lakewood ranch motorcycle crash attorney

Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycles remain a very popular choice of transportation in the Sunshine State. Exhilarating to ride, beautiful weather to enjoy and economical to own, they, unfortunately, remain one of the more inherently dangerous modes of transportation.

Florida Motorcycle Crash Statistics

Florida ranks high among motorcycle fatalities in the nation. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2021 Florida averaged 290 motorcycle and bicycle crashes per week.

A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that a number of factors (from age to weather to engine size to helmet use to location and more) account for the high fatality and injury rate in motorcycle crashes. While there are a number of aspects to consider, what is clear is that in too many instances, the consequences of a motorcycle crash can be serious and often deadly.

Common Issues in Motorcycle Crashes

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, some of the common questions and concerns include:

Determining the cause: While a significant number of motorcycle crashes are the fault of the other driver, it is nevertheless important to understand what caused the accident. Among common reasons are speed, unsafe lane changes, failing to yield, drunk or distracted driving as well as poor road conditions (e.g., potholes).
Assessing the Damages: Due to the limited protection that motorcycles provide, the motorcyclist faces a high risk of suffering a serious or catastrophic or even fatal injury. Among some of the most significant are spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, neck and back injuries, fractured bones, amputations and burns and road rash. As a result of these types of injuries and others, a motorcyclist is entitled to compensation for his medical bills, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, disfigurement and scarring.
Other considerations: If you, the motorcyclist, might also bear some responsibility for the crash, you are not prevented from recovering. In Florida, liability is assigned between the parties according to their share of the fault (i.e., Florida is a comparative fault state). Damages are then reduced by the amount of fault attributed to the motorcyclist.
Helmets: Florida requires motorcyclists to wear helmets (and eye protection) if under 21 years old. Helmets are also required unless the operator is over 21 and has insurance that provides at least $10,000 in medical benefits. Regardless of whether required or not, the evidence shows that wearing a helmet reduces the risk of death or serious head injury significantly. Furthermore, biking helmetless could impact your recovery due Florida’s comparative fault law.

Fighting for Victims of Motorcycle Crashes

If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a serious motorcycle collision, call one of our experienced and compassionate motorcycle accident attorneys so they can pursue the recovery you deserve, while you concentrate on your recovery. Case evaluations are always free and you do not owe us any attorney’s fee or costs unless and until we recover for you.