The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety published both good news and bad news in its September 17, 2009 Status Report.  The good news is that the number of deaths in car accidents fell 10 percent from 2007 to 37,261.  This number is the lowest since 1975. The bad news has to do with motorcyclists.  In 2008, the rate of motorcycle deaths hit a record, with 5,091 reported fatalities.  That makes up 14 percent of all accident fatalities in the country.

According to the report, motorcyclist deaths have more than doubled since 1997, which is an interesting fact, considering that most states now require the use of motorcycle helmets.  Riders 40 years and older accounted for 50 percent of the fatalities in 2008.

The trend in fatalities has been interesting over the last decade.  The death rate for motorcyclists has significantly increased, but deaths among passenger vehicle occupants and pedestrians have gone down.  Bicyclist deaths have remained relatively unchanged.

There are many causes of motorcycle accidents, including speed, alcohol use and driver inattention.  In Florida, motorcycle riders over the age of 21 who have insurance coverage of at least $10,000 in medical benefits for motorcycle injuries, do not have to wear helmets. However, studies have shown that wearing a helmet can lower the risk of sustaining a fatal injury in a Daytona Beach motorcycle accident in and throughout the country. 

If you have been injured in a Daytona Beach or Ormond Beach motorcycle accident, you should contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at Johnson & Gilbert today at (800) 556-8890 for a free and confidential legal consultation.  You may be able to hold the other driver accountable and recover compensation for your injuries.  Johnson & Gilbert represent Florida motorcycle accident cases in Volusia County, Flagler County, Putnam County, Seminole County, Lake County, Orange County, St. Johns County, Brevard County, Osceola County, Polk County, Duval County, Marion County and Alachua County.