Motorcycle accidents are among the most common accident types in Florida. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV):
In short, thousands of motorcyclists suffer from minor, major, and fatal injuries annually in the Sunshine State. With motorcycles growing in popularity, there’s a growing need for a more vigilant adherence to traffic laws, advanced protection gear, and exceptional legal services to hold responsible parties accountable for negligent or reckless behavior.
On that note, if you’ve sustained bodily injuries in a motorcycle accident because of someone else’s reckless behavior or negligence, contact Madalon Law’s Florida motorcycle accident lawyers. We can review your case and help you protect and assert your rights to get fair compensation for injuries and damages.
Schedule a no-obligation consultation with our compassionate motorcycle accident lawyer in Florida.
Read on to review our motorcycle accident guide and learn what you can do to enforce your legal rights.
Motorcycles are more dangerous compared to cars and other vehicles due to the reasons below:
Motorcycles Are Less Visible
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) study, the relatively smaller size of motorcycles in contrast to cars, SUVs, and trucks makes them more vulnerable to crashes. Most collisions occur when vehicle drivers fail to check their blind spots before they turn or change their lanes. On rainy days, when driving conditions become more dangerous, the visibility issue escalates.
If you ride a motorcycle, you can lower the risk of an accident by adopting additional safety measures, such as:
More Vulnerable To Roadside Conditions
Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of collisions due to poor road conditions. For example, uneven surfaces, debris, and even potholes on the road can be fatal for riders as these conditions can make the rider lose control. Since motorcycles are two-wheelers, it becomes challenging for riders to balance their rides or react properly to avoid collisions.
Inadequate Protection
By design, motorcycles don’t provide riders the same level of protection as passenger vehicles, making them vulnerable to others on the road. Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t have a heavy metal body encapsulating the rider, which serves as a protective barrier during a collision. The absence of structural protection leaves motorcyclists vulnerable to impacts from other vehicles, road hazards, and environmental elements.
Additionally, motorcycles lack safety features such as airbags, seat belts, and crumple zones, which are standard in most automobiles and provide additional protection to occupants during accidents. As a result, motorcyclists face a higher injury risk in the event of a crash, including severe injuries like broken bones, TBI, spinal cord/back injuries, and fractures.
Therefore, motorcyclists must prioritize safety by wearing protective gear and practicing defensive riding techniques. These acts of proactive due diligence can potentially save their lives and prevent the physical, mental, and financial aftermath of a motorcycle accident.
they should be well aware of their legal rights in case they are in an accident. This is vital because the moments right after an accident can be chaotic- what to do, how to act, and the right steps to take- all can make a huge difference.
Understand Your Legal Rights
In Florida, motorcyclists are granted the same legal rights & responsibilities as other drivers. Hence, if you have sustained bodily injuries in a motorcycle accident because of the other party’s negligence, you have the right to file a compensation claim.
However, injured motorcyclists must act fast and file their claims. As per Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), the statute of limitation, you have only two years to submit a claim after a motorcycle wreck. Furthermore, if you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, then as a surviving family member, you have two years to file a wrongful death claim from the time of passing.
As an experienced team of Florida motorcycle accident lawyers, we recommend taking legal action quickly before it’s too late. Seek our legal assistance to ensure you have substantial evidence to support your motorcycle accident claim. Moreover, with our experts to represent your case, you don’t have to worry about fighting the biases of insurance companies. We have you covered.
Remember that if you wait until the last minute, the deadline for filing the claim may expire. Hence, you will lose the right to motorcycle accident compensation forever. Schedule a consultation with us today. We will get you the compensation you deserve.
Below are the main causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida:
Speeding
As mentioned earlier, motorcycles are statistically more dangerous to operate than four-wheel vehicles, especially at high speeds. Hence, speeding reduces the reaction in perceiving and responding to dangers on the road. In other words, motorcyclists are more prone to accidents and severe injuries when riding at high speeds.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs/Alcohol
Also, you may be at a high risk of an accident if you ride your motorcycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drugs and alcohol impair your body’s cognitive functioning, thereby influencing reaction time and coordination – both crucial for safe riding.
