Madeira Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Florida is famous for having roads that are dangerous for all types of vulnerable road users. In fact, Florida ranks as the fourth most dangerous state for motorcycle riders in the United States. When you get into a motorcycle accident, your injuries can be devastating. You may be left with mountains of medical debt, lost wages, and a significant change to your quality of life. When this occurs, it’s important to hire a motorcycle accident attorney. An experienced attorney will be able to help you get the compensation that you deserve for your damages.
To learn more about how a motorcycle accident attorney can help you, and how a motorcycle accident lawsuit works, keep reading.
Florida Motorcycle Accident Statistics
In 2019, there were 5,014 motorcycle deaths because of motorcycle accidents. In the same year, motorcyclists were 29 times more likely to die in crashes than passenger vehicle occupants per mile traveled. Staying safe while riding is the best way to prevent these accidents from occurring, but sometimes, it’s out of your hands.
You can’t control how other drivers act on the roads, and unfortunately, most motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers and their inability to drive safely. 47% of all fatal motorcycle accidents involved the consumption of alcohol by one or more parties. Other causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Speeding, road rage, or otherwise reckless driving
- Inexperienced driving
- Failure to adapt to changing weather conditions
- Distracted driving, such as talking on the phone or texting
- Not checking blind spots before merging or changing lanes
Types of Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
Injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident can range in severity. While some may experience only minor injuries, others may be faced with life-threatening or fatal ones. Here are some of the most common injuries that occur as a result of motorcycle accidents:
Traumatic Brain Injury
While wearing a helmet can help to decrease the chance of traumatic brain injury (or TBI), it doesn’t eliminate the risk altogether. A TBI occurs when the head is struck or penetrated with great force. There are many types of TBI, ranging from mild to severe, including concussion, axonal diffuse injury, coup/contrecoup injuries, and more.
Spinal Cord Injury
When a motorcyclist is struck in the back or side, a spinal cord injury is possible. Like TBI, there are various different types of spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis, whether complete or incomplete.
Road Rash
Road rash is especially common in motorcycle accident cases, as it occurs when someone slides across the pavement. The asphalt rubs against their skin like sandpaper, causing mild to severe damage. In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the damage.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Breaks and fractures are also common in motorcycle accidents. Mild breaks and fractures will often heal themselves with the help of a cast. More severe breaks require surgery to repair the bone before placing it in a cast.
Lower Extremity Injuries
These types of injuries are very common, as the legs and lower body are exposed. If the driver is struck from the side, damage to the lower extremities is fairly common. Severe damage to the lower limbs may cause amputation. Enough damage may require surgical amputation.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding may also occur. These injuries are very serious and should always be treated right away.
Wrongful Death
Unfortunately, in some cases, getting into a motorcycle accident can result in death. Whether your loved one passed away at the scene of the accident or later on because of complications with their injuries, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf.
Explaining Unfair Motorcycle Bias
In motorcycle accident cases, we have to deal with something that is referred to as “unfair motorcycle bias”. This refers to the bias that people have against motorcyclists, believing them to be adrenaline junkies or people who seek out dangerous situations. As a result of this bias, insurance companies, and jury members often think that, by default, motorcyclists are at fault for the accidents that they’re involved in.
Fortunately, we have years of experience working on motorcycle accident cases. We know how to dispel this argument before it begins. By informing jury members and insurance adjusters about how motorcycles work and how your accident occurred, we can educate them on this issue while ensuring that you get the most compensation for your injuries.
For example, most people understand how cars work. They don’t need an explanation about why drivers do what they do. But for motorcycles, they don’t have the same understanding. They may see speeding up at a turn as dangerous, but in fact, it’s just how motorcycles operate.
Receiving Compensation: How Much Can We Get You?
We understand that you’re likely concerned about the amount of money you owe to hospitals and various other health care institutions, as well as the money you’ve lost in wages and other damages you may have. Getting you the most compensation is important to us, and we’ll do everything in our power to ensure you get that money.
While we will be able to give you a rough estimation of how much money we believe your case is worth at the beginning of the process, we won’t know the final amount until we reach a settlement or take your case to trial.
However, in general, you can receive expect to receive compensation for the following damages:
Economic Damages
- Past and future lost wages
- Past and future medical bills
- Hospital visits
- Specialists and primary care physician visits
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Ambulance rides
- Surgery costs
- Prescription medication costs
- Cost of medical equipment (like a wheelchair)
- Cost of any medically necessary renovations to your home
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of earning capacity
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney ASAP
If you or someone you love has been involved in a motorcycle accident, please contact our talented team of motorcycle accident attorneys as soon as possible following the accident. For more information or to schedule a free case evaluation, please contact us online or at 727-571-1333.