Serious Motorcycle Accidents Quite Common in Florida

The Orlando Sentinel reported that Florida is ranked No. 1 in the total of motorcycle accident deaths.

The Sentinel mentioned that, in 2015, more than 600 motorcyclists lost their lives in collisions with other motorists. That represented a 30 percent increase since 2014.

This means that someone operating a motorcycle is at a much higher risk of suffering a serious bodily injury or loss of life while traveling on Florida roads and highways. In fact, a study conducted by AAA indicated that motorcyclists accounted for approximately three percent of all registered vehicles in Florida but are part of approximately 20 percent of all deadly motor vehicle collisions in the Sunshine State.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks in Miami and Across the Country

There are multiple reasons and contributing factors that create an environment where a serious motorcycle accident can occur. Nevertheless, in many instances, the cause of serious wrecks between motorists and motorcycles is a negligent driver. Despite having the exact same rights and authority to travel on roads and highways, the drivers of sedans, SUVs, and other vehicles fail to see an oncoming motorcyclist or don’t show a motorcyclist the same respect when changing lanes as if they were dealing with another large motor vehicle. Here are some other common causes of accidents between motorcyclists and motorists:

• Intoxicated motorist – these motorists can often be identified by their driving habits, such as swerving or driving erratically
• Texting and driving
• Motorist traveling well above the posted speed limit
• Motorist fails to yield at a four-way stop
• Motorist fails to stop at a posted stop sign
• Motorist fails to check their blind spot before changing lanes or coming on or off a highway
• Motorists fail to check to see if a vehicle is oncoming before opening their door

Hold the Negligent Motorist Accountable for their Reckless Actions

If you or a family member was operating a motorcycle and got involved in a collision with another motorist, you may be able to file a motorcycle accident injury claim to hold the negligent motorist accountable for their reckless actions. This type of civil claim allows you to pursue financial restitution for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact a Miami Motorcycle Crash Lawyer Today

Do not let the negligent motorist evade responsibility. Take legal action and pursue the compensation you are rightfully owed. Contact the experienced Miami motorcycle accident injury attorneys at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. today to schedule a free case review.

Resources:

miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article192776609.html

orlandosentinel.com/news/traffic/os-motorcycle-deaths-bike-week-20170311-story.html

If that was not bad enough, the motorist attempted to flee the scene of the accident. Fortunately, they were apprehended in a nearby parking lot, according to CBS Miami.

Under Florida Statute § 316.061, fleeing the scene of an automobile collision is against the law and may result in a misdemeanor or felony conviction. Whether someone is charged with a misdemeanor or felony depends on whether the collision resulted in someone suffering an injury or losing their life. In the accident described above, the negligent driver will likely face a criminal felony charge.

What To Do If You Were Hurt In A Motorcycle Accident

If you or a family member was hurt in a motorcycle collision, seek immediate medical attention to ensure your injuries are treated right away. If you are physically able, you should try to do the following:

• Keep the damaged motorcycle;
• Take photos of the damage to the motorcycle and any visible bodily injuries;
• Get the contact information for any witnesses that saw the collision;
• Make sure the police are called and an accident report is filed; and
• Keep track of all your medical expenses and lost wages.

Common Types of Injuries After Being Involved in a Motorcycle Accident

People involved in collisions while operating a motorcycle routinely suffer serious, potentially-catastrophic bodily injuries. This is because motorcyclists lack the same types of protection as someone operating a sedan or pickup truck. A motorcyclist does not have an airbag or seatbelt to help protect them. When they get hit, they bear the brunt of the impact. This means motorcyclists routinely suffer injuries like:

• Broken bones;
• Head trauma such as a severe concussion or traumatic brain injury;
• Amputation;
• Lacerations
• Neck and back injuries; and/or
• Paralysis

Pursuing a Civil Claim Against the Reckless Driver That Hit You

If you or a family member suffered one or more of the injuries described above, you can pursue financial compensation to compensate you for your damages. You should hire an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who will make sure that you pursue maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost income, any long-term disability, pain and suffering, and other harms and losses. If you lost a family member in a motorcycle wreck, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against the reckless driver and pursue compensation for your funeral costs, burial costs, any medical costs incurred by the victim, lost income, loss of companionship and consortium, and other types of damages.

An Experienced Miami Motorcycle Accident Attorney Is Here to Help

Getting hurt in a motorcycle accident can be a life-altering event. The law firm of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. in Miami understands and is here to assist you during this difficult time. Our law firm has decades of experience and only handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you only pay a legal fee if we get a financial recovery for you.

Resource:

miami.cbslocal.com/2017/08/26/couple-motorcycles-hurt-hit-run-crash/

Medical Payment Insurance can Cover Some Expenses

Fortunately, motorcyclists can purchase optional medical payment coverage, which will cover a motorcyclist’s accident-related medical expenses. Motorcyclists are required to have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage. Additionally, if a motorcyclist has private health insurance that will provide benefits for injuries from a motorcycle accident, then the health insurance can be used to meet the $10,000 requirement. A motorcyclist’s passengers are also excluded from using PIP and must have their own medical coverage insurance. Passengers are not required to have insurance if the person operating the motorcycle has coverage that provides medical coverage to passengers.

Motorcyclists Can File a Lawsuit Against the At Fault Driver

While motorcyclists are excluded from recovering losses from the at fault driver’s PIP, a motorcyclist may file a personal injury lawsuit for recovery against the at-fault driver. Filing a lawsuit may be the only way a motorcyclist will be able to obtain compensation required to fully recover from an accident. If an accident victim suffers from permanent injuries, scarring, disfigurement, or is killed, insurance typically will not provide enough coverage for current and future expenses. In the case of death, the motorcyclist’s surviving family should consider pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit to obtain compensation from the at-fault driver.

Not Wearing a Helmet During an Accident

A motorcyclist may file a lawsuit even if the rider was not wearing a helmet. In Florida, motorcyclists are not required to wear a helmet if they are over 20 years old. The law only requires motorcyclists to wear eye protection and have medical payment insurance coverage on their motorcycle. However, it is important to remember that not wearing a helmet can still be examined when a motorcyclist is injured in an accident. This is especially true if the motorcyclist suffers a head injury. In a lawsuit, the motorcyclist’s failure to wear a helmet could be used to calculate comparative fault resulting in reduced damages.

Motorcycle Accident Victims Deserve Compensation

Navigating Florida’s complex comparative fault and PIP rules can be exhausting for a motorcyclist injured in an accident. At the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A., our personal injury lawyers will help you navigate Florida’s complex laws and seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries. The Miami personal injury attorneys at our office can provide you with advice and counsel on your legal options after an accident. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with our office by calling (305)-371-3111.