So, when intoxicated, drivers or riders are likely to misjudge distances or break traffic rules, which eventually increases the risk of collisions.
Cars Making Left Turns
Apart from DUI, vehicles making left turns are also a common cause of motorcycle accidents. It occurs when drivers at intersections turn without signaling or at high speeds. Consequently, they fail to judge the approaching motorcycle’s speed or see it altogether. As a result, they directly turn into the oncoming motorcyclist’s path, causing a collision.
Sudden Stops
The risk of rear-end collision is higher among motorcyclists, especially when the vehicle ahead of them stops suddenly. As the size of the motorcycle is smaller and has a shorter stopping distance, motorcyclists don’t have sufficient time to react to the situation and brake safely. Therefore, this makes rear-end collisions inevitable.
Road Hazards/Debris
Sometimes, the cause of a motorcyclist’s accident is a road hazard. Roadside conditions like uneven pavements, potholes, gravel, and debris may put the motorcyclist at risk of colliding and falling off the bike. It happens because motorcycles lack protective barriers and stability, which can otherwise mitigate roadside hazards. Moreover, fallen branches, potholes, and construction materials on the road can cause the motorcyclist to lose balance and control, eventually resulting in a crash.
Bad Weather
As mentioned earlier, Florida’s wet climate is also one of the main reasons for motorcycle accidents in the state. This mainly includes rainfall and strong winds during the hurricane season – both reducing visibility and traction.
Simply put, when roads become slick, it increases the likelihood of skidding or hydroplaning. Hence, motorcyclists should exercise caution when riding in adverse weather and adjust their speed and following distance accordingly.
Car Doors
Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is the opening of car doors by drivers or passengers of parked vehicles into the path of the oncoming motorcyclist. Moreover, these types of accidents are more common in urban settings.
Nonetheless, if a motorcyclist cannot evade a door being opened suddenly, it can lead to severe bodily injuries like head injuries, fractures, and spine injuries. To lower the risk, vehicle drivers & passengers should consistently check for approaching motorcycles before opening their doors.
Distracted Driving
Furthermore, distractions may cause accidents. These may include:
·Talking to another passenger or on the phone while driving
·Texting
·Eating
·Even adjusting the GPS or radio
All these activities can divert the car driver’s attention from the road. This increases the likelihood of accidents involving motorcycles.
Remember that a momentary lapse in focus while driving a car can have severe consequences for motorcycle riders.
Mechanical Defects
Mechanical defects or motorcycle malfunctions, such as:
·Brake failures
·Tire blowouts
They can pose significant safety hazards. These defects may result from manufacturing errors, inadequate maintenance, or wear and tear.
For example, malfunctioning brakes can impair a rider’s ability to stop or slow down safely. This increases collision risk, particularly at high speeds. To reduce this risk, keep your ride well-maintained.
Nonetheless, regular maintenance and inspections can address potential defects before they lead to fatal accidents.
After an accident, take the steps discussed below. These small initial steps can significantly impact your medical recovery and compensation claim.
Prioritize Safety
First things first, move to the side and away from oncoming traffic after you have an accident. It ensures that you don’t get hit or injured by other vehicles.
Seek Medical Aid
Seeking prompt medical aid is crucial even if you believe your injuries aren’t severe because internal trauma and concussions may not appear immediately. It happens because of the adrenaline rush. The surge in this hormone dulls the sensation of pain temporarily. However, you’d likely feel pain and discomfort once the adrenaline rush in your body subsides.
However, reporting injuries later may lower your chances of getting fair compensation as the insurer may contest them, stating they occurred in another accident. Therefore, seek medical help fast and get a thorough examination. It’ll ensure all injuries from the motorcycle accident are reported and recorded.
Call 911
After that, contact law enforcement to report the incident. The police officer will document all the details. They will also collect evidence and file your official report. This report is valuable for insurance claims plus legal proceedings.
