More and more people are riding motorcycles in Florida every year. Our Sunshine State has many scenic and beautiful routes for people to explore. This freedom of the open road, however, can result in disaster.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may face mounting medical bills. With mounting costs and an uncertain future, we understand that you may feel both frustrated and terrified. At The Law Place, we have an Orlando motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you claim back these costs and recover the fair compensation that you deserve.
For help making your motorcycle accident claim, contact us today. We can offer you a free legal consultation with one of our Orlando motorcycle accident lawyers.
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Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Every Orlando motorcycle accident case is different. You may be eligible to claim several types of damages, depending on the circumstances of your motorcycle accident case. We have listed these damages below.
Medical Bills
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to claim compensation to account for past, present, and future medical expenses. This is quite a broad category that covers a range of medical care. For example, if you have had to pay for an ambulance, custom medical equipment, specialized care, and more, you can be compensated!
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages are challenging to quantify, and that is why it is important to hire an Orlando motorcycle accident lawyer. These damages refer to the emotional pain and trauma you may have suffered during your motorcycle accident. Motorcycle crashes can be very catastrophic, and victims deserve to be compensated for the mental anguish they have suffered.
Lost Wages
If you have suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident, you may be unable to work. Whether you have missed a few days or a few months off work, you can be compensated for this lack of income. You should not suffer because of someone else’s negligence. Recovering compensation for your lost wages can help lessen your financial burdens. Furthermore, if your injuries reduce your earning capacity, you can be compensated. For example, you can be compensated if you are no longer physically able to complete the job you once had.
Disability
Motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic, and unfortunately, many victims tragically suffer severe injuries. If you have been disabled or permanently disfigured following your motorcycle accident, a lawyer can help you recover compensation. Many disabled people require carers, specialist equipment, specialist medical treatment, and more. You should not face financial burden because you have been made disabled through no fault of your own.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accidents lawyer serving Orlando, call 941-444-4444
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Florida is one of the leading states in fatal motorcycle accidents. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has published that in 2020, there were 8,045 motorcycle accidents in Florida. Tragically, they have also published that there were 552 fatalities that year. More and more motorcycle riders are suffering from accidents every year. The causes of these accidents vary a great deal. The small and unprotected nature of these vehicles means that riders have an increased chance of suffering serious injuries in any kind of accident. Below we have listed some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Orlando.
Left-Hand Turns
It is very risky for a motorcycle to be near cars and other motorists making left-hand turns. This is because motorcycles are typically hidden in the blind spots of other motorists since they are smaller vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 41% of all motorcycle crashes are caused because of other motorists failing to see them.
In this kind of motorcycle accident, a vehicle will turn left and collide with a motorcycle traveling on its left.
Lane Splitting
Florida law states that lane splitting is illegal. This is outlined under Florida Statute 316.209. If a motorcyclist operates their vehicle between two lanes of traffic, they face an increased risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident. Motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a single traffic lane and should not split lanes.
If you have been injured after lane splitting on your motorcycle, you can still file a personal injury claim for compensation. In these situations, we strongly recommend that injury victims seek help from reputable Orlando motorcycle accident lawyers. This is because it will be more challenging to recover a fair amount of compensation.
Speeding
Speeding generally refers to when drivers operate their vehicles over the legal limit. It can also refer to when a driver drives too fast for the road conditions. For example, driving unreasonably fast in wet and/ or icy conditions. A motor vehicle that speeds is more likely to be involved in a traffic accident. This is because they are usually traveling too quickly to come to a safe stop when they spot a hazard.
These motorcycle accidents are typically catastrophic. The faster motor vehicles travel, the more severe the injuries sustained in accidents are.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and/ or drugs in Orlando is a major crime. Drivers that operate their vehicles while impaired pose major threats to other road users. An intoxicated driver loses the ability to think rationally and behave as a reasonably careful person.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) published that in 2020, 5,579 motorcyclists were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes in the United States. This is a shocking statistic and explains why the state of Florida punishes this crime so severely.
Poor Road Conditions and Hazards
Motorcycles are far more at risk from road hazards than other motor vehicles. This is because they are smaller and less stable vehicles. When a motorcycle hits a pothole, debris, an irregularity, or an expected object in the road, a motorcycle accident will likely occur. Regardless of who is to blame for these kinds of motorcycle accidents, injury victims will likely file personal injury claims against their own insurance company. This is because of Florida’s personal injury protection (PIP) law.
Sudden Stops
If a motorcycle follows the vehicle ahead of them too closely, a motorcycle accident can occur if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly. This is why all motorists need to leave a safe distance between themselves and the vehicles in front of them while driving.
Inexperienced Drivers
New drivers pose a threat to all road users. At first, they are typically cautious drivers but they frequently will make accidental unsafe maneuvers. These auto accidents are not uncommon.
