Been In A Florida Motorcycle Accident?

Florida has a very high number of motorcycle riders, being in the top three in terms of states with the most motorcycles registered. With the frequency of motorcyclists and the events for bikers happening all over the state, however, this does mean that Florida sees a worryingly high number of motorcycle crashes. If you have been so unfortunate as to be involved in an accident on your motorcycle, your injuries are likely severe, and you may be able to seek compensation for what you have been through.

Causes & Effects

Motorcycle accidents are dangerous for everyone involved, though particularly for riders. Drivers and passengers in automobiles have barriers between them and whatever obstacle they may strike, including safety systems like air bags – but motorcyclists only have their clothing, which often provides no protection at all. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that a motorcyclist is 28 times more likely to die in an accident than passenger car occupants, and it is in large part because of this disparity in protection.

Just like auto accidents, motorcycle accidents happen for many different reasons. A large majority of accidents involving motorcycles happen as a result of driver (or rider) negligence, as opposed to any other external factor. For example, one of the most common types of crashes is when a car or truck suddenly changes lanes in front of a motorcyclist, most often because they do not see the bike. While motorcyclists can play a role in their own injuries, drivers who fail to investigate their surroundings are a big part of many motorcycle crashes.

Going To Trial

Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that most accidents will be handled by filing claims with your insurer (or the other driver’s insurer). In order to keep some personal injury lawsuits from clogging the court dockets, each driver is required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, and in the event of an accident, claims should be filed with insurance. Filing suit is only permissible if your injuries are severe enough to result in a “significant and permanent” disability – generally, if your bills total over $10,000.

If your case does go to trial, negligence must be established on the part of the driver in order for you to recover. You may fear that a jury will find you partially liable for your own injuries, especially if there is a visibility issue – however, in Florida, this will not bar recovery. In other words, even if you are held to have been partially responsible, you can still recover for your bills, just minus your percentage of fault. If a jury holds that you are 40 percent responsible for the harm you suffered, you may still recover 60 percent of your damages, barring some irregularity.

Call A Tampa Motorcycle Accident Attorney 

Motorcycle accidents can cause long-term injury or even death, and if you have experienced one, it can feel like your life will never return to normal. The dedicated Tampa motorcycle accident attorneys at the Rinaldo Law Group are ready and willing to try and help you get through the legal process, so that you can focus on healing. Call our offices today for a free consultation.

Resource:

nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycle-safety

https://www.tampainjuryaccidentlaw.com/what-should-i-look-for-in-a-florida-personal-injury-lawyer/