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Are Motorcycle Accidents Common in Florida?
Florida is considered one of the most dangerous states for auto accidents, particularly those involving motorcycles. Motorcycle accidents are more frequent in Florida than in any other state nationwide.
There are several reasons why motorcycle accidents are common in Florida compared to other states. One of the reasons is that Florida sees motorcycles as an option for transportation year-round, whereas other states get snow and long winters. Floridians and those visiting the state only need to worry about hurricane season — on that note, though, there can be a lot of wet roads in Florida, which result in accidents as well. Additionally, Florida has a mix of older drivers, tourists who don’t know their way around, and distracted drivers. These factors can be volatile ingredients for auto accidents.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida include the following:
- Aggressive driving and reckless driving
- Dangerous lane changes
- Dangerous weather conditions
- Disobeying the rules of the road
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving
- Driver fatigue and drowsy driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Left turn accidents
- Motor vehicle defects, including motorcycle defects
- Opening a door into a motorcycle’s lane of travel
- Road debris and disrepair of Florida streets
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Speeding
- Sudden turns in front of a motorcycle rider
- Tailgating or following too closely behind a motorcycle
- Unsafe passing
Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Frequently Occur in Broward County?
Motorcycles are popular all over Broward County but are especially common in certain areas. You are more likely to see accidents where motorcycles can be found more commonly.
Some of the most heavily traveled roads for motorcycles in Broward County and Miami include:
- Florida Turnpike in Broward
- Griffin Road and I-95
- I-95 and Davie Blvd.
- Interstate 595
- Sawgrass Expressway
- University Drive and 595 W
- US1 and Broward Blvd.
What are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Because motorcycle riders are afforded relatively little protection compared to other motorists on Florida roads, they can be subject to more serious injuries if ever involved in an auto accident. For some, serious injuries may be life-threatening or otherwise life-altering, resulting in catastrophic injuries such as new disabilities.
Common injuries for motorcycle riders in crashes include:
- Broken bones and bone fractures
- Burns
- Facial disfigurement
- Forced amputations and loss of limbs
- Head trauma and concussions
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Loss of hearing, sight, or speech
- Road rash
- Soft tissue injuries like cuts, torn ligaments, heavy bruising, and lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Wrongful death
How to Prove Negligence Following a Motorcycle Crash?
In a personal injury case, the injured motorcyclist must establish the following elements to prove their claim: a duty of care on the part of the defendant, the defendant breaching this duty of care through negligent actions or inactions, the causation of injuries and damages, and actual damages, such as medical expenses or lost wages, suffered as a result of the accident.
If these four basic elements can be proven in your personal injury claim, it is possible to recover compensation from the at-fault party and their insurance company provider. For legal assistance proving negligence, recklessness, or malicious intent, it is strongly recommended that you retain professional legal counsel from an experienced personal injury attorney.
Do You Need the Legal Representation of a Personal Injury Attorney?
While there is no legal requirement to retain professional legal representation from a personal injury lawyer, it is nonetheless highly recommended that you do so. Failure to obtain legal counsel could result in your case being devalued or dismissed entirely. Insurance companies have a negative opinion of motorcyclists and will do everything they can to limit how much they need to pay for your personal injury claim. You should not be the party responsible for negotiating with insurers while you are still recovering from your motorcycle accident injuries. Instead, let our legal team negotiate with the insurance companies, take on the lawyers for the other parties involved in the motorcycle crash, and fight for maximum compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Our legal team offers free consultations to prospective new clients interested in retaining our legal services. To learn more, please schedule your free initial consultation today.
With a successful case, we can help you seek financial recovery for your injuries and other damages resulting from the motorcycle rack.
This financial compensation may come in the form of both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages may include lost wages, lost income earning capacity, past medical bills, future medical expenses, property damage, motorcycle repairs or replacements, and burial expenses in the event of a fatal accident. Non-economic damages may include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship or consortium, disability, disfigurement, dismemberment, and wrongful death.
What Legal Strategies Are Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims Seeking Compensation?
When motorcyclists are injured in accidents, they require a strong advocate for their legal rights. A skilled attorney from our law firm would be proud to represent their rights and tirelessly fight for their best interests.
As your legal representation, our law firm will develop several strategies to pursue justice and financial recovery.
In some cases, the other motorist is not to blame for the motorcycle collision. Equipment failures can lead to motorcycle accidents. In such cases, your legal representatives will seek to hold the motorcycle manufacturers accountable for their flawed designs, defective parts, and other issues. Helmet defects, brake failures, defective fuel systems, defective tires, and faulty electrical wiring are just a few of the different causes that we could focus on, as well as a strategy to prove the motorcycle manufacturer was liable for your injuries.
Some motorcycle accident cases go to court. In such instances, you want a trial lawyer in your corner representing your needs. Our law firm has years of experience representing clients in and out of courtrooms and would be proud to represent your interests as you pursue financial recovery. We will examine the evidence related to the case, identify key arguments, and search for legal precedence to support your case as the victim. Additionally, we can provide advocacy in the courtroom setting and adhere to procedural needs.
There are a few things that you could do also to help your motorcycle accident case. These include seeking immediate medical attention after the motorcycle accident and continuing with the advised medical care in the following weeks and months. Failure to adhere to medical advice could result in your accident claim being valued or dismissed, as the insurance company could argue that you do not take your injuries very seriously.
Additionally, at the accident scene and every day that follows, it is important never to admit fault, say you’re sorry, or diminish the severity of your injuries. Anything you say could be used against your case. If an insurance adjuster comes up to you asking questions about the accident, direct them to ask their questions of your personal injury lawyers instead.
As your personal injury attorneys, we can seek to prove negligence on the part of several different parties potentially at fault for causing your motorcycle accident. The exact type of legal strategy we arrive at will depend on the facts surrounding your case and the evidence available to us. In order to strengthen your case, gather as much evidence after the crash as possible. This may include getting photographs and videos of your injuries, the state of your motorcycle and the other vehicle, as well as evidence of debris left on the road.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
Motorcyclists deserve the same level of respect and legal representation that other motorists receive in motor vehicle accidents. However, too often, motorcyclists are treated differently, with the belief that they are reckless motorists and thrill seekers. Our law firm believes in our clients and will do everything possible to maximize your compensation in the pursuit of justice and a return to a normal life.
To learn more about our legal services and how we may be able to assist you during this difficult time, please schedule your free case evaluation today. You can reach us at 954-800-2864.
