Florida leads the entire nation in the number of motorcycle deaths according to numbers released by the National Highway Safety Administration from 2015. According to the study, South Florida and Miami Dade were among the leaders in state fatalities. In Florida motorcyclist do not have to wear helmets, which may be part of the reason why the state leads in motorcycle accident fatalities. Generally, motorcyclists do not have seat belts or air bags and are not protected by metal or a container like other vehicle operators, which makes them more vulnerable when accidents happen.
Just like motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents claims rely on the legal concept of negligence. Consult a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer immediately if you sustain a personal injury because of a motorcycle crash caused by the negligent actions of another person.
What to know about negligence claim
The law requires motorists to be careful when driving or riding. A plaintiff can compare the defendant’s conduct to that of a “reasonable person” to prove that the defendant did not exercise care while driving. You also need to prove that the defendant’s conduct caused your injuries and that you suffered losses because of those injuries. You cannot get any damages if you did not get hurt or cannot prove any damages. Fortunately, your lawyer will review your claim to help you determine the next steps you need to take after a motorcycle accident.
Causes of motorcycle accidents
Motorcycle accidents happen for a number of reasons. For example, since motorcycles are hard to see on the road they can collide with a vehicle driven by a distracted driver. Other causes include:
- Road hazards
- Drunk drivers
- Aggressive drivers
- Cars turning left
- Speeding by motorist, a biker or both
- Defective motorcycle parts and more
You may be able to get compensation for medical bills, lost wages and non-economical damages if you are injured in a motorcycle accident. All this depends on the facts of your case.
Types of Motorcycle accident injuries
If you sustain injuries while you were driving or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle, you can get compensation. The most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Fractured collarbones
- Skull fractures
- Road rash
- Dislocations
- Leg fractures
- Broken bones
Spinal cord injuries and brain injuries can also occur in serious motorcycle accidents. These injuries may be long-term leaving you unable to work for a long time. You must get medical treatment after an accident even if you feel fine, and then call a lawyer. Serious injuries can mean financial losses, emotional problems, pain and suffering, and more.
Find Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Consulting a competent lawyer can make a huge difference for your case if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident. This remains true even if you were partly or wholly at fault for the accident. Many times victims seeking compensation have to face insurance companies that work tirelessly to deny them full compensation. But a competent and experienced lawyer knows how to handle insurance companies and will put a lot of pressure on them for a fair payout.