do not leave enough space to avoid a rear-end crash.
Each of these actions may seem minor in the moment, but the consequences for a motorcyclist can be catastrophic. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can examine how the crash happened, gather the right evidence, and use Florida law to hold the at-fault driver financially responsible.
How Lawyers Prove Negligence After a Motorcycle Accident
It is not enough to know a driver made a mistake — legal action requires proof. That is where strong legal representation becomes vital. Insurance companies often downplay what happened or try to blame the motorcyclist, making it even more important to build a clear case backed by evidence.
Proving negligence involves more than a police report. Skilled attorneys use a combination of investigation, legal knowledge, and expert resources to establish fault. The following types of evidence are often used to build a compelling case:
- Phone and Text Records: These can reveal whether the driver was distracted at the time of the crash, even if they deny it.
- Traffic or Surveillance Video: Footage from intersection cameras, businesses, or even doorbell cameras can show how the crash unfolded.
- Crash Scene Evidence and Vehicle Damage: The position of the vehicles and the damage patterns can help reconstruct what happened.
- Witness Statements: Independent accounts from bystanders or nearby drivers often support the injured motorcyclist’s version of events.
- Expert Analysis and Reconstruction: Accident reconstruction specialists use physics and crash data to model how and why the crash occurred.
This level of investigation takes time and legal insight, and it is not something most injury victims can manage alone while also dealing with medical recovery and lost income. A knowledgeable attorney can assemble the right team and develop a strategy that puts pressure on the insurance company to offer a full and fair settlement.
Do Not Wait — Florida Law Sets Strict Time Limits
Motorcycle accident victims in Florida generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. But waiting to act can allow key evidence to disappear — surveillance footage gets erased, witnesses move away, and damaged vehicles are repaired or scrapped. The sooner a case is reviewed, the better the chances of preserving the facts that support a strong claim.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash in Palm Beach County, it is wise to speak with a trusted attorney who knows how to hold negligent drivers accountable — and has the results to prove it.
At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., we recovered $1,200,000 in a wrongful death case where a motorcyclist’s right of way was violated by a pickup truck, and $1,025,000 for a rider who required surgery after being hit by a motor vehicle.
Discover what Mr. Shomo and his dedicated legal team can do for you. Get the guidance and experience needed to protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
“When your world is flipped upside down in an instant and you’re not sure where to turn, this team can help! I am eternally grateful for Attorney Shomo and his staff. They showed up for me and my family in the most difficult time in our life and worked diligently to bring some sort of light to our situation when I didn’t think it was possible.” – Amanda M. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