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Helping Injured Victims of Motorcycle Accidents Pursue Financial Compensation for Their Losses
As a motorcycle rider, you get to enjoy the thrill of America’s streets and roadways unlike any other motorist in the country. However, motorcycle riders are also vulnerable to a variety of dangers with relatively little protection. There is a reason why insurance rates for motorcyclists are higher than for other drivers of motor vehicles. When motorcycle riders are in an auto accident, they can suffer severe injuries as they are flung from their bike, put in the path of oncoming traffic, and other such hazards.
However, that should not stop a motorcycle rider from giving up their motorcycles or changing how they go about their lives. There are dangers all around us, and it takes some risk just walking out the door each day. If we lived our lives in perpetual fear of what might happen, we would never do anything. The spirit of motorcyclists should be congratulated, not condemned. At our law firm, we rebuke the prejudices held against motorcyclists in auto accidents (while nonetheless always being aware that those prejudices exist).
Bozanic Law has extensive experience representing motor vehicle accidents of all types, including complex and sometimes deadly motorcycle crashes. If you have been in a motorcycle wreck, it is essential that you seek professional legal counsel to defend your interests in and out of the courtroom. It is fairly common for other motorists to try to shift the blame off themselves and onto motorcycle riders in the event of a motor vehicle accident. This is unfair, and we will not stand for it. As your Florida personal injury attorneys, we will defend your legal rights as you seek compensation for any injuries sustained in an accident or any losses that came because of those injuries.
Led by attorney Zeljka Bozanic, our highly skilled legal team prides itself on providing caring and compassionate legal services to personal injury victims. Additionally, we offer a free case review to all prospective new clients interested in obtaining our legal services. To learn more about our law firm and the services we provide, please contact our Broward County-based law office to schedule your free initial consultation today.
Are Motorcycle Accidents Common in Florida?
Florida motorcycle accidents are not all that common, making up for only about 2% of all traffic accidents every year. However, many motorcycle accidents in Florida result in injured riders or fatalities. In fact, nearly 17% of all Florida traffic-related fatalities were motorcycle riders, putting Florida slightly above the national average of 14%.
Overall, motorcycle accidents in Florida are trending downward. However, we still see around 8,000 or more motorcycle accidents every year in Florida. Almost every motorcycle accident results in injury and a concerning percentage results in death.
Are Motorcycle Accidents More Complex Than Most Typical Car Accidents?
Though not as complex as a commercial truck accident or an Uber/Lyft accident, motorcycle crashes nonetheless still make for a complex personal injury lawsuit. The reason is that insurance companies will fight extra hard against injured riders recovering compensation for their losses. Additionally, because of the severity of the injuries, there is often more money at stake in a motorcycle crash lawsuit. The more that an injured party stands to recover in compensation, the more difficult the case may be to win because insurance companies are reluctant to pay more than they feel they must.
Regardless of the difficulties, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your accident injuries. With a solid case, a Florida motorcycle accident attorney can hold all at-fault parties accountable for their driver negligence and recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Do Motorcycle Riders Face Unfair Prejudice from Insurance Companies?
Unfortunately, motorcyclists absolutely face unfair prejudice from insurance companies. Not only do riders of motorcycles have higher insurance rates because of their chosen mode of transportation, but insurance companies are much more resistant to paying off any damages to injured motorcyclists after a motorcycle crash.
There is an unfair presumption of fault or negligence on the part of the motorcycle rider simply because they are riding a motorcycle. An insurance company does not want to support your motorcycle accident claim and will attempt to show that you shared some amount of negligence in the cause of the accident.
As your Florida motorcycle accident attorneys, we will represent your interests as you pursue financial recovery for your injuries, pain and suffering, and economic damages. It should be unthinkable that an auto insurer would deny your claim simply because you ride a motorcycle. We will fight on your behalf to ensure that you recover the fair settlement you deserve so that you can get back to life, hopefully undeterred from the cost of the accident.
What Are Florida’s Motorcycle Laws?
Under Florida law, every motorcycle driver must have a motorcycle endorsement in order to operate any two- or three-wheeled motorcycle that has a 50CC or larger engine.
All motorcycle riders under age 21 must wear an approved safety helmet. If you are 21 years old or older, the helmet is optional. However, if you decide against wearing a helmet, you must have at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage.
While riders over 21 are not required to wear helmets, everyone must wear adequate eye protection.
Lane splitting is illegal in Florida. As are wheelies and other stunts.
Two motorcycles are allowed to ride abreast with one another, but no more than two.
If your motorcycle is equipped to carry a passenger with a designated seat, they may do so. However, if your motorcycle is not equipped to carry passengers, then a passenger is not allowed on your motorcycle with you.
Your motorcycle must have adequate mirrors. The mirrors must permit motorcycle riders to see to the rear a distance of at least 200 feet.
Headphones, earbuds, and other earpieces are illegal when operating a motorcycle in Florida. You must be able to hear your surroundings.
A motorcycle’s headlights must always be on, even in daylight. The reason being is that other cars often turn into the path of an oncoming motorcycle without ever seeing them. The thinking is that with the headlights always on, other motorists may see the motorcycles coming more easily.
What Should You Do if You’re Ever in a Motorcycle Collision?
If you’re ever in the unfortunate circumstance where you are in a motorcycle accident in Florida, it is important that you follow some of the basic steps in the motorcycle accident aftermath. By following these steps, not only could you potentially save your life, but you may also help support your motorcycle accident claim and make the case easier to win for your personal injury lawyers.
