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Daytona Bike Week: From motorcycle accidents to parking incidents, critical information for riders

From tips on what to do if your motorcycle gets damaged on the strip to what to do if you are injured in a serious motorcycle crash, our attorneys share important information for anyone involved in a Daytona Bike Week accident. 

There’s nothing quite like Daytona Bike Week. The rumble of the engines, the chrome glinting in the Florida sun, and thousands of bikes lining the streets—it’s a slice of heaven for those who live to ride. But let’s face it: with so many riders converging on one spot, the risks go up.

The 84th Annual Daytona Beach Bike Week, one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the world, will take place February 28-March 9, 2025. More than 500,000 attendees will roll into Daytona Beach, and for a span of 10 days, roads will get crowded with seasoned riders, novice riders, riders under the influence (an unfortunate reality), and vehicles with drivers who may not understand motorcycle safety. This means accidents will happen.

Injured in a Daytona Bike Week accident? The  motorcycle accident attorneys at Avera & Smith have over 70 years of experience representing motorcycle accident victims in Florida.  Call 800-654-4659 for a free case evaluation.

The troubling reality of Daytona Bike Week accidents

According to reports, 92 motorcycle accidents happened during the 2023 Daytona Bike Week. Over the 10-day period, the local hospital admitted 180 trauma patients and five motorcycle riders were killed. From fender benders to devastating wrecks, Daytona Bike Week sees its fair share of chaos. Even the best riders can’t avoid trouble when cars, bikes, rowdy attendees, and distracted tourists mix.

On this page, the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Avera & Smith provide helpful information for anyone who has been injured or involved in a Daytona Bike Week accident.

• Common causes of Daytona Bike Week accidents
• Safety tips for all riders and attendees
• Tips for filing a motorcycle property damage insurance claim
• What to do if you’ve been injured in a Daytona Bike Week accident
• How our law firm can help you

Common causes of Daytona Bike Week accidents

The last thing motorcycle riders want to think about is an accident. However, it’s important to know the common causes of Daytona Bike Week accidents to help you avoid dangerous situations.

1. Speeding – Speeding is one of the highest causes of motorcycle accidents—not just at Daytona Bike Week. In fact, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that speeding is a factor in approximately 30% of fatal motorcycle crashes in the United States.
2. Impaired driving – Daytona Bike Week is known for having a “party” atmosphere. As a result, riding under the influence is a big problem during the event. According to NHTSA, almost 30% of the bikers involved in fatal motorcycle accidents have blood-alcohol concentrations over the legal limit, and almost 45% of the bikers involved in fatal accidents had some amount of alcohol in their system.
3. Distracted driving – Daytona Bike Week is packed with attendees and spectators flooding streets and parking lots. Many riders, drivers and pedestrians are distracted. As a rider, always assume the other person doesn’t see you and drive with full attention on what’s around you.
4. Inexperienced riders – Not every rider at Daytona Bike Week is a pro. Many attendees are still getting the feel of their bikes and have not ridden in areas with packed streets and tight spaces. Be sure to leave a safe distance between you and other riders.
5. Unfamiliarity with roadway conditions – Hundreds of thousands of attendees come to Daytona Bike Week from all over the country. Many of these riders are not familiar with Daytona’s roadway conditions, such as hidden driveways, poorly lit roads and intersections, unmarked lane changes, or merging roundabouts. This is a common cause of motorcycle accidents for out-of-state visitors.

Safety tips for Daytona Bike Week

As a rider, you know how to operate your bike and ride safely. You also probably know that it’s other drivers that pose the greatest risk to you. Therefore, here are a few reminders to ensure a safe and fun Daytona Bike Week.

• Be visible: Use your lights and wear gear that stands out, especially at night.
• Ride defensively: Assume every car is about to cut you off or pull out in front of you.
• Never drink and drive: If you choose to drink, consider using rideshare services and leaving your bike parked. There’s no excuse or reason to drive under the influence.
• Know the area: Daytona’s roads can get confusing. Map out your routes and avoid high-traffic hotspots when possible.
• Take breaks: Long days on the saddle can make even the sharpest rider fatigued. Rest up to keep your reflexes sharp.
• Watch the weather: Florida rain showers can hit out of nowhere, turning the streets into slick deathtraps.

Tips for filing a motorcycle property damage insurance claim

With the sheer volume of bikes, cars and crowds packed into one area, fender benders, scratches, and dents from parking lot mishaps and slow-speed collisions are bound to happen at Daytona Bike Week. If your bike is damaged at the event, you’ll likely need to file a motorcycle property damage insurance claim to cover repair costs. To help you, our motorcycle accident attorneys provide useful tips to ensure a smoother and easier claims process.

• Document the damage – Take photos or videos of the damage, and if possible, document how the damage occurred. Note any contributing factors, such as another rider or bike, poor roadway conditions, or acts of negligence, such as illegal parking or overcrowded lots. Collect contact information from potential witnesses.
• Report the incident promptly – Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with a detailed description of what happened. Be truthful with how the damage occurred. Deception can hurt your ability to recover compensation.
• Save receipts and correspondences – Finally, save all receipts for repairs or towing, as these may be reimbursable. Also, save all correspondences, such as emails or text messages, between you and your adjuster. Documentation is your best tool for getting fair compensation for your bike’s property damage.

Have questions about a motorcycle property damage insurance claim? The motorcycle accident attorneys at Avera & Smith are here to serve you. Call us at 800-654-4659 to speak with an attorney. We can provide guidance on insurance claims and help you understand your rights.

What to do if you are injured in a Daytona Bike Week accident

Being injured in a motorcycle accident is a rider’s worst nightmare, especially during the chaos of Daytona Bike Week. If it happens to you, staying calm and taking the right steps can make all the difference in protecting your health and your rights. While this article provides helpful tips on how to navigate the aftermath, the best thing you can do is contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to help protect you from insurance companies and ensure you receive the support and compensation you need and deserve.

1. Prioritize your safety and seek medical attention – Your health comes first. Even if you think your injuries are minor, get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Adrenaline can mask pain, and injuries like internal damage or concussions may not show symptoms immediately. Under Florida law, you have 14 days from the time of the accident to seek medical help to qualify for personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage.
2. Call the police – Report the accident to local law enforcement. An official police report is critical for documenting what happened and can be a key piece of evidence if you pursue a legal claim.
3. Gather evidence – If you’re able, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicles and/or bikes involved. Get contact and insurance information from all parties, as well as contact details from any witnesses. Daytona Bike Week is a busy event, so the more documentation you have, the better.
4. Notify your insurance company – Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Be honest and stick to the facts, but avoid giving detailed statements or admitting fault until you’ve consulted with an attorney.
5. Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney – Daytona Bike Week accidents often involve unique challenges, from navigating Florida’s traffic laws to dealing with out-of-state riders and insurance claims. An experienced attorney who specializes in motorcycle accidents, like those at Avera & Smith, can help you understand your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Injured in a motorcycle accident at Daytona Bike Week?

Serious accidents call for a serious law firm.

Call 800-654-4659 to speak with our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys now

If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident during Daytona Bike Week, contacting Avera & Smith is one of the smartest moves you can make. With over 70 years of experience and deep roots in Florida, our locally based law firm understands the unique challenges riders face on the road. We are experts in handling motorcycle accident cases, with a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and winning in the courtroom when needed. Avera & Smith’s dedicated team knows how to navigate the complexities of Florida law, insurance claims, and the specific dynamics of Bike Week incidents, ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve. When your health and future are on the line, trust the firm that has been fighting for riders like you for decades.

Call now 800-654-4659 for a free consultation with our motorcycle accident attorneys.