The Insurance Information Institute suggests that two of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents are speeding and drunk driving. Another factor in motorcycle collisions is low visibility. Drivers may not see motorcycles on the road simply because of their smaller size.
If you or a member of your family suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, your crash could be the fault of a negligent driver or motorist who did not share the road. When drivers fail to uphold their duty of care to not harm others and their actions cause injuries, then they could be found financially responsible for any ensuing damages. Our firm can help you seek personal injury compensation.
Other Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Although the most common causes of motorcycle accidents are speeding, drunk driving, and low visibility, they are not the only causes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists additional risk factors that can cause motorcycle accidents:
- Abrupt stopping: If a motorist suddenly stops on the road without warning, this can lead to a pile-up accident. If a motorcyclist is in the midst of this, they can sustain life-threatening injuries. Likewise, if a vehicle is following a motorcycle too closely, it may not be able to stop safely and quickly enough to avoid a rear-end collision.
- Road conditions: There can be a variety of issues on the road that may lead to an accident. Poorly maintained streets, weather hazards, broken traffic signals, lack of street lights, and other elements can make certain roadways hazardous for motorcyclists.
- Inexperienced riders: An inexperienced motorcyclist may not have the skills to employ defensive riding practices. This could result in mistakes that an experienced rider would not make.
If you decide to move forward with the help of our Daytona Beach motorcycle accident lawyers, they can determine what actions by the responsible party resulted in your collision. From there, we can start the process of pursuing the cost of your damages. Depending on the cause of your accident, parties that may owe you compensation include:
- Negligent drivers
- Negligent roadway owners (including government and private entities)
- A vehicle or auto parts manufacturer
What Damages Can You Seek for A Motorcycle Accident?
If you suffered injuries because of another party’s negligence, you have the right to recover compensation for your motorcycle accident damages. In general, you can seek awards for:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future lost income
- Motorcycle repairs or compensation for the fair market value of your damaged vehicle
- Compensation for household services and other miscellaneous expenses
If you have a severe injury, you may also qualify for compensation for your pain and suffering. Also known as noneconomic damages, these awards provide monetary recovery for intangible physical, mental, and emotional losses, including:
- Permanent and disabling injuries
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Paralysis or loss of mobility
- Stress
- Depression
- Mental anguish
- Overall diminished quality of life
Finally, if your loved one suffered a fatal motorcycle accident injury, their personal representative (executor) can pursue damages on behalf of the deceased’s estate and surviving beneficiaries. Compensation may include:
- Medical bills
- Burial and funeral expenses
- The deceased’s lost wages and future lost earnings
- Loss of the deceased’s protection, companionship, and guidance
- Survivors’ mental pain and suffering
Your Rights in A Florida Motorcycle Accident
Under Florida Statute § 95.11:
- You have four years from the date of your motorcycle crash to sue the liable party for personal injury.
- A representative acting on behalf of a decedent and their surviving family members has two years to file a wrongful death claim, starting from the date of their loved one’s passing.
If you do not take legal action within this period, you will likely be unable to pursue compensation in civil court. Waiting too long will also hurt your chances of a successful insurance settlement.
Florida Statute §316.211(b) does not require motorcyclists over the age of 21 to wear a helmet. You may have been told that you cannot pursue damages for your motorcycle accident injuries because you were not wearing a helmet. This is not true. If you are over the age of 21 and have the appropriate insurance coverage, not wearing a helmet has no bearing on your case.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers can explain in more detail what rights and protections you have under Florida law.
Recovering From a Motorcycle Accident Is More Than Physical
The physical recovery you might require as the result of a motorcycle accident can take time and ongoing medical care. When the injuries you or a member of your family endured hinder your current lifestyle or ability to return to work right away, you have recovery options. We are ready to fight for your rights by:
- Valuating your damages
- Keeping you informed at all stages of the case
- Gathering and analyzing evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Handling communication with all relevant parties
- Filing paperwork in a timely manner
- Representing you in court if necessary
Call The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Today
No matter what the main cause of your motorcycle accident was, our legal team wants to hear from you. When you work with us, we can employ certain measures on your behalf to get you and your family the compensation you need. At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we are committed to delivering responsive legal care that puts our clients’ interests first.
While you focus on getting better, your attorney can focus on building a solid case. Our Florida motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to hear your story and get started on your case. To start your free case review, contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today.
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