Collect Evidence
Now, as you wait for the ambulance to arrive, start collecting evidence to determine if you’re in the right condition to do so, including:
Exchange Information
Next, exchange contact & insurance information with the negligent parties. Get their name, phone number, address, license plate number, and insurance policy details.
Limit Communication
At this point, our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in Florida recommend you limit your communication. Whatever you say can be manipulated by the other party and used against you to lower your claim. So, be cautious and let the authorities and your attorney do their jobs while you focus on your recovery.
Ideally, you should only provide information to the police when they arrive. Avoid interacting with anybody else.
Consult with a Legal Expert
Finally, you should seek legal counsel from an experienced Florida motorcycle accident lawyer. A skilled attorney has the expertise and resources to collect more evidence, get expert witness testimonies, and build a winning case. Simply put, they can:
Now that we know about the common causes of motorcycle accidents, here’s a look at the types of injuries that may result from them:
Head Injuries
These include concussions, TBIs, skull fractures, and intracranial hemorrhages. Unfortunately, such injuries are quite common in motorcycle collisions. The risk of head injuries is higher among motorcyclists because they are usually thrown over from their motorcycles when hit by a passenger vehicle. It causes them to hit the pavement or the ground. These injuries still occur even if the motorcyclist wears a helmet, but the severity is less than not wearing a helmet.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention), a TBI is caused by a jolt or blow on the head. It can be mild to severe and sometimes even fatal. Statistics by Syracuse University show that nearly 37 percent of the fatalities in motorcycle accidents are because of head injuries. Furthermore, those who survive may recover from a TBI in months or even years. Besides this, some individuals may never recover from it entirely and end up living a life with neurological disorders, chronic pain, and other cognitive issues. Work with our motorcycle accident lawyer for fair compensation.
Road Rash
Now, this injury occurs when the motorcyclist is ejected from the motorcycle and slides to the surface of the road. So, when the motorcyclist comes into contact with the abrasive pavement, it causes friction, causing skin damage in various degrees. Hence, the condition’s severity varies from minor bruises and scrapes to deeper cuts and lacerations. This may require extensive medical intervention like surgical treatment and skin grafting.
Orthopedic Injuries
Another common type of motorcycle accident injury is orthopedic injury, where the motorcyclist suffers from fractures & bone dislocation. It can affect different parts of the motorcyclist’s body, including arms, hands, pelvis, and legs.
It occurs when the motorcyclist’s body absorbs the force of the impact. High-impact collisions necessitate surgeries and long-term rehabilitation for a full recovery.
Spinal Cord Injuries
They have the most severe consequences, potentially devastating and lifelong implications for affected individuals. SCIs can lead to:
·Partial or complete paralysis
·Loss of sensation
·Impaired motor function below the level of injury
Also, the collision’s sudden impact can cause fractures, dislocations, or vertebrae compression. This can result in spinal cord damage and disruption of nerve function.
The severity & extent of spinal cord injuries depends on multiple factors, including the location & the extent of the damage.
Treatment typically involves:
However, many individuals with SCIs experience long-term disabilities and require ongoing medical care and support to manage their condition effectively. Here expertise of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer may help.
Internal Injuries
Sometimes, motorcycle collisions can damage internal organs, causing severe injuries to the liver, lungs, spleen, abdomen, and kidneys. The high collision impact can lead to organ rupture and internal bleeding. Therefore, the victim should get a thorough checkup and seek medical aid immediately, as internal injuries are not always apparent. Besides this, if left unaddressed, they can quickly become life-threatening.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are quite common among the victims of motorcycle accidents. These include ligament sprains, muscle strains, and even tendon injuries. These injuries occur due to sudden impact forces, which cause soft tissue tearing, stretching, and bruising.
Though soft tissue injuries are not severe, they can cause excruciating pain and limit mobility. Soft tissue injuries may require rehabilitation and physical therapy. Also, consult a motorcycle accident lawyer to understand the best legal course in this situation.
