There is nothing quite like seeing the Sunshine State on two wheels. The freedom and enjoyment that comes with hitting the road in Florida on a motorcycle also has its risks. 

Motorcycle accidents can and do happen. When they occur, crashes often cause serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries, but a West Palm Beach motorcycle accident lawyer can help. 

Bikers have very little physical protection between them, oncoming traffic and the pavement. Fortunately, anyone injured in a motorcycle crash in Florida has the right to seek compensation for his or her injuries. A West Palm Beach motorcycle accident lawyer at Searcy Denney is here for you and your loved ones after an accident.

Our attorneys combine decades of experience in the courtroom and at the negotiating table to help clients get the full compensation available under the law. We have dedicated our professional lives to helping people and families in the community. Our firm has a proud track record of successful results, including a number of six- and seven-figure verdicts and settlements for our clients.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida

The threat of an accident is part of life on the road for motorcycle riders. 

More than 8,000 motorcycle crashes happen in Florida each year, causing more than 500 deaths. In Palm Beach County alone, motorcycle riders are involved in nearly 500 accidents and 25 bikers are killed annually.

Crashes can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including many outside the control of the motorcycle rider involved in the collision. An experienced West Palm Beach motorcycle accident attorney will tell you that some of the most common types of motorcycle wrecks in Florida include:

Front-End Crashes

These accidents often happen when a driver stops abruptly ahead of a motorcycle, causing the front of the bike to collide with the back of the car. They typically occur in heavy traffic, where a driver loses focus and is forced to slam on the brakes unexpectedly, or where a motorcyclist is following too closely. They can also be caused by potholes and other unsafe road conditions, as well as malfunctioning brake lights. 

Rear-End Crashes

These collisions occur when the motorcycle stops quickly or unexpectedly and the vehicle behind it collides with the back of the bike. Motorcycles are capable of stopping and slowing faster than cars, which means that other vehicles should give bikes more following distance. Although rear-end crashes between two cars are often relatively minor fender benders, these accidents can have devastating results when involving a motorcycle.

Lane-Changing Collisions

Motorcycles can be more difficult to spot than other vehicles for some drivers, given their size and ability to navigate traffic. That makes lane-changing accidents common, especially when drivers weave in and out of traffic or do not properly check blind spots before changing lanes.

T-Bone Motorcycle Accidents

Also called broadside or side impact crashes, these collisions happen when the front of one vehicle slams into the side of another. These crashes are particularly dangerous because they leave motorcyclists, drivers or passengers on the side impacted with little protection. They often happen at intersections and in other situations in which at least one car fails to properly yield.

Wide Turn Accidents

The accidents typically occur when motorcycles navigate wide corners, forcing a wide turn. They can cause the bike to spin out if the rider goes too heavy on the brake or run wide, resulting in a collision. 

Left Turn Crashes:

These crashes usually happen when a vehicle other than the motorcycle is turning left. They account for a large share of motorcycle accidents, often because drivers do not properly yield.

Single-Motorcycle Accidents

Sometimes the motorcycle is the only vehicle involved in the crash. Rider error, hazardous road conditions, harsh weather, bike defects and drugs or alcohol are common factors in these accidents.

Regardless of the type of accident, a motorcycle crash can cause life-changing injuries. That is not to mention the serious financial consequences that can come with a crash. A West Palm Beach motorcycle accident lawyer at Searcy Denney can help you get back on your feet by seeking compensation from those responsible.

Road Rash and Other Motorcycle Crash Injuries

Many of the injuries that happen to motorcycle riders in crashes happen because riders have very little physical protection. That makes motorcyclists more vulnerable to serious harm in the event of an accident.

Road rash is one of the most common injuries for motorcycle riders, which often occurs when a person scrapes his or her skin against pavement or another rough surface. It is often very painful and commonly affects a person’s face, palms of hands, knees, lower legs, shoulders, and thighs. It may cause the skin to become bright red and inflamed and can result in open wounds that require stitches. More severe forms of road rash can result in infection if not properly treated.

Other types of injuries that are common in motorcycle include:

• Cuts, gashes, and bruises
• Broken bones
• Spine, neck, and back injuries
• Head and traumatic brain injury
• Amputation
• Death

It is important for anyone injured in a motorcycle accident to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if the injury initially appears to be relatively minor. The full extent of an injury in some cases is not clear until well after the collision.

It is also crucial that you seek the advice of an experienced attorney. A West Palm Beach motorcycle accident lawyer at Searcy Denney can help you understand your rights and explore your options for obtaining compensation.

FAQs for a West Palm Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorney

There are a number of questions that anyone seeking a motorcycle accident attorney should ask lawyers to ensure that they are getting effective advice and representation.

Does Searcy Denney Frequently Handle Motorcycle Crash Cases?

Although motorcycle accident cases fall under the general personal injury category, these accidents often raise unique legal issues related to bike operation. A seasoned attorney who knows how bikes work and has navigated these issues can provide vital assistance.

At Searcy Denney, our lawyers have handled many south Florida motorcycle accident cases, securing significant compensation for our clients. Our track record includes a $6.2 million jury award for two people who were injured when their Harley Davidson was struck by a car at an intersection in Citrus County. We have also obtained a $10 million award for a man injured when his bike collided with an illegally parked semi-truck in Brevard County.

What Are the Legal Fees for Hiring a West Palm Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

It is crucial to know upfront what the lawyer charges for his or her services. Large legal bills are particularly overwhelming for people and families already looking at significant medical costs related to a crash.

At Searcy Denney, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means that we do not charge anything upfront and we do not get paid unless we successfully resolve your case.

Will My Motorcycle Accident Case Go to Trial?

Many cases can be effectively settled without a full-blown trial, while some must go before a judge and/or jury in order for an injured person to be fairly compensated. For cases that cannot be settled, you need to know whether the lawyer has the experience, resources, and ability to fully fight for you in court.

A West Palm Beach motorcycle accident attorney at Searcy Denney will work tirelessly to resolve your case through a negotiated settlement. Our lawyers stand ready at all times, however, to take cases to trial when needed to get our clients the compensation that they deserve. Our track record of success includes victories for clients through negotiated settlements and in court verdicts.

What Do Clients Say About Searcy Denney?

Any personal injury lawyer worth his or her salt should be able to provide ample recommendations from previous clients. References can help you understand the attorney’s specific experience and background and get a sense of how he or she works with clients.

Searcy Denney is proud of the relationships it has built with the people and families that our firm represents and the successful results we have been able to secure for our clients. Our client testimonials speak for themselves.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today with a West Palm Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Florida, it is vital that you seek the advice of an experienced attorney. Insurance companies often push low-ball settlement offers in the aftermath of a crash, using pressure tactics on accident victims who may not be fully aware of their legal rights. 

A West Palm Beach motorcycle accident attorney at Searcy Denney can help build the strongest possible claim and fight to maximize your compensation. We understand the tactics and tricks that insurers often use to try to reduce payouts and we know how to get results for the people and families that we represent.

Our offices are conveniently located in West Palm Beach, Tallahassee, and Tampa. Call us at 800-780-8607 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a West Palm Beach motorcycle accident lawyer today.