Motorcycle Maneuverability Accidents

When it comes to the size and maneuverability of motorcycles, there are a lot of misconceptions.

At Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, so many of the collisions our motorcycle accident attorneys see are caused by careless or inattentive drivers. As highlighted by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation in “Ten Things All Car & Truck Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles,” driver misconception of motorcycle maneuverability often causes a collision.

• Riders often slow by downshifting or rolling out of the throttle, thus brake lights are not a reliable indicator of a slowing motorcycle.


• Motorcycles often move about in their lane to increase visibility or avoid road imperfections. Riders are entitled to their own lane: Don’t crowd them.


• Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-cancelling. Do not rely on them to predict a rider’s intentions.


• Stopping distance for a motorcycle is nearly the same as for cars. Don’t expect them to be able to stop suddenly.

Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, has built its reputation in the Southwest Florida riding community through four decades of legal representation and support for motorcycle rights. For the last decade we have been primary sponsor of Cape Coral Bike Night season, the premiere family-friendly motorcycle event season in Southwest Florida.

We have represented hundreds of riders and their families and often remain in touch for years after a case concludes. We have made many friends we see at large gatherings of riders up and down the coast.

And we encourage them all to continue their rider education, to take refresher courses and to be a better, safer rider this year than last. Because while there may be little we can do to keep from being victimized by a careless or negligent rider, we can always work to become better riders.

The Hurt Report, conducted by the Traffic Safety Center at the University of Southern California in 1981, found riders involved in collisions showed significant avoidance problems. Most over-braked the rear-wheel and under-braked the front wheel, causing a skid and slower deceleration. The ability to counter-steer and swerve were essentially absent.

The Florida Rider Training Program (FRTP) and the Florida Motorcycle Safety Handbook are great places to start. But we encourage you to go on from there and take advanced courses, like those offered through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Riders of all experience levels may find the Motorcycle Safety Handbook particularly useful, as it includes information on swerving and turning quickly; cornering; navigating dangerous, slippery or uneven surfaces; and dealing with road hazards and sudden mechanical problems.

Be mindful of the old adage: “Anyone can man the helm when the seas are calm.” It’s often what you do in an emergency that can make all the difference when it comes to avoiding a serious or fatal collision.

If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our motorcycle accident lawyers at any of our Southwest Florida Offices in Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Port Charlotte for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.

Motorcycle Injury Attorneys – 800-646-1210 – Free Consultation