Riding a motorcycle provides you with a sense of freedom and connection to the open road. With picturesque coastal routes and warm weather, Sarasota is a haven for motorcyclists.
However, the joy of riding comes with risks. Unlike cars, motorcycles lack the protective barriers of a vehicle. When riders are involved in an accident, they are more susceptible to severe injuries.
Even the most experienced and cautious motorcyclists are at the mercy of negligent drivers.
At Titan Law, we know that motorcycle accidents can turn your life upside down. Let our Sarasota motorcycle accident lawyer handle your case.
How Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Sarasota?
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle data, Sarasota County saw 206 motorcycle crashes that left 188 people injured and 13 fatalities in 2023.
Many times, motorcycle crashes are the result of preventable circumstances. Even if riders know these common causes, they can still be involved in a wreck due to the reckless and negligent behaviors of others. These causes include:
Distracted Driving
Drivers who are distracted by their phones, GPS devices, or other passengers pose a danger to motorcyclists. Since bikes are smaller and less visible than cars, these drivers may fail to notice a rider until it is too late.
Speeding
Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the force of impact in a collision. For motorcyclists, they often suffer devastating injuries even in what is considered a minor crash.
Failure to Yield
Motorcycles often go unnoticed at intersections or during lane changes. When a driver fails to yield the right of way, the results can be catastrophic. This happens when a smaller motorcyclist goes unnoticed in these high-traffic areas. Unfortunately, motorcycles are often struck by turning vehicles.
Impaired Driving
Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment and slower reaction times. They are more likely to cause accidents with other road users. Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of fatal motorcycle crashes.
Aggressive Driving
Tailgating, abrupt lane changes, and road rage incidents are dangerous behaviors that can affect motorcyclists. Aggressive drivers fail to give them the space they need on the road.
If you have been injured in one of these incidents or some other way by another driver, contact our Sarasota motorcycle accident lawyer to learn more about our options.
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The Impacts to the Health and Welfare of Accident Victims
Riders face a higher risk of severe trauma compared to drivers of other vehicles. In the aftermath, these victims and their families can struggle in a physical, emotional, and financial manner. This can lead to:
Catastrophic Physical Injuries
Motorcyclists have little protection in a crash. Many times, that results in:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even when wearing a helmet, riders suffer head injuries that lead to permanent cognitive or physical impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries: These injuries may lead to partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering a rider’s quality of life.
- Fractures and broken bones: The impact of a crash can cause multiple fractures and lead to long recovery periods.
- Road rash: Sliding across the pavement often leads to severe abrasions, which may require skin grafts.
- Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma from a collision can cause life-threatening complications.
Financial Struggles
The costs associated with a motorcycle accident can be staggering. Riders and their family members may face:
- Medical bills: Emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, or rehabilitation can quickly add up to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Lost wages: Recovery from serious injuries often requires time off work, resulting in lost income. In some cases, a rider may never be able to return to work.
- Property damage: Motorcycles are usually heavily damaged or totaled in accidents. That can add repair or replacement costs to the financial burden.
Emotional and Psychological Impacts
Along with the physical and financial burdens, motorcycle accidents can take a toll on a person’s mental and emotional health. Many riders experience:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Often, accident victims will relive the incident through flashbacks, nightmares, or heightened anxiety.
- Depression: Coping with the aftermath of a severe injury, financial stress, or a loss of independence can lead to feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
- Fear of riding: Some riders may be unable to return to motorcycling after experiencing a serious accident, even if they were not at fault.
Long-Term Disabilities
For some motorcyclists, the injuries suffered in an accident may lead to permanent disabilities. This can limit their ability to work, perform daily tasks, or engage in activities they once enjoyed.
Adjusting to a new way of life can be challenging. Often, they require continuous medical care, home modifications, and the use of assistive equipment.
Loss of a Loved One
Unfortunately, motorcycle crashes do lead to fatalities. Since the rider is not fully protected, an accident can cause severe injuries that result in death. In these cases, surviving family members have a right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible driver.
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We Can Help Overcome Bias Against Motorcycle Accident Victims
These accident victims often face an uphill battle due to biases that unfairly portray riders as reckless. All these stereotypes can affect how insurance adjusters, law enforcement, and jurors view your case, which could reduce your compensation.
Our skilled Sarasota motorcycle accident lawyer can help you overcome this bias by focusing on facts and evidence.
We will conduct a thorough investigation. With police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction analysis, our team will work hard to prove the other party’s fault.
Additionally, you will focus on your safe riding habits, such as helmet use and adherence to traffic laws, to counter negative assumptions.
Insurance companies exploit bias to minimize payouts. Many times, they claim motorcyclists are at fault. We know how to push back against these tactics, negotiate aggressively, and, if necessary, take your case to court.
By building a fact-based, compelling case and addressing biases head-on, we will make sure you’re treated fairly and get the compensation you deserve. Find out how our Sarasota motorcycle accident lawyer can fight to compensate you for your losses.
Let Our Sarasota Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Fight for You
When the unthinkable happens, there is legal support and resources available to help you recover.
At Titan Law, we are here to stand up for you and your family. We will make sure that these drivers are held accountable for their negligent behavior on the road.
Schedule your strategy session with our Sarasota motorcycle accident lawyer today.
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