Failing to Yield is a Leading Cause of Florida Motorcycle Accidents

Complying with Floria’s traffic laws not only helps drivers avoid fines and the accrual of points on their driver’s licenses, but also keeps drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike safe. Unfortunately, not all drivers are as conscientious of these rules as they should be, which puts more vulnerable road users, like motorcyclists, at risk of injury.

Stop Signs 

Right-of-way laws come into play at stop signs, where vehicles must yield to all other traffic, including pedestrians. When there is a four-way stop at such an intersection, the first vehicle to come to a stop can move forward first. If two vehicles reach the intersection at the same time, however, then it is the driver on the left who has the right-of-way.

Open Intersections 

Open intersections, which don’t have traffic control signals or signs, also require compliance with Florida’s right-of-way rules. In these cases, when a driver enters an open intersection, he or she must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle that is already there. This is also true for those who:

• Enter or cross a highway from a secondary road;
• Enter a paved road from an unpaved road; or
• Are attempting to make a left-hand turn, while another vehicle is approaching from the opposing direction.

When two vehicles reach an open intersection at the same time, the driver on the left is required to yield the right-of-way to the driver on the right.

Roundabouts 

Roundabouts have been added throughout the state of Florida in an effort to improve traffic flow and reduce car accidents. Any vehicle that approaches a roundabout is legally required to yield the right-of-way to any drivers already traveling in the roundabout.

The Dangers of Failing to Yield 

While the occupants of any type of vehicle could end up injured if someone fails to yield the right-of-way, motorcyclists have proven to be especially vulnerable when these rules are violated. This is largely because riders lack the protective features that other motorists benefit from, such as steel frames surrounding their vehicles, airbags, or seatbelts. Motorcycles are also far less stable than vehicles with four wheels. For these reasons, a driver who fails to yield the right-of-way to a motorcyclist could end up causing a devastating accident that, if it involved two similarly sized passenger vehicles, might only qualify as a fender bender. Motorcyclists involved in these kinds of accidents are more prone to certain kinds of injuries, including injuries to the legs, knees, and ankles, as well as injuries to the shoulders, arms, elbows, and wrists. Because they lack the protections offered to other motorists, motorcycle riders are also more likely to sustain internal injuries, especially to the heart and lungs, as well as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the event of a collision.

The Right Size Law Firm to Meet Your Needs

 To speak with one of our experienced Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers about seeking compensation from the driver who caused your own crash, please call Anderson & Anderson at 813-251-0072 today. You can also set up a free consultation with a member of our legal team by completing one of our online contact forms.

Sources: 

flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/0316.123

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7528667/