Florida is an excellent state for motorcycle riding. It has many flat open roads that appeal highly to motorcyclists, and it’s a great way to view the beautiful landscape of the state. An avid motorcyclist has numerous Florida-based motorcycle clubs that they could join depending on one’s interests.
However, due to its popularity with motorcyclists, Florida also has a large amount of motorcycle-related crashes. In 2018, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), nearly 9,000 crashes involved motorcycles statewide. In Brevard County alone, 295 motorcycle accidents led to 282 injuries and 24 deaths.
A motorcycle crash in Melbourne or the surrounding areas can result in traumatic injuries, substantial property damage, and even death. If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries in a recent motorcycle accident because of reckless or impaired driving by another person, you could contact a Melbourne motorcycle accident lawyer to learn more about your legal options.
The legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, property damage, and other expenses related to your accident. We have handled hundreds of motorcycle accident cases and know how to help you fight for your legal rights to recover compensation. Call us today at (800) 924-3113 for a free case review with one of our legal representatives.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crashes frequently happen in Florida. The sunshine and warm weather bring a feeling of freedom on the roads.
Issues of reckless driving, impaired driving, distracted driving, and other violations of the rules of the road can play a significant part in causing accidents on Florida’s roadways. If someone drives while impaired, their chances of not seeing a motorcyclist on the road beside their vehicle might increase. A sudden decision by the car, truck, or bus driver to switch lanes at high speed without noticing the motorcyclist alongside them could cause a terrible accident in a split second.
This inattention explains in part why motorcyclists must be extra careful on the road. Without a protective covering around the motorcycle, they have a higher risk of injury. Florida Statutes § 316.211 does not require riders over age 21 to wear a helmet if they have a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Still, we would recommend for motorcyclists to wear helmets for personal protection.
Other drivers often have difficulty seeing a motorcycle on the road. A distracted driver may not see the motorcyclist and cut in front of them, causing an accident. Bad driving conditions can also increase the risk for motorcyclists.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accidents lawyer serving Melbourne, call (800) 924-3113
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Accidents between motorcycles and other vehicles can produce numerous injuries, including spinal injuries, road rash, broken bones, brain injuries, and possibly death. Here are just a few of the more common injuries suffered by motorcycle accident victims.
Legs and Hips
Injuries to the hips, legs, knees, and feet happen when the cyclist falls to the ground, and the impact or weight of the motorcycle causes serious harm to the lower body.
Neck and Head
Injuries to the neck or head areas of a motorcyclist in a bad accident can do serious permanent damage. Motorcyclists can even become paralyzed if the collision happens at a certain angle or they fall to the ground. In some cases, extreme head injuries (if not wearing a helmet) could lead to death.
Chest, Shoulder, and Back
If a motorcyclist gets hit from behind, the impact can fling the motorcyclist over the handlebars onto the pavement, causing severe injuries to a driver’s chest or back. For example, a rider could break their collarbone in such a collision. Trauma to any of these areas could lead to a lengthy hospital stay.
Arms and Hands
A motorcyclist can suffer road rash and nerve damage in their arms or hands in severe accidents with larger vehicles.
Here is some good news after a dangerous motorcycle accident. A personal injury attorney can help you or a loved one recover damages for injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident where the vehicle driver caused the crash.
If you need help in this area, you can contact a Melbourne motorcycle accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law. Our team will listen to your story, check police and accident records, and help you create a plan to potentially recover compensation for the damages that you suffered in the accident.
Melbourne Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 924-3113
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
The most important thing that an attorney can do for you after filing a personal injury claim is that they can handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel.
Insurance companies will use every tactic to deny paying you compensation for the accident, even when you can clearly prove the fault of the vehicle driver. They will deny the accountability of the vehicle driver or suggest that you were intoxicated, didn’t wear a helmet, or didn’t follow the rules of the road to shift blame onto you. Under Florida Statutes § 768.81, any responsibility for the accident attributed to you will proportionately reduce any award you might receive.
The worst tactic that insurance companies use to bully accident victims around is for the adjuster to offer a low dollar amount as compensation, even before you might have left the hospital. You should not accept an initial lowball offer. Your hospitalization may continue for weeks on end, and the final bill may run much higher than the first offer you receive.
It is essential to retain your legal rights after an accident. If you have suffered injuries while riding your motorcycle because of a reckless driver’s negligence, you could receive monetary compensation for the damages you incurred.
You can speak with a Melbourne motorcycle accident lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC. We know the personal injury laws in Florida and can explain how a personal injury claim could affect your future. We can also ensure you file your lawsuit within the four-year deadline established by Florida Statutes § 95.11. Call us today at (800) 924-3113 for your free case review with a team member. We will stand beside you and fight to uphold your legal rights in the aftermath of your accident.
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