After A Florida Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycling is a hobby enjoyed by millions across the United States, but Florida’s relatively sunny weather makes the state a premier destination for riders, particularly around events like Daytona Bike Week. That said, the state’s declining infrastructure and heavy traffic in many areas can make riding a motorcycle in Florida especially hazardous to one’s health. If you have been involved in a motorcycle crash on Florida roads, it can be difficult to know what to do next. A knowledgeable attorney can help answer your questions.

Fatality Rate Is High

Motorcyclists traditionally make up a disproportionately high percentage of road accident injuries and fatalities, simply because they have very little protection compared to a driver or passenger in an automobile made of glass and steel. Statistics from the Safe Transport Research & Education Center (Safe-TREC) report that in 2021 (the most recent available data), motorcyclists represented roughly 14 percent of U.S. road fatalities, despite motorcycles only making up around 4 percent of the country’s registered vehicles.

Injuries can run the gamut in motorcycle crashes, but are actually more likely to be minor – the rationale is that due to that lack of protection, a crash that might have merely injured a driver or passenger in an automobile might kill a motorcyclist. Regardless, in the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle crash, it is possible to experience various types of injuries, from mere scratches to broken bones to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). An injured motorcyclist should immediately seek medical treatment, both for their own well-being and to establish a clear record of any harm suffered in the crash.

Should I File Suit?

After a motorcycle accident, it can be tempting to simply accept what has happened and focus all your energies on physical recovery. However, if your injuries were a direct result of someone acting negligently, you have the right to seek damages from them. Negligence is actionable, and you have the right to be made whole if you can establish that the other person’s negligence was the direct cause of your injuries.

One thing to keep in mind is that while Florida is a no-fault state for auto insurance purposes, this only applies to four-wheeled vehicles. What this means for an injured motorcyclist is that they need not worry about recouping their damages by filing insurance claims; they may simply file suit against the person or entity they believe has caused their injuries. An experienced attorney can help an injured motorcyclist determine what their best path forward should be.

Contact An Orlando Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Experiencing a motorcycle accident can be life-changing. If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash due to another person’s negligence, an Orlando motorcycle accident attorney from the Hornsby Law Group can help answer your questions. Contact our office today for a free consultation.

Source:

safetrec.berkeley.edu/2023-safetrec-traffic-safety-facts-motorcycle-safety