Motorcycle Defects
Sometimes, a defect with a motorcycle will result in an accident. For example, if the brakes of a motorcycle suddenly fail, a motorcycle accident will likely occur. In these crashes, liability will typically lie with the manufacturer of the specific component or motorcycle. If you have received severe injuries because of a defective motorcycle, you should contact a motorcycle accident lawyer. Most personal injury lawsuits involving motorcycles are against manufacturers.
An Orlando motorcycle accident lawyer at The Law Place can help you sue a component manufacturer or motorcycle manufacturer for your injuries. We will not stop working until justice is served.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is becoming a common cause of accidents in Orlando’s personal injury cases. Motorists face more distractions today while driving than ever before. The temptation for drivers to use their cell phones, mess with navigation systems, and eat behind the wheel is real. Unfortunately, distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents. It is also illegal.
If your motorcycle accident was caused by a negligent, distracted driver, you deserve to be compensated. You should not have to suffer through no fault of your own. We have an experienced Orlando motorcycle accident lawyer to help you.
Type of Motorcycle
Some types of motorcycles are more likely to be involved in crashes than others. It has been reported by The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) that supersport motorcycles have a greater insurance claim frequency than other types of motorcycles. This is likely because these motorcycles are designed for racing, but are adapted for street use. Therefore, they are more difficult to control as they are quicker than the average motorcycle.
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Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Most motorcycle accidents result in catastrophic injuries. This is because motorcyclists lack the same kind of protection that other motor vehicles have. For example, a motorcyclist does not have a seat belt and they are not protected by an outer shell. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle fatalities are 29 times more likely than car fatalities.
If a motorcyclist is lucky enough to survive a motorcycle accident, they will likely have suffered serious injuries. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Head injuries.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI).
- Bone fractures.
- Internal organ damage.
- Internal bleeding.
- Loss of limbs.
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries.
- Cuts, burns, abrasions, and lacerations.
- Sepsis.
- Paralysis.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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Where do Fatal Motorcycle Accidents Occur?
Unfortunately, fatal motorcycle accidents can occur anywhere. They are most likely to occur on highways where motorcyclists and other motor vehicles are traveling at high speed. However, the small and delicate nature of these vehicles means that fatalities can happen anywhere.
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident, it is worth contacting our Orlando motorcycle accident lawyers. You will more than likely be entitled to compensation and we can help you in your hour of need.
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Why Are Motorcycles Dangerous?
Motorcycles are dangerous for a range of reasons. Their small size and lack of safety features mean that riders are highly likely to be injured in accidents.
Not only this, however, but Florida is one of the most dangerous states for motorcyclists in the United States. This is because:
- Florida does not have strict helmet laws. Helmets do save lives and when riders are involved in an accident, they are far more likely to lose their lives if they are not wearing helmets.
- Florida is a large state with warm and pleasant weather. The state has plenty of scenic routes that are attractive and ideal for motorcyclists all year round. Therefore, there are many motorcycles on Florida’s roads. Unsurprisingly, more motorcycle crashes occur here than in other states.
- Distracted driving is becoming more common. Drivers all across the country are being distracted like never before while driving. Cell phones, navigation systems, food, and passengers can result in the loss of life if they distract a driver and cause a fatal motorcycle accident.
How Can I Avoid a Motorcycle Accident?
If you are new to riding motorcycles, we strongly recommend that you complete a motorcycle safety course. It is important to learn how to operate these vehicles safely. Spending your money and time on these courses is a great long-term investment. The knowledge you learn from these courses could save your life.
Besides driving a motorcycle safely, there are other things you can do to lessen your chances of suffering catastrophic injuries in a motorcycle accident. For example, you should wear as much protective gear as possible. This includes wearing a helmet. Although Florida’s helmet laws aren’t strict, it is very important that you wear a helmet.
According to the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), helmets are 67% effective in preventing brain injuries in motorcycle accidents and 37% effective in preventing fatalities. The decision to wear a helmet, therefore, should be a no-brainer.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
We hope that you never have to suffer a motorcycle accident. These are very traumatic accidents that can change lives forever. If you are ever unfortunate enough to suffer a motorcycle accident, there are a few things you can do to keep your physical, mental, legal, and financial health safe. These include the following:
- Remain still and do not move. It is essential to remain calm and wait for emergency services to arrive. If you have suffered spinal cord injuries, you could make them drastically worse by moving.
- Help others if you can do so. If you don’t think you have suffered serious injuries and feel capable, you should ensure that the other people involved in your accident are safe.
- Dial 911. Motorcycle traffic accidents are severe and will require the presence of at least the police and paramedics. It is important to dial 911 as soon as it is safe to do so. Failing to report a motorcycle accident to law enforcement can result in negative legal repercussions.
- Gather evidence. If you are well enough, we advise that you try and document the accident scene. This includes taking photos and videos, as well as gathering the contact information of witnesses. However, your health is paramount. Your priority should be seeking medical treatment.
- Request police reports. By obtaining copies of your accident’s police reports, your compensation case can be strengthened.