Facial Injuries
Talking about common motorcycle accident injuries, do you know that some motorcyclists, especially those who don’t wear full-face helmets, are at a high risk of suffering from facial injuries in an accident?
As the face is highly vulnerable to impact, you can suffer from contusions, dental injuries, lacerations, and fractures. They can cause functional and long-lasting cosmetic implications, which may require reconstructive surgery and ongoing medical treatments.
Mental Trauma
Motorcyclists, after the collision, may also suffer from psychological trauma. It includes the following:
Here, it is vital to understand that the psychological impact of an accident is profound and may affect the rider’s mental well-being and quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to get counseling to address the emotional toll and begin the recovery process.
Broken Bones
The impact of a motorcycle collision can exert immense force and pressure on the rider’s bones, causing them to crack and break throughout the body, including legs, hands, arms, feet, pelvis, and shoulders. The severity of the fractures is variable, from hairline cracks to complete breaks.
If you suffer from severe fractures, you may have to undergo surgical interventions and require the insertion of plates, rods, and screws to regain mobility, restore strength and stability.
According to the CDC, nearly twenty-two to forty-two percent of motorcyclist fatalities can lower because of helmets. Furthermore, the risk of TBIs can also decrease by approximately sixty-nine percent if motorcyclists wear helmets. These statistics show that helmets can save lives by lowering the severity of injuries and fatalities.
To understand this better, here are the Florida helmet laws:
Wear a proper helmet to ensure safety while riding a motorcycle. The NHTSA offers guidance on selecting and maintaining helmets, such as:
Here is the list of recoverable damages curated by our experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Florida for your convenience. To begin with, if you have sustained bodily injuries in a motorcycle collision because of a reckless or negligent driver, you have the legal right to collect damages as per Florida law.
In other words, victims can receive financial compensation for sustained injuries. Predominantly, the recoverable damages calculated for a motorcycle collision case reflect the losses incurred by the victim. These include non-economic, economic, and punitive damages.
Non-Economic Damages
General or non-economic damages are defined as losses that can’t be quantified. These are intangible losses such as:
Economic Damages
Compared to general damages, economic damages are quantifiable and specific. These include medical bills, lost income due to absence from work, and property damage.
Punitive Damages
Similarly, Florida courts award punitive damages in cases where the defendant acted recklessly, or maliciously. Hence, they punish the defendant and make them an example for the local community.
Here, it is vital to understand that though you have the right to seek compensation by law, the amount awarded varies from case to case. Hence, it is tough to determine how much the civil case is worth. The factors that impact the case outcome are discussed below:
Medical Expenses
Medical expense is the treatment cost you incur due to accident-related injuries. This includes:
Indeed, medical expense is one of the significant factors in determining the amount for case settlement.
Lost Income
Another factor that can impact the case outcome is the wage loss. If the motorcycle accident resulted in you missing work because of the injuries, you’re entitled to lost income and any loss of earning capacity in the future.
Pain & Suffering
Though it is a non-economic damage, it is considered when deducing the settlement amount. However, as they can’t be quantified, non-economic damages are subjective and variable depending on the severity of the injuries & their impact on the quality of life.
For example, amputation injuries can impact your mobility, which can further lower the quality of your life. You may get a higher compensation for such injuries than others.
Property Damage
Compensation for damage to your motorcycle & any other property involved in the accident will be factored into the settlement amount.
Liability
Suppose the other party involved in the accident is found to be at fault. Hence, in that case, their insurance coverage and assets will play a role in determining the maximum amount of compensation available for your settlement.
Insurance Coverage
Please note that the insurance policies of both parties involved in the motorcycle accident, including your motorcycle insurance policy and the liability coverage of the at-fault party, will impact the potential settlement amount.
Therefore, speak to a skilled and knowledgeable accident lawyer after the accident. A motorcycle accident lawyer can evaluate your case & determine the damages and compensation amount you can recover. Furthermore, they can negotiate with insurance company representatives on your behalf and ensure you get the amount you are entitled to. Put simply, legal representation ensures you never have to settle for less.
