Ask any rider, and they will tell you that Florida is a great state for motorcycles. Whether you’re cruising on the Overseas Highway from Miami down to the Keys or riding across the panhandle along Route 90, there are a lot of opportunities for some fantastic motorcycle road trips. Of course, many drivers use motorcycles as their main mode of transportation.
It also takes added driving skills to be a safe and responsible motorcyclist. Every person who operates a motorcyclist must obtain a motorcycle-only license or a motorcycle endorsement for a Class E driver’s license. They are also at an increased risk of getting seriously injured. Even a minor tap from a car can send a motorcyclist spilling onto the asphalt. If you’ve been in that type of collision, you need to discuss what happened with a Fort Meyers motorcycle accident lawyer.
The attorneys at Titan Law can become your trusted legal advocates and take on the insurance companies you need to file a claim with. We have a dedicated team of investigators that can help gather the evidence you need to prevail in your claim. Whether we negotiate an immediate settlement or need to take the matter before a jury, we’ll be with you every step of the way, offering experienced legal counsel and support.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The first question asked in a strategy session for your claim is what happened? This pertains to the specific chain of events that led to your motorcycle accident. It is essential to understand all the details of where, when, and how the accident happened in order to know who to hold accountable.
The following are some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents. Which scenario would apply to your circumstances?
Dangerous Turns
A driver who makes a sharp turn in front of an approaching motorcyclist can be extremely dangerous. It can trigger the motorcycle operator to make a sudden correction, which can cause a spinout. Although there might not be a collision in this situation, the fact that the turn caused the motorcycle to spill out is a result of a driver’s carelessness.
Unsafe Merging or Lane-Changing
A responsible driver is aware of the road ahead of them, behind them, and on either side. It is the sides of a car where failure to check the blind spots when merging or changing lanes can lead to a side-swipe accident. Flipping on a turn signal does not give the car driver the power to change lanes without looking.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Traffic lights and stop signs are put in place to establish who has the right of way in an intersection. A motorcycle passing through a green light clearly indicates they have the right of way. When a car or truck blows through the red light, they are inviting near-misses accidents or actual collisions. That is a clear example of a driver’s negligence.
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Following Too Closely
A car traveling at 55 mph needs around 300 feet of braking distance to come to a complete stop. That is about the length of a football field. When was the last time you had that much distance between you and the car ahead of you on the highway?
Because of their seating position and unobstructed view, motorcyclists might have a wider view of the road ahead. That means they might see an obstacle and brake. If the car behind them follows too closely, it will easily slam into the motorcycle, causing a spinout.
Distracted or Impaired Driving
Distracted driving relates to any time you take your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road. It only has to be a second to cause an accident. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be equally dangerous as those drivers are impaired, and that impacts their ability to react. Either one of those situations generates the conditions for a crash.
Motorcycle and Vehicle Defects
Just as there are recurring problems with car recalls, there can also be the occasional problem with a motorcycle. If a manufacturer’s defect caused you to get into an accident, that manufacturer could be held liable. That includes transmissions, braking systems, steering, and tires.
Road Defects
The same road defects, such as potholes, loose gravel, and construction debris that cause problems for cars can also trigger an accident for a motorcycle rider. In fact, those kinds of road obstacles could prove to be more dangerous for motorcycles. In those instances, blame could be assigned to city agencies who were supposed to maintain the road.
When we understand how the accident happened, we can build a more thorough narrative. That is important to present it to an insurance carrier or a jury.
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Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
The vast majority of motorcycle accidents involve the rider falling off the bike. The severity of the injuries depends on the force of impact and where the rider lands. Here are the possible injuries that can happen in a motorcycle accident:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone fractures
- Organ damage
- Road rash
- Burns
- Soft tissue damage
- Facial injuries
- Loss of digits or limbs
- Paralysis
The worst-case scenario for a motorcycle accident would be a fatality. Sadly, Florida holds the distinction of being the state with the most motorcycle deaths at 668, according to the National Safety Council. In a fatal accident, the surviving family can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver.
Damages Your Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Claim
Experienced motorcyclists know the benefits of protective gear. According to Florida law, anyone under the age of 21 must wear a helmet. If you’re over that age, you are required to wear a helmet unless you have an insurance policy that provides for a minimum of $10,000 in medical benefits.
Even with protective clothing and helmets, a motorcyclist is still vulnerable to injury, and with those injuries come financial losses that you shouldn’t have to pay for. The attorneys at Titan Law are dedicated to helping our clients achieve the maximum compensation for the injuries and damage they incur in an accident.
If you’ve been involved in a motor accident, you should set up a free strategy session to discuss what happened. We can provide you with all the options and challenges you might face as you pursue a claim. The best way forward is to make informed decisions. Call to schedule your session today.
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