Florida Sees More Than Its Fair Share of Motorcycle Accidents: What You Need to Know

Florida’s year-round riding weather should make it a bikers’ paradise. However, negligent, distracted, and careless drivers too often put riders’ safety at risk, and many Florida drivers show a total lack of respect for motorcyclists. As a result, despite its smooth roads and sunny skies, Florida is one of the nation’s deadliest places to ride.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Administration (GHSA), in 2020, there were over 5,000 fatal motorcycle accidents — which was 14% of all traffic fatalities. Nationwide, the federal government estimates motorcycle riders are over 30 times more likely to be killed in a traffic accident than occupants of passenger vehicles. Furthermore, serious and fatal motorcycle accidents have skyrocketed as motorcycle riding has grown in popularity nationwide.  

Who is to Blame for Your Injuries or Your Loved One’s Death?

Typically, motorcycle accidents happen when negligent drivers make careless mistakes. While motorcycle riders are often viewed as risk-takers who take their lives into their own hands, the reality is that most motorcyclists ride well within their limits. Rather than motorcycle riders themselves, it is other motorists who present the greatest risk to riders’ safety.

In fact, based on our experience, some of the most common causes of serious and fatal motorcycle accidents include driving mistakes such as:

• Ignoring traffic signs and signals
• Failing to yield
• Ignoring motorcyclists’ right of way
• Distracted driving
• Aggressive driving
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Driving while impaired by alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs

Of course, these are not the only potential factors in motorcycle accidents. Other forms of driver negligence can play a role as well, as can issues with the road and passenger vehicle and motorcycle defects. When you choose an attorney to handle your case, he will make sure that all of the responsible parties are held accountable for your injuries or your loved one’s death. Depending on the circumstances involved, these parties may include:

• The driver who caused the accident (or his/her insurance company)
• The at-fault driver’s employer (if the driver was working at the time of the crash)
• A vehicle, motorcycle, or component manufacturer
• A repair shop or dealership that performed faulty maintenance work or upgrades
• The government agency or contractor responsible for designing, constructing or maintaining the roadway where the accident happened

Challenges with Proving Damages After a Motorcycle Accident in South Florida

While there are some similarities between car accident claims and motorcycle claims, there are many unique aspects to motorcycle accident claims as well. For example, from a medical perspective, motorcycle accidents can be among the most challenging when it comes to determining future treatment needs and the long-term impacts of victims’ injuries.

As a result, having an attorney who is capable of building your case based on current medical standards is critical. In order to recover the full compensation to which you are legally entitled, you need an attorney who understands the legal and medical aspects of your claim and who is capable of using his or her knowledge to fight for maximum compensation. A Florida motorcycle accident lawyer has the knowledge, skill, and resolve you need to win the compensation you deserve.

Florida Motorcycle Accident FAQs

Are Motorcycle Accidents Subject to Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Law?

No, unlike car accidents, motorcycle accidents are not subject to Florida’s no-fault insurance law. This means that you can seek full compensation from the at-fault driver regardless of the severity of your injuries.

What if I was Injured in a Motorcycle Accident Involving a Hit-and-Run Driver?

Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are a common occurrence in South Florida. The good news is that there are several investigative and legal tools we can use to try to identify the driver who hit you. In order to give us the best chance to identify the hit-and-run driver, it is important that you contact us as soon as possible.

Even if it is not possible to identify the driver who hit you, there may still be other ways that we can seek just compensation on your behalf.

What if the Insurance Companies Accuse Me of Causing the Accident?

As a motorcycle rider, there is a very good chance that this issue will come up during your insurance claim. The insurance companies routinely try to blame motorcycle riders for their own injuries. When you engage our firm to represent you, we will use the available evidence to prove that you are entitled to just compensation.  

Get the Help You Need From a Knowledgeable Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating for all involved. If you have lost a loved one or if you have been injured during a motorcycle collision, don’t go it alone. Get the help you need today from our Florida motorcycle accident lawyer. Contact our office for immediate assistance.