In the whole of America, the State of Florida has the second-highest number of motorcyclists. With Florida’s beautiful views, it attracts riders all year round. However, with more riders on the street, it means things can get disastrous on the motorways.
A motorcycle is much different than being behind the wheel, as you have no surrounding structure to protect you on the road. Motorcycles are often known for their high-speed abilities. This speed means that there is an inevitable chance of crashes happening. These crashes are rarely minor and can be lead to severe injuries. The motorcycle crash data speaks for itself. In the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) report it states that over 80 percent of all motorcycle accidents can result in injury or death to the rider. Equally, in 2020 it was reported by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) that there were 8,043 motorcycle crashes. A heart-breaking 6,920 of these crashes ended in victims suffering personal injuries, and sadly 551 resulted in deaths.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident because of a distracted driver, it is important you seek legal advice as soon as possible. At The Law Place, we boast 75 years of combined experience in dealing with road traffic incidents and winning cases that are similar to yours. Our law firm is committed to providing you with the legal help you need.
Our phone lines are open 24/7 for your convenience. Do not hesitate to get in touch. Contact us today for your free consultation on (941) 444-4444 and begin your personal injury lawsuit today.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs whenever a motorist does not pay attention to the road, and this is commonly how motorcycle accidents are caused. Lots of things can cause a driver to become distracted and create an increased risk of an accident. Often, it is due to their own negligence. Listed below are some of the factors that contribute towards distracted drivers causing accidents:
- Using cell phones for texting and calling.
- Reaching for items in the back of the vehicle.
- Eating or drinking.
- Adjusting a radio station or entertainment system.
- Talking to passengers.
- Fatigue, causing a lack of control from drivers behind the wheel.
According to the NHTSA, texting while driving is one of the most dangerous and alarming kinds of distractions. However, any of the above-listed behaviors could lead to motorcycle accidents – so it is crucial to be attentive when driving on the roads.
The Different Types of Distracted Driving
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three different ways a driver can become distracted – visual, manual, and cognitive. In some cases, there can even be the involvement of all three. Many accidents will include one or two.
Visual Distraction
A visual distraction is something that causes the driver to take their eyes off the road.
Manual Distraction
A manual distraction is when the driver takes their hand from the wheel. Examples of this include:
- Fixing their seatbelt.
- Grabbing food or drink.
- Adjusting the stereo, air conditioning, or being on a cell phone.
It is difficult to control the vehicle with just one hand on the wheel. When doing so, the vehicle can easily swerve and result in serious injury to another party.
Cognitive Distraction
Cognitive, otherwise known as mental distractions, means that the distracted driver takes their concentration off the task at hand. This can happen when you are driving and are talking to the person in the passenger seat, daydreaming, or becoming emotional or upset about something.
All of the above contribute towards a person’s ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making when operating their motor vehicle.
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How Distracted Driving Contributes to Motorcycle Accidents?
There are multiple ways in which distracter drivers cause an accident. For instance, a distracted driver may:
- Veer their vehicle into a lane and sideswipe a motorcycle.
- Make a turn without seeing the rider.
- Fail to anticipate a motorcyclist’s sudden maneuvers.
- Rear-end a motorcyclist that is stopped at a traffic light or stop sign.
- Be busy watching the road ahead and fail to see the motorcycle in their blind spot.
It is also important to remember that the motorcycle driver can also cause serious risk from their behavior and cause an accident. When it is dark, motorcycle drivers need to wear visible clothing. Sometimes they fail to do this, dip into the driver’s blind spot, and are missed by other drivers.
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What Are the Most Common Injuries Following a Motorcycle Accident?
A motorcycle wreck is usually a lot more dangerous for accident victims compared to other vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), motorcycle accident fatalities are 27 times more likely to happen than other motor vehicle fatalities. This statistic is heart-breaking, and serious attention needs to happen on the road to avoid this risk. As mentioned by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), if you wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle, it will reduce the risk of a fatality by up to 37%. Unfortunately, many riders do not abide by this safety rule and, as a result, suffer serious injuries. Listed below are some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries:
- Broken or fractured bones.
- Cuts, lacerations, and abrasions.
- Concussions.
- Death.
- Head and back injuries.
- Paralysis.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Whiplash.
If you or a loved one were involved in a motorcycle accident, it is crucial that you seek legal counsel from a reputable law firm in the State of Florida. It is important that you have a passionate lawyer on your side so that you can get the compensation that you rightfully deserve.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers.
What Damages Can I Claim After Motorcycle Accidents?
