[4-26-22] Motorcyclist Dies in Palmetto Crash

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT STATISTICS

Motorcycle crashes continue to cause a disproportionate number of serious and fatal injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,228 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes nationwide in 2024. Motorcyclists accounted for 16% of all traffic fatalities that year.

The risks are especially serious in Florida. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 589 motorcyclists were killed in Florida traffic crashes in 2024. Motorcycle fatalities accounted for approximately 18.5% of all traffic deaths in the state that year.

Motorcyclists are also much more vulnerable than people traveling in passenger vehicles. Based on vehicle miles traveled in 2024, NHTSA reports that motorcyclists were almost 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash and almost five times more likely to be injured.

For riders in St. Petersburg and throughout Pinellas County, crashes can happen when drivers fail to notice motorcycles or leave riders enough space. Common factors that can contribute to motorcycle accidents include:

• Drivers making unsafe left turns
• Failure to yield
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Unsafe lane changes
• Following too closely
• Wrong-way driving
• Failure to obey traffic signals or other traffic laws
• Dangerous road or weather conditions

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle crash, a St. Petersburg motorcycle accident attorney can investigate what happened and help determine who may be responsible.

ST. PETERSBURG MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS FOR VICTIMS OF MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS

Our St. Petersburg motorcycle accident attorneys represent riders and passengers injured in motorcycle crashes. These accidents can cause severe or catastrophic injuries and, in some cases, the loss of a loved one.

If another driver or party caused the crash, an injured motorcyclist may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses. Our attorneys can investigate the collision, deal with insurance companies, preserve important evidence, and pursue compensation from the responsible parties.

When a motorcycle crash results in a death, eligible family members may also be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. While financial compensation cannot replace a loved one, a wrongful death claim can help families seek accountability and recover damages allowed under Florida law.

Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. is one of Florida’s oldest and most established law firms, with a long history of recognition for client advocacy across multiple legal fields. Sean McQuaid has been selected to Florida Super Lawyers every year from 2016 through 2026. In 2026, six Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid attorneys were recognized by Florida Super Lawyers or Rising Stars. The firm was also recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms.”

Our attorneys understand how disruptive a serious motorcycle accident can be for an injured rider and their family. We handle the legal and insurance issues while our clients concentrate on their recovery.

Call Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas at (727) 381-2300 or schedule a free consultation to speak with a St. Petersburg motorcycle accident attorney about your case.