If you sustained bodily injuries due to someone else’s negligence, then by law, you are entitled to financial compensation. You can hold the negligent party accountable. However, what if you are partially responsible for the accident? This is a tricky one.
Therefore, looking for legal help for a motorcycle accident near me is advisable. We say this because of the Florida law change that took effect in 2023.
That’s right; previously, victims of an accident could recover the compensation partially regardless of their percentage of fault. Simply stated, they could recover 10 percent in accident losses even if they were 90 percent at fault. But this is not applicable anymore.
Now, if you are deemed more than fifty percent at fault for the motorcycle collision, you may not be entitled to compensation.
Therefore, having a lawyer for legal representation is advisable, as insurance companies may contact you routinely. They may try to blame you for your injuries and prove that you were more than 50 percent at fault. Rest assured, with a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer to represent your case, you can quickly deal with partial fault allegations and ensure you get the financial compensation you’re entitled to.
Are you wondering how long it takes to get compensated after a motorcycle accident? According to our experienced Florida motorcycle accident lawyer, the settlement timeframe differs for every case.
In other words, the duration of the settlement process largely depends on the following factors. These include:
The Extent or Severity of the Injuries
Some victims may suffer from severe bodily injuries that may require multiple surgeries and intensive and ongoing medical treatments followed by rehabilitation and therapy. Such cases may take longer to settle compared to those where victims are mildly injured.
Understanding the complexities of the injuries and their far-reaching effects on the victim’s life is advisable before rushing into a settlement. This ensures you claim for and receive an adequate settlement to cope with future medical needs and wage loss due to the injuries sustained.
Evidence Strength and Availability
Another factor that impacts the settlement timeline is the evidence you have at your disposal. To build a strong case, investigation, and evidence collection are vital. However, it takes time, so the key is demonstrating patience and trusting your motorcycle accident lawyer in Florida to navigate the process.
A lawyer will work diligently to gather and analyze evidence, ensuring your case is strong enough to get you the compensation you deserve.
Dispute and Conflicts
Sometimes, settlement may be prolonged because of liability disputes or conflicting accounts. It usually happens when both parties seek to establish fault.
The Ability to Negotiate
Negotiation is the game-changer in any settlement case. Hence, this brings us to the last factor that may impact the duration of the settlement, which is how willing both sides (defendant and plaintiff) are to resolve and negotiate the case amicably.
Put simply, the willingness of both sides to settle can either expedite or delay the process. So, negotiations may drag on if the defendant’s insurer is unwilling to offer a fair motorcycle accident claim settlement. They may result in litigation and court schedules, thereby prolonging the process.
However, if you have experienced Florida motorcycle accident lawyers for case representation, you can get the compensation you’re entitled to sooner rather than later.
If you’ve sustained injuries in an accident, you have the legal right to file a personal injury lawsuit or an insurance claim and be compensated for losses and injuries. However, to get fair and full compensation, you’ll need to prove the negligence of the case defendant.
This isn’t easy unless you have an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Florida for legal representation. Legal assistance is crucial to fight the insurance companies and protect your rights.
Insurance companies aren’t interested in providing financial compensation for your injuries. They will do anything to limit their liability and pay as little as possible to impress the shareholders and increase their revenues.
They employ stealthy tools and tactics to weaken the claimant’s case. Furthermore, they strive to settle the case for less. However, you don’t have to deal with all this when you have a motorcycle accident lawyer to represent you.
The evidence that you will need to prove a negligence claim in Florida includes the following:
Police Report
A police report is crucial for establishing liability. It serves as an official record of the incident and helps determine how it occurred and who is liable for it. The report provides accident description details. It encompasses information like time, date, location, vehicles involved, their positions, and contributing factors. The report also includes information about the prevailing road and weather conditions, which makes it easier to understand the external factors like visibility and road surface that could have led to the incident.
To obtain the police report, visit your local police department. You can also request it online from the official crash portal of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Statements of the Parties and Witnesses
Statements of the parties involved and witnesses are equally important. They provide every individual’s unbiased perspective of the event that led to the accident. Statements from the witnesses are particularly valuable as they provide impartial accounts of what transpired.