Following an accident, it is important to be aware of the damages that you are entitled to. The outcome of your case will depend on the circumstances around your case. At The Law Place – we want to help. We will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you rightfully deserve. Listed below are some of the damages we can help you to win:
- Medical Bills – This refers to the sum of medical bills from the past, present, or future. It also includes any expenses for surgery, hospital and doctor visits, medication, or any other medical expenses. It is crucial that you keep all medical history documents, as they can be used as evidence by your legal representation.
- Lost Wages – This refers to the amount of wages you have lost as a result of not being able to work following the accident.
- Property Damage – This refers to costs for repairs or to replace your motorcycle, helmet, clothes, mobile phone, and more that was damaged during the accident.
- Pain and Suffering – This refers to the mental, emotional and psychological effects you may suffer from following an accident. Examples of this are emotional anguish, mental trauma, and depression. Although it might seem difficult to prove compared to other damages, it does not make it any less valid.
- Wrongful Death – In the worst cases, accidents can be fatal. We understand that no amount of compensation can help heal this loss, but you are entitled to funds that could help with funeral and burial costs. Consult Florida Statute 768.21 for further information on the laws surrounding wrongful death action.
How Does Distracted Driving Cause Motorcycle Accidents? FAQ
How does distracted driving lead to motorcycle accidents?
Distracted driving can lead to motorcycle accidents when a driver’s attention is diverted from the road. This could be due to cognitive distractions, like thinking about something else while driving; manual distractions, such as eating or adjusting the steering wheel; or visual distractions, like looking at a text message, thus taking the driver’s eyes off the road and increasing the risk of colliding with motorcycle riders.
What are the common types of distracted driving accidents involving motorcycles?
Common types of distracted driving accidents involving motorcycles include sideswipe collisions, rear-end accidents, and left-turn accidents, where a distracted driver hits a motorcycle due to not paying full attention to the surroundings at the accident scene.
Can cognitive distractions significantly impact a driver’s ability to notice motorcycle riders?
Yes, cognitive distractions can significantly impact a driver’s ability to notice motorcycle riders because they divert the driver’s mental focus away from driving. Even if the driver’s eyes are on the road, their mind might not be, making it harder to notice and react to motorcycles.
How can motorcycle accident victims prove that a distracted driving accident occurred?
Motorcycle accident victims can prove a distracted driving accident occurred by gathering evidence from the accident scene, such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, and police reports. Consulting with a motorcycle accident lawyer can also help in effectively gathering and presenting this evidence.
What role does a motorcycle accident lawyer play in cases involving distracted driving?
A motorcycle accident lawyer plays a crucial role in cases involving distracted driving by helping victims navigate the legal process, establish the other party’s negligence, and seek fair compensation for their injuries and damages.
Why are motorcycle riders at higher risk in distracted driving accidents compared to passenger vehicle occupants?
Motorcycle riders are at higher risk in distracted driving accidents because they have less protection than passenger vehicle occupants and can be more easily overlooked on the road due to their smaller size. This makes them more vulnerable to serious injuries if a distracted driver hits them.
What measures can be taken to prevent motorcycle accidents caused by distracted driving?
To prevent motorcycle accidents caused by distracted driving, drivers should eliminate dangerous distractions while driving, such as using cell phones, eating, or other activities that take their focus away from the road. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of distracted driving laws can help reduce these incidents.
Are there specific laws targeting distracted driving to protect motorcycle riders?
Many regions have enacted laws specifically targeting distracted driving, such as bans on texting while driving or restrictions on handheld device use, to protect all road users, including motorcycle riders. These laws aim to reduce the instances of distracted driving accidents.
How can motorcycle riders protect themselves from distracted drivers?
Motorcycle riders can protect themselves from distracted drivers by staying visible on the road, avoiding blind spots of larger vehicles, wearing reflective gear, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, especially those showing signs of erratic driving behavior that may indicate distraction.
What should be done immediately after a motorcycle accident caused by distracted driving?
Immediately after a motorcycle accident caused by distracted driving, ensure your safety and seek medical attention. Then, document the accident scene as much as possible, gather witness contact information, and report the accident to the police. Finally, consider contacting a motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your legal options and protect your rights.
Contact The Law Place Today
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important that you seek legal action as soon as possible. Accidents caused by distracted drivers happen far too often and come with serious injuries. You will need assistance from an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve.
At The Law Place, we are here to help. We cherish our attorney-client relationship and put it at the heart of all we do. We have 75 years’ worth of experience in dealing with distracted drivers cases in the State of Florida. Our law firm has an in-depth knowledge of motorcycle law and will be able to guide you through your legal rights. Motorcyclists face enough horrors following an accident – we want to help make things as easy for you as we can.
Our telephone lines are open 24/7, meaning there will always be a member of our team waiting to take your call. Contact The Law Place on (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation today.
