Florida Laws Regarding Passengers on a Motorcycle
Florida
has very relaxed laws on the use of motorcycles. As far as passengers are concerned, they must
occupy either a separate seat or a seat meant for two riders and they must have
footrests dedicated solely to their use.[1]
There is no minimum age requirement for passengers, provided those under
21 are wearing a helmet. Other than
that, there really are no other Florida
laws applicable to motorcycle passengers.
I do believe that motorcyclists who carry very young passengers should
consider the possible dangers and ramifications of this practice. Even the best motorcycle rider cannot avoid
every distracted, negligent or aggressive driver on the road. The consequences of a motorcycle accident can
severe for any passenger, but can be devastating for young children who are
even more at risk.
Motorcycle Accidents
are on the Rise in Florida
Motorcycle accidents have been on a steady increase in Florida for the past several years.[2] In St. Petersburg,
specifically, and Pinellas
County, in general,
motorcycle use seems to be at an all time high.
Countless bars and restaurants cater to bikers and the climate and beach
lifestyle seems to go hand in hand with riding motorcycles. Most accidents involving a car and a
motorcycle are due to an inattentive or distracted driver that fails to see the
motorcycle. The most common reasons for
single motorcycle accidents are operator error or poor road conditions. Examples of road conditions which can cause a
rider to crash include unrepaired potholes, areas of the road which are
degraded, loose stones or gravel and road construction. Road hazards which are known should be
properly marked utilizing maintenance of traffic standards and failure to do so
can render the persons responsible for the road’s maintenance liable for
negligence. In any case the passenger is
a completely helpless victim in a motorcycle crash.
The Motorcycle
Accident Involved Only the Motorcycle
Typically, the injured passenger’s claim, in a one vehicle
crash, meaning only the motorcycle, the claim will be against the motorcycle
operator. However, each case is
unique. There may be other contributing
factors to liability such as improperly marked road work or unreasonably
dangerous roadway conditions. The
existence of such factors can drastically change the complexity of the personal
injury case. You will need to discuss the facts of your case with a motorcycle
accident attorney.
The Motorcycle
Accident Involved Another Vehicle
In the event that there was another vehicle involved in the
crash, generally the injured passenger will make a claim against both the
motorcycle operator and the driver of any other vehicles involved. As discussed above, there may be additional
contributing factors which will need to be discussed with a lawyer. It is also worth remembering that the driver
of another vehicle may cause the motorcycle crash without making contact with
the motorcycle.
Contact The Law
Offices of Bobby Jones
Have you or a loved one been injured in an motorcycle accident
in which you were the passenger? Contact an experienced St. Petersburg
motorcycle accident attorney at The Law Offices of Bobby Jones today. When you contact our office we will
immediately set an appointment where you will meet your attorney and be
provided with his/her personal contact information. If you do not have transportation or you
cannot drive, your attorney will travel to meet you and discuss your case with
you.
Whether you were a pedestrian, a bicyclist, or the occupant
of car, motorcycle or boat and have been injured in an accident, you should
immediately call an experienced personal injury attorney in St. Petersburg at The Law Offices of Bobby
Jones at (727) 571-1333 during regular business hours or (727) 753-8657 on
weekends or after regular business hours. We will evaluate your case for free
and you will never pay us a dime unless we recover compensation for your
injuries.
The Law Offices of Bobby Jones
6570 30th
Avenue North
St. Pete,
FL
33710
<a href=" http://bobbyjoneslaw.com/personal-injury/">
http://bobbyjoneslaw.com/personal-injury/
</a>
References:
[1] http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.2095.html
[2] http://www.ridesmartflorida.com/dataandstatistics.shtm