South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog
A Fort Lauderdale scooter accident claimed the life of a rider on Tuesday night when a Jeep Grand Cherokee reportedly collided with the scooter while making a left turn at an intersection, the Sun-Sentinel reported.
The accident happened about 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of Davie Boulevard and Southeast Third Avenue. The 2010 Jeep was making a left turn onto Third when it collided with the 2008 KNRO Scooter, which was westbound on Davie Boulevard. The rider was pronounced dead at Broward General Medical Center.
Scooter and motorcycle accidents are a common danger in the Fort Lauderdale area and throughout Florida. As we reported recently on our South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, more fatal motorcycle accidents occur in California and Florida than anywhere else in the nation. In 2008, a total of 523 riders were killed in Florida accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Federal statistics show that more than half of all accidents are caused by motorists. Frequent causes include a motorist turning in front of a rider or failing to yield the right-of-way. Rider inexperience is another common cause and anyone injured on a rented motorcycle or scooter should contact a Fort Lauderdale injury lawyer to discuss their rights.
MotorWorks offers the following scooter safety tips:
-Wear bright reflective clothing and a helmet.
-Avoid riding in another motorist’s blind spot.
-Obey the speed limit and never driver faster than your skills or weather conditions allow.
-Signal well before you turn or make a lane change. Consider using hand signals in addition to electronic turn signals.
-Use extra caution at intersections and entrances to parking lots and driveways — don’t let another motorist’s actions take you by surprise.
-Keep both hands on the handlebars and both feet in appropriate locations while riding.
-Never leave a scooter unattended with the engine running.
-Reduce speed when riding on bumpy roads.
-Be especially aware of traffic behind you. Different speeds can lead to a rear-end collision.
-Don’t rely on mirrors, which allow for only a partial view. Be aware of blind spots.
The scooter and motorcycle accident lawyers at Freeman & Mallard represent clients in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and the Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce areas. Call today for a free consultation. 1-800-529-2368.