- Refrain from making a statement. After suffering a motorcycle accident, you should avoid posting to social media. We also advise that you don’t admit fault, make a statement, or talk with the insurance company of the at-fault person before talking to an attorney. This is because anything you do say following your accident can be held against your Orlando motorcycle accident case. You don’t want to risk jeopardizing your compensation claim.
Do I Have to Wear a Helmet When Riding My Motorcycle?
Florida law regarding the use of helmets is not strict. Generally, motorcyclists are not required to wear them. However, it is only legal to ride without a helmet if the motorcyclist is at least 21 years old and has an insurance policy with at least $10,000 in medical benefits. This is outlined under Florida Statute 316.211(3)(b).
Should I Call the Police After an Orlando Motorcycle Accident?
You must call the police following an Orlando motorcycle accident. All traffic accidents need to be reported to the police to ensure that the accident scenes are dealt with appropriately. Furthermore, it is important that injured parties receive the necessary medical treatment and that an accident report is filed swiftly.
If you did not call the police to your accident scene, you must file an online report. In crashes that involved injuries, death, and more than $500 in damages, it is the law that they are reported. This is outlined under Florida Statute 316.065.
How Much Money Could I Achieve in My Motorcycle Accident Case?
The amount of compensation that motorcycle accident lawyers could help you receive following your accident will depend on several factors. All Orlando motorcycle accident cases are unique and there is no such thing as an average settlement.
Some of the factors that can determine the worth of your case include:
- The severity of your injuries.
- The type of motorcycle accident.
- The extent of property damage suffered.
- Your health and age at the time of your accident.
- Whether you have lost income from inability to work.
- Where fault lies.
How Much Time does It Take to Recover Compensation?
It is difficult for us to predict how long a motorcycle accident injury case will take to settle. Generally, the more complex and severe cases will take longer to settle than cases only involving minor injuries.
We understand that these accidents are traumatic for motorcycle accident victims. We also understand that victims want their cases to be resolved as quickly as possible. At The Law Place, our attorneys work hard to ensure that their clients receive the maximum amount of compensation possible as quickly as possible. Our team will not stop fighting until justice is served. Although you may want your case to be resolved fast, we won’t hesitate to prolong your case (with your permission) if it is in your best interest.
How Much do Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Cost?
Many people in Orlando assume that hiring attorneys are expensive and unaffordable to the average person. This is not the case. Hiring an attorney from The Law Place could not be any easier or more affordable. This is because we operate on a contingency fee basis, also known as a no-win-no-fee basis. Simply, you won’t have to face any upfront costs.
If your attorney is successful in winning your compensation, a small percentage of the settlement agreed will pay for their legal fees. Therefore, if you don’t receive payment, you won’t have to pay us a dollar. You have nothing to lose!
The contingency work of all law firms in Florida is monitored by the Florida Bar Association. You can feel rest assured knowing that our law firm is reputable and trustworthy.
How Long do I Have to Recover Compensation?
You need to act quickly if you have been injured in an Orlando motorcycle accident. This is because the state has imposed a time limit on injury victims seeking compensation. These limits are known as Florida’s statute of limitations and are outlined under Florida Statute 95.11(3)(a).
Florida law states that injury victims have four years following the date of their accidents to seek compensation and take legal action. Although this may seem like plenty of time, the years can pass quickly. Furthermore, in complex cases, recovering compensation can be a lengthy process.
If you have tragically lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you have even less time to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years following the loss of a loved one. If you delay making your claim, you risk missing the deadline. If this is the case, you lose your right to recover compensation.
How Can an Orlando Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help Me?
After suffering a motorcycle accident, you should contact a reputable law firm. Orlando motorcycle accident attorneys can help you in a variety of ways. They can do more than just help you file an Orlando motorcycle accident claim for compensation.
Our attorneys at The Law Place go above and beyond for our clients. They understand the trauma that their clients have suffered and they offer a great deal of support. Seeking legal representation and filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit can feel daunting, but we are here for you. Your attorney can ease you off all your legal stresses and burdens. They will act on your behalf in all negotiations with insurance companies. Furthermore, they will take care of all the necessary paperwork so you don’t have to.
Once you have hired an attorney, they will thoroughly examine your case to determine how much compensation you are entitled to. In addition, they will guide you through the whole process and answer all the questions you may have. Our team strives to ensure that their clients receive the maximum amount of compensation possible. An attorney-client relationship at The Law Place is built on trust, loyalty, and commitment.
Contact The Law Place Today!
Unfortunately, Orlando motorcycle accidents happen all the time. If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, you can file personal injury claims. An Orlando motorcycle accident lawyer at our law firm will do all they can to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
We have helped countless clients with their motorcycle accident cases at The Law Place. Our team of lawyers has over 75 years of combined experience. The knowledge we have gathered over the years can prove to be very beneficial for your case.
To schedule your free consultation with one of our lawyers and to begin your journey to compensation, contact us today. We are available to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Phone us now at (941)-444-4444.
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