Physical Evidence
The collection of physical evidence is critical. These include:
Indeed, physical evidence helps reconstruct the scene needed to determine the party at fault. Besides this, it provides accurate and tangible proof of negligence. This compelling support for your claim is vital.
Medical Records
To prove the extent of your claim, provide medical records. These include
These records are essential as they build a direct link between the motorcycle accident and the injuries you sustained from it. Indeed, it reinforces the severity of the damages caused by the other party’s negligent behavior.
Maintenance Records
As you collect essential evidence, don’t forget to provide vehicle maintenance records. These are needed to refute negligence claims based on mechanical issues, holding the responsible party accountable, like the manufacturer or the maintenance provider. So, ensure you have complete documentation of regular vehicle checks and repairs.
Medical Bills & Receipts
Make sure to maintain records of all medical bills. This will help substantiate a negligence claim in Florida. These bills are concrete evidence of the financial repercussions of injuries sustained in the accident.
The documentation of medical expenses such as:
All of these documents provide a clear demonstration of the economic impact of the defendant’s negligence. Additionally, medical bills quantify the extent of your damages, bolstering your compensation claim.
Simply stated, it helps keep meticulous records of all hospital bills incurred due to the accident. They can help you secure rightful reimbursement for your injuries and losses.
After a motorcycle accident, knowing what to do and what not to do to maximize your claim is important. However, as victims of a motorcycle accident are overwhelmed and stressed, they are likely to make common mistakes, which eventually lower their chances of getting the compensation they deserve.
Hence, here are the common pitfalls to avoid. Take a look:
Mistake#1- Failure to Seek Immediate Medical Assistance or Getting a Thorough Checkup
As discussed above, injuries after an accident may not appear on the spot. You may experience them later when the adrenaline subsides. So, sometimes, motorcyclists avoid seeking immediate medical attention, which is a huge mistake.
Failure to get a proper medical checkup immediately after a motorcycle accident can reduce your chances of receiving fair compensation. You must understand that the insurer will never accept the claim made for the injuries reported days after the accident. In fact, it is easier for them to contest such injuries and reduce their liability.
Hence, our experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Florida advises motorcyclists injured in road accidents always to prioritize health and well-being. They must seek immediate medical evaluation and treatment to ensure they recover fast and can provide evidence to prove their claim.
Mistake#2- Failure to Document the Incident
The second most common mistake that victims of motorcycle accidents make is that they don’t keep a journal or document the event details. It is important to understand that settlements can be prolonged. Over time, memories of the accident are likely to fade, leading to discrepancies in your testimony later, which can hurt your case.
Therefore, you must write a journal. This helps you remember the details of the incident and how it affected your life.
Mistake#3- Failure to Report
Once you’re injured in a motorcycle accident due to the reckless behavior/ negligence of the other party, it is crucial to report the incident to appropriate authorities like the insurance companies and police.
Remember that when you inform the police, they immediately come to the accident scene and document everything. This police report serves as a crucial piece of evidence proving the at-fault party’s negligence. It contains key details and helps establish liability. So, if you don’t report the law enforcement bodies, you can lower your chances of a fair settlement.
Mistake#4- Interaction With the Insurance Company of the Defendant Directly
Soon after the accident, the insurer will likely visit you to discuss the incident and the events that led to the crash. It may seem like they are concerned about your injuries and losses, but they only want to reduce their liability.
Therefore, refrain from interacting with the insurance company representatives directly. Remember, whatever you say can be used and manipulated against you. And you don’t want that.
Mistake#5- Giving a Recorded Statement and Signing Documents
In continuation to the above point, giving a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance representative is a big ‘no’. Please note that the insurance adjuster’s job is to settle the case for less. Hence, they will ask you leading questions, so you end up saying something that they can twist and use against you.
So, avoid giving a recorded statement or signing anything the insurance company presents. It is best to direct all questions and paperwork to your motorcycle accident lawyer.
