Not all motorcycle accidents are the same and neither are the lawyers. David Shiner and the attorneys at our law office have handled many different types of motorcycle accident insurance claims. The motorcycle injury lawyers you may consider hiring should have experience representing people who have had a motorcycle injury and those attorneys should be familiar with the roads near in Florida.
Police officers and firefighter responded to the scene of an accident in Pembroke Pines this year after an automobile turned into the path of the motorcycle, throwing both the driver and passenger off the bike.
The accident remained under investigation shortly after the crash, while the driver and passenger on the motorcycle were rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Intersections like this one in Broward County are the most likely place for motorcycle accidents. After all, almost half of all motorcycle crashes are the result of a car making a left-hand turn into the path of a bike – blame it on careless driving, distractions or blind spots. But, unsafe lane changes are not responsible for all motorcycle accidents and subsequent injuries.
Speeding, driving under the influence, sudden, stops, and inexperienced drivers can all cause accidents involving even the safest motorcyclists.
Riding a Motorcycle Can Be Dangerous
Even though motorcycles riders are subject to the same road conditions as automobile drivers, they are likely to suffer greater consequences in the event of a crash.
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycles are at risk of a fatal crash some 35 times greater than a passenger car.
And most of these accidents occur when they are least expected – on short trips, perhaps to run an errand, shop or visit a friend or during a recreational outing.
Accidents are bound to happen, especially in Florida, where motorcycle enthusiasts take to the roads in large numbers to enjoy the sunny weather, scenic highways and, of course, the beach.
Unfortunately, Florida consistently leads the nation in deaths and injuries stemming from motorcycle accidents. Close to 600 deaths have been attributed to motorcycle crashes in a given year.
And while those figures continue to climb – by as much as 30 percent annually — overall traffic deaths have declined.
The University of South Florida found that across a 10-year period, more than half of all motorcycle crashes in Florida were the fault of automobile drivers.
Motorcyclists should know that in Florida if they are involved in an accident, they are not covered under the rules of no-fault insurance.
This means that, in the event of an accident with personal injury, the only option for the motorcyclist to recoup damages is to file a lawsuit against the drivers of the vehicles at fault.
Motorcycle riders may also file a lawsuit against the state or local government – even if no other vehicles are involved in the incident – for not providing adequate road maintenance including proper warning signs.
Compensation may be awarded in any of these occurrences to recover medical expenses related personal injuries from an accident, ensuing lost wages, and pain and emotional suffering in the aftermath of the incident.
Family members of the injured or deceased motorcyclist may also receive damages based on negligence, intent, or misdoings of the defendant.
Motorcycles Aren’t Going Away
The number of motorcycles registered in Florida continues to rise. Yet, motorcycles account for only 3 percent of all registered vehicles.
That means motorcyclists will continue to be subject to potential injury or even death at the hands of distracted, careless or unsafe drivers.
Most motorcyclists are careful and are far from the “outlaws” they are sometimes portrayed to be. They deserve the same protections against injury on Florida highways and roads as all motorists.
But, as long as there are accidents, motorcyclists will be exposed to greater threats, personal injury and, perhaps, death.
If you have been suffered personal injury involving a motorcycle incident, you will need a skilled attorney to help you reconstruct the accident, present viable options, and chart a strategy to secure the just compensation you deserve.
The Shiner Law Group, know the Broward County courts system and the tactics insurance companies will apply to negate your claim. Don’t be intimidated. For your free consultation, call 561-777-7700, 24/7.
