After many baby boomers become empty nesters, they pick up new hobbies to fill the child-free void in their lives. One such hobby that many baby boomers have gotten into is motorcycling. While this is an expensive hobby, many baby boomers have disposable income and more money to spend now that their kids are out of their houses.
Recent statistics indicate the greatest increase in fatal motorcycle accidents was to those over the age of 40, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Are baby boomers riding recklessly on their motorcycles?
Some believe that they are and others believe it’s simply about the math. If more people over the age of 40 are riding motorcycles, then more people in that age group are likely to be involved in motorcycle accidents. However, although baby boomers are older, experienced drivers, they are new motorcyclists, and novice riders may not know how to handle their bikes in certain conditions. Other times, these aging motorcyclists are buying more powerful motorcycles than they can handle, which can contribute to motorcycle accidents.
One thing is for certain, just because motorcycle accidents in Florida involving baby boomers have increased over the years doesn’t mean that the crash is always a motorcyclist’s fault. There are many baby boomer motorcyclists who are experienced and safe riders and still suffer injuries because of the following:
- Another driver cut them off
- A driver pulled out in front of them
- Other motorists didn’t see them
- A vehicle came over on them (changed lanes into them)
- An oncoming car made a left-hand turn into them
When a motorcycle crash involves another vehicle, it is most likely caused by the driver in the other vehicle—not the motorcyclist. No matter the age, victims of motorcycle accidents in Sarasota, Florida, have rights to a financial recovery for their injuries, which might include:
- Broken clavicles
- Broken bones
- Lower extremity injuries (femur, tibia, and fibula injuries)
- ACL, MCL, or meniscus tear (knee injury)
- Neck and back injuries
- Herniated discs
- Head trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle crash in Sarasota due to a careless driver, please call Mallard Perez for help. You can reach one of our experienced Sarasota personal injury lawyers here at 888-409-3805 for a free legal consultation and a free copy of our book What You Need to Know After a Florida Auto, Truck or Bike Accident.