Mistake#6- Failure to Take Legal Action
Also, failure to take legal action at the right time is another mistake that can reduce your possibility of receiving fair compensation. Some motorcyclists often wait too long to file a claim, which can result in the expiration of the statute of limitations. This eventually prevents them from filing a lawsuit and seeking compensation.
Mistake#7- Discussing the Case on Social Media Platforms
In today’s world, it’s so common to post every life update on social media platforms that sometimes you post things that can hurt your case outcome. So, you should refrain from posting pictures or discussing specifics of your accident case or injuries online.
Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys frequently monitor social media activities of the victims to gather evidence that can undermine the claims of injury or disability after the motorcycle accident. So, even harmless posts or photos can be misconstrued.
For instance, you post a photo of yourself engaging in a physical activity or a social event after the motorcycle collision. In this case, insurance companies may argue that your accident-related injuries are not as severe as you claim. Likewise, making statements on social media that contradict your accounts of the accident or the extent of your injuries could weaken your credibility in the eyes of a jury or insurance adjuster.
Hence, our Florida motorcycle accident lawyer refrains victims from discussing their cases and injuries on social media. This is the best way to protect the integrity of your case and prevent potentially damaging information from being used against you.
Indeed, exercising caution and discretion on social media is vital to avoid compromising the outcome of your motorcycle accident injury claim. Instead, focus on communicating with your motorcycle accident lawyer and healthcare providers in private settings, ensuring your legal rights are well-protected & that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Mistake#8- File a Claim Without an Experienced Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Additionally, some motorcyclists tend to file claims by themselves to save a few dollars on lawyer’s fees. Furthermore, as they are unaware of the legal complexities, victims settle for lowball offers or nothing at all. Therefore, consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer in Colorado is advisable.
It’s best to hire a Florida motorcycle accident lawyer for case representation because they know the laws and can help you take the best legal action.
Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere across Florida, though certain areas pose higher risks. These include the following:
Urban Areas
Cities like Florida, Tampa, and Orlando see increased motorcycle accidents due to heavy traffic. With more traffic on the roads, the risk of accidents is higher.
Intersections
Accidents, including motorcycle crashes, frequently occur at intersections in Florida. Furthermore, failure to yield and running red lights may contribute to these incidents.
Highways & Freeways
Florida’s extensive highway network presents risks for motorcyclists, with factors such as speeding and distracted driving contributing to accidents, particularly at high speeds.
Tourist Areas
Popular tourist destinations attract more motorcycle traffic, leading to a greater likelihood of accidents caused by unfamiliarity with the roads, rental motorcycles, and distractions.
Rural Roads
Though less common than in urban areas, motorcycle accidents occur on rural roads due to sharp curves, wildlife hazards, and poor roadside maintenance.
Coastal Regions
Coastal areas experience increased motorcycle traffic, particularly during tourist seasons. Both riders and drivers should exercise caution in these regions to prevent accidents.
Though riding a motorcycle is exhilarating, it is inherently dangerous. Certain types of motorcycles pose higher risks of accidents, such as:
Street/Sport Bikes
These are sleek and high-speed bikes with powerful engines. Furthermore, the speed factor makes this motorcycle attractive to all thrill-seeking riders, especially younger and less experienced ones. These motorcycles can exceed 200 mph easily, making it difficult to control safely. Also, higher speed reduces reaction time while increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Retro and Kit Bikes
On the other hand, these bikes are lightweight and customizable motorcycles popular among various rider demographics. However, DIY alterations and unsafe modifications may compromise motorcycle safety. Moreover, its minimal bodywork offers little rider protection, which means they can suffer from severe bodily injuries in an accident.
Cruisers
Most popular in the U.S., cruisers have engine sizes ranging from 250 to 1800 cc. Cruiser riders may adopt a rebellious lifestyle, disregarding safety guidelines and increasing collision chances.
Touring Bikes
The touring bikes are designed for long rides and are often equipped with practical accessories. However, as they weigh around 900 pounds on average, they are more challenging to control.
