
Riding a motorcycle along Florida’s coastline offers a freedom and agility that’s hard to beat, but Florida is also the deadliest state for riders, with more than 600 motorcycle fatalities reported each year.
Unlike drivers and passengers in enclosed vehicles, motorcyclists are exposed to the full impact of road hazards, with far less room for error. From unpredictable weather to reckless drivers, even a small issue can quickly become life-threatening.
At Aigen Injury Law, we’ve seen how devastating these crashes can be. If you’ve been hurt in a collision while riding in Miami, it’s crucial to understand the cause and who may be responsible.
Here are some of the most dangerous road hazards for motorcyclists in Miami.
Spilled Oil and Slick Surfaces
Oil spills are nearly invisible until it’s too late. Whether from leaking vehicles or improperly maintained trucks, oil on the road can make it almost impossible for a motorcycle’s tires to grip the pavement. A rider hitting an oily patch, especially while turning or braking, can easily lose control.
Potholes and Broken Pavement
What might be a minor bump for a car can be a major crash risk for a motorcycle. Potholes can cause tires to burst, suspensions to buckle, or riders to be thrown from their bikes. Miami’s mix of city traffic and coastal weather often leads to road deterioration, and riders pay the price.
However, another danger that can’t be understated is when other road users swerve around potholes without warning, cutting off motorcycles or forcing them into oncoming traffic.
Sand, Gravel, and Loose Debris
Loose surfaces, especially on curves or intersections, cause many motorcycle crashes. Florida data shows that while curves account for just 5.8% of Florida roadways, they’re involved in 57% of fatal single-motorcycle crashes.
But debris from construction work, poorly maintained roads, or speeding cars becomes a hazard caused by someone else’s actions.
Even a thin layer of gravel or sand can make stopping or maneuvering nearly impossible at speed.
Large Puddles and Standing Water
It doesn’t take a hurricane to create dangerous conditions in Miami. Large puddles from a passing storm can hide deep potholes or debris underneath. Due to their smaller tire surfaces, motorcycles can also experience hydroplaning, where their tires lose contact with the pavement due to the layer of water on the surface.
Road Debris and Objects
Blown-out tires, fallen tree limbs, construction materials, and even cargo falling off trucks can become lethal when left in a motorcyclist’s path. Riders often don’t have time to safely avoid these obstacles, especially when traveling in heavy traffic.
In many cases, negligent drivers create these hazards by failing to secure their cargo or littering the roadway.
Reckless or Erratic Drivers
Motorcycles may be smaller and harder to see, but that’s no excuse for careless driving on the part of other road users. Sudden lane changes, aggressive merging, following too closely, and distracted driving are all top causes of collisions with motorcycles.
Too often, drivers claim they “didn’t see” the motorcyclist. But a motorist who fails to check their blind spot or signal before changing lanes can’t use that as a defense. Their negligence puts motorcyclists at direct risk.
Opening Car Doors in Traffic
One of the most overlooked urban hazards for riders is “dooring.” When someone in a street-parked car opens their door into the path of a moving motorcycle, the result can be catastrophic. These incidents are especially common on Miami’s tighter city streets.
Before opening their doors, motorists and passengers must legally check for oncoming traffic, including motorcycles, because Florida Statute § 316.2005 prohibits opening a vehicle door unless it’s reasonably safe and won’t impede