Immediately after the accident, it is important that you check yourself for any serious injuries. If you are badly hurt, do not attempt to stand or move too much. However, if you are able, attempt to move yourself out of the road to avoid further injuries from oncoming traffic.
If you are not badly hurt, assess the injuries of other motorists and pedestrians involved in the crash. If you had a passenger on your motorcycle at the time of the accident, that passenger’s injuries should be your top priority.
Call 911. Hopefully, someone else has already contacted emergency services at this time, but it is wise to do so yourself as well. It is important that emergency first responders arrive at the scene soon after the accident.
While awaiting law enforcement and the paramedics, attempt to document the accident scene in photographs and video. Look for evidence of the crash that could help support your motorcycle accident case against the at-fault driver. If there were any eyewitnesses to the car accident, request their eyewitness testimony on video or audio. Witness statements can be valuable evidence for motorcycle accident injury lawyers with complex personal injury claims.
Exchange information with the drivers of other vehicles involved in the crash. Attempt to remain polite, but do not go so far as to offer apologies or assurances that you are unharmed. You should get the insurance information and contact information from the other driver (or drivers) in the crash.
When the police arrive, fill out a complete police report. This will be useful evidence for your experienced motorcycle accident attorneys to use in your favor.
It is vital that you seek emergency medical attention for your injuries, even if you suspect them to be only minor. Failure to seek medical care could be detrimental to both your health and your personal injury claim. Some injuries may manifest later, and you want to ensure that you see medical professionals to assess the potential for such injuries. If you don’t seek medical treatment immediately after the accident or fail to follow the doctor’s orders, the insurance company may claim that your injuries and failing health are not the fault of any accident or negligent driver. Your medical records, especially if you suffered a serious injury, are much-needed evidence in a Florida motorcycle accident lawsuit.
If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to contact our personal injury law firm to discuss your case in a free consultation. Led by personal injury attorney Zeljka Bozanic, our legal team has years of experience representing clients and complicated personal injury cases like motorcycle accidents. To learn more, please call our Weston-based law offices for a free case evaluation today.
Who is ‘At-Fault’ for Motorcycle Crashes?
As of 2023, Florida is a modified comparative negligence state. Victims of motorcycle accidents must prove that the other party is at least 51% at fault for the accident. If you cannot prove this percentage of fault, you will not be able to claim compensation, even if you have suffered severe injuries.
Ultimately, who is at fault for a motorcycle accident depends upon the facts of each individual case. It is possible that the motorcycle rider, in some circumstances, could be the only at-fault party. However, in many more instances, it is likely that other drivers or multiple parties hold some form of liability for the motorcycle accident. Depending upon the facts, your motorcycle accident attorneys can attempt to prove liability rests on the shoulders of the other drivers, government entities responsible for the condition of the road, vehicle manufacturers, leasing companies, trucking companies, rideshare app companies, and more.
It is highly likely that the lawyers representing the other parties involved in the motorcycle accident will attempt to prove that the motorcyclist was the at-fault party behind the cause of the accident. The same may go for insurance companies, who are reluctant to pay settlements to motorcyclists involved in auto accidents. As your motorcycle accident lawyers, our legal team will do everything within our power to help you win the fair settlement you deserve for your injuries and other losses. You did not ask for this accident to befall you or your loved ones. It is unfair that you should be responsible for paying the expenses in an accident for which you are not at fault. Let us help you pursue fair compensation and legal justice on your behalf.
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents, like any other car accident, can occur in many different ways.
Common causes of Florida motorcycle accidents include:
- Blind spots
- Dangerous weather conditions
- Distracted driving and driver negligence
- Dooring
- Driver fatigue and drowsy driving
- Driving under the influence of marijuana, stimulants, and other drugs
- Drunk driving
- Inexperienced drivers
- Left turns
- Other drivers not looking for motorcyclists
- Reckless driving and aggressive driving
- Road debris
- Tailgating
- Talking on a cell phone while driving
- Teenage drivers
- Texting while driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Vehicle defects and equipment failure
What Are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
A motorcycle crash is often a serious accident that can result in severe and even life-threatening injuries.
Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Burns
- Dental injuries
- Disfigurement
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Loss of hearing and sight
- Loss of limbs and amputations
- Road rash
- Soft tissue injuries like deep cuts, lacerations, bruises, and torn ligaments
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Wrongful death
Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help You Recover Compensation?
Economic damages for motorcycle accident victims can include:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Physical therapy expenses
- Property damage
Non-economic damages for motorcycle accident cases may include:
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Lost companionship
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death claim
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing Florida Motorcycle Accident Claims?
If you wish to file a personal injury lawsuit with the help of an experienced Florida motorcycle accident attorney, you must do so without delay. There is a statute of limitations for personal injury cases like motorcycle accident claims.
You have approximately two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file your personal injury claim with the courts. Failure to file and time could result in your claim being dismissed. Please note that there may be different statutes of limitations for personal injury cases involving government entities or wrongful death claims.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been in a Florida motorcycle crash, you need the legal representation of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. Only Florida motorcycle accident lawyers are qualified to handle your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Bozanic Law has extensive experience representing clients in complex personal injury cases. To discuss your case in more detail with motorcycle attorney Zeljka Bozanic and her highly skilled legal staff, please contact our law office for a free case review today. 954-800-2864.