Westchase Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Multiple restraint systems and steel cages protect vehicle occupants during truck accidents and other collisions. But motorcyclists have no such protection. So, riders are almost thirty times more likely to die in vehicle collisions. Even if they survive, these victims usually face permanent injuries, such as back injuries.
The compassionate Westchase motorcycle accident lawyers at the Rinaldo Law Group understand the intense pain and suffering these victims must endure. So, we do more than address immediate needs, like medical care, and build a solid, evidence-based claim for compensation. We proactively communicate with you throughout the process, so you are never in the dark.
Kinds of Motorcycle Wrecks
Lack of visibility is a root cause of most motorcycle wrecks, such as left hook and right cross accidents. These collisions may account for about half of the motorcycle wrecks in Hillsborough County.
Left hook accidents usually happen when tortfeasors (negligent drivers) try to turn left against traffic. As they wait and look for gaps in oncoming traffic, these motorists often overlook small motorcycles. That’s especially true in places like Tampa, where many people drive large vehicles, like SUVs, which are difficult to see around.
Since the tortfeasor doesn’t see the motorcycle rider, the tortfeasor suddenly accelerated through a perceived traffic gap, thus moving directly into the motorcycle rider’s path. A collision is pretty much inevitable at that point.
Electric scooters and other motorized vehicles in the bicycle lane are especially vulnerable to right cross wrecks. When drivers turn right, either on red or green, they normally only look to the left. Since they usually don’t look to the right, they usually never see a motorized vehicle in the bicycle lane, even though that vehicle is right next to them.
Fault is usually quite clear in these incidents. However, legal liability for damages is a different story. There are a number of possible insurance company defenses.
Possible Insurance Company Defenses
Since liability in a motorcycle wreck is so complex, a Westchase motorcycle accident lawyer must do more than make a basic claim for damages. The evidence must be strong enough to refute any possible insurance company defense.
Usually, this evidence includes a combination of the police accident report, medical bills, and accident witness statements.
Most of these defenses are formal, legal defenses. The last clear chance doctrine, which often comes up in the aforementioned left hook wrecks, is a good example.
All motorists, four-wheel vehicle operators and motorcyclists alike, have a legal duty to avoid accidents when possible. Another driver’s negligence does not affect this responsibility. Assume when Bob turns left against traffic, he doesn’t see Rick approaching on a motorcycle. If Rick does not change lanes or take other evasive measures to avoid a wreck, he could be legally responsible for damages, even though Bob failed to yield the right of way.
However, there is a big difference between the last clear chance and any possible chance. Emergency evasive maneuvers are very dangerous for motorcyclists, especially if traffic, weather, and other conditions are less than ideal. Frequently, riders lose control in these situations. That loss of control might cause a more serious wreck than the one they might have prevented.
Other defenses, such as the motorcycle prejudice, are informal. Fundamentally, many jurors believe that motorcycle riders are reckless thugs. So, these biased jurors are more likely to embrace defenses like last clear chance. An attorney must be ready to deal with this attitude without alienating or offending jurors.
Reach Out to a Compassionate Hillsborough County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Accident victims are entitled to fair compensation for their serious injuries. For a free consultation with an experienced Westchase motorcycle accident attorney, contact the Rinaldo Law Group. Home, virtual, and hospital visits are available.