Understanding the risks associated with motorcycle types is crucial for riders to make better road safety decisions.
Here are some of the critical factors to consider that you must consider when selecting a Florida motorcycle accident lawyer:
Experience
After a motorcycle accident, you want to work with a law firm that understands the complexities of your case and is experienced in handling similar cases. This ensures they have invaluable insights and expertise to get you the best outcome and provide solid legal representation.
Furthermore, an experienced legal partner understands the challenges specific to such cases. They have specialized knowledge and can evaluate the case from different perspectives. Needless to say, this is much needed to develop an effective legal strategy and advocate fiercely for your rights.
Success Record
Among the top factors to focus on is the success record of the law firm. Before you select a law firm for case representation, determine if they have a proven history of achieving favorable results. Client reviews provide insights into the capabilities of the legal team.
Approach
Opt for a legal firm that has a client-focused approach. It shows that the firm is focused on getting justice for their clients rather than their financials. Law services on a non-contingency basis means you only pay if you are compensated. It also showcases the confidence of the law firm in its ability to win.
Communication & Accessibility
Choose a law firm that prioritizes clear communication and accessibility. A responsive legal team can address concerns promptly and keep you informed every step of the way.
Reputation and Ethics
Research the law firm’s reputation within the community. Working with a well-reputed law firm that serves with transparency and honesty is crucial. With such a legal partner, you will never have to worry about your case settlement; they will go above and beyond to achieve the best outcome.
Where Can I Find a Trusted and Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me?
Contact the motorcycle accident lawyers of Madalon Law.
Madalon Law offers a team of trusted, qualified, and experienced Florida motorcycle accident lawyers dedicated to ensuring clients receive the compensation they deserve. Our motorcycle accident lawyers work in your best interest and go above and beyond to get you justice.
We handle all aspects of your case, including
We’re well-versed in the unique dynamics of motorcycle collisions, such as lane splitting, helmet laws, and motorcycle-specific traffic regulations. This specialized knowledge allows us to provide targeted representation tailored to the complexities of your case.
Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION and discuss your case with our experienced Florida motorcycle accident lawyers.
The Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Madalon Law understand the ins and outs of Florida Motorcycle Accident Cases. Even though a motorcycle accident does not happen as often as car accidents, the injuries a motorcycle accident victim suffers are usually much more severe or even fatal.
There is no doubt that the State of Florida offers some of the best sceneries and stretches of road for a motorcyclist. From areas in South Florida like Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale, Miami Dade County, South Beach and the Florida Keys, to popular Northern Florida Biker stops like Tampa, Clearwater, Orlando, and Daytona. There are plenty of reasons why riding is popular in Florida.
Unfortunately, the State of Florida also has a staggering amount of motorcycle accidents and fatalities. This is a local problem to Florida residents since over 90% of motorcyclists who are fatally injured are Florida residents, not out of town bikers on road trips. We have to go as far back as 2002 to find the last year that there were less than 250 motorcycle deaths in the state of Florida.
Whether you are the sports bike (crotch rocket) type or enjoy riding a Harley, chopper, low rider or cruiser the damage and injuries suffered during a motorcycle accident are usually severe. When a motorcycle collides with a car, it is often fatal. Even though helmet and other safety gear may help reduce the damage, injuries suffered in these types of accidents usually change the way a person lives the rest of their life.
Motorcycle accidents are often overwhelming for the victim and their family – whether the results are fractures, road rash, scarring or a fatality. Medical bills can become staggering and the injuries can often result in disabilities preventing employment and causing severe financial burdens for the family. Insurance companies or others will attempt to contact you immediately after an accident to settle your case for much less than what you may be entitled to or even need. It is essential to have a firm that will advise you and protect your interests and your rights every step of the way.
Most people are not aware of how the law works, the rights they have and the amount of compensation they can be entitled to after they have been injured in an accident that was the result of another party’s negligence. The obstacles and confusion that follow an accident and an injury can seem overwhelming.
