What happens if I was partially at fault for a motorcycle accident in Florida?

The motorcyclist’s fault often is an issue in accidents.

A personal injury lawyer can thoroughly investigate your motorcycle accident case to discover the proper apportioning of the fault and work hard to protect your right to recover full and fair compensation.

Most motorcycle crashes are not single-vehicle crashes, about 42% of motorcycle accidents involve only a single vehicle, and 58% are multi-vehicle collisions.

Unfortunately, automobile drivers not giving motorcycles the respect they're due leads to serious injuries and even the loss of life.

Do I still have a case even if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Florida requires helmets only for motorcyclists who are 20 or younger. Riders who are 21 and older, and who carry motorcycle insurance, are not required by law to wear a helmet.

Whether you were wearing a helmet at the time of injury may come into play in your Florida motorcycle accident personal injury case. However, in Miami, you are not completely barred from compensation, even if the defendant successfully argues that had you been wearing a helmet, the injuries would not have been as severe.

If you were injured in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, you might recover compensation for your injuries, even if you weren’t wearing a helmet. However, in some instances, you may receive a smaller amount if you rode without a helmet and this contributed to the injuries.

If I was speeding can I still recieve compensation?

The fact that you were speeding does not help your motorcycle accident claim, but it does not necessarily rule out compensation for your losses. It may be up to the court to decide how much your speed contributed to the accident.

Under Florida law, your compensation may be decreased in proportion to your degree of fault. 

Motorcycle accident victims often suffer serious injuries, leading to piles of medical bills, prolonged time off work, and potentially lifelong effects. Miami attorney, Sean M. Cleary will assess the circumstances of your case and pursue all damage claims to the fullest extent.

What are the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida?

Left-hand turns into motorcyclists and driver's negligence top the list. Riders are vulnerable in crashes: motorcycles are light vehicles easily pushed around by bigger vehicles in big crashes; riders are less protected from the elements, and drivers often have difficulties even perceiving approaching motorcycles on the road. 

1. Left-hand turns into motorcyclists. Drivers of cars and trucks frequently fail to check their mirrors, observe stop signs or stop lights, or yield the right of way. These accidents are particularly prevalent when motorcycles try to overtake cars and at intersections. Riders should be aware of the cars' blind spots and make efforts to remain visible. While a side collision can be minor when it involves two cars, a lane change accident involving a motorcycle can be fatal. If the driver failed to use the turn signal or switched lanes recklessly, they could be at fault for an accident claim. Motorcyclists injured in this manner have a strong personal injury claim based on the motor vehicle driver's negligence.
2. Driver negligence. Negligence can take many forms including speeding, driving while texting, driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or prescription medications, racing, and reckless driving. The leading cause of negligence involving motorcycle accidents is speeding. Distracted drivers can run red lights or roll through stop signs. Impaired driving is an important cause of collisions for all vehicles, but motorcycles are involved in an unreasonably high number of drunk-driving accidents.
3. Mechanical problems. Mechanical problems can occur with both a motorcycle and a car. Either the vehicle that hit you or your bike may have issues, such as deflated or ill-fitting tires, faulty brakes, damaged steering systems, or a defective computer system. A poorly designed or maintained bike can spin out, struggle to stop, lead to rollover crashes, and cause injuries or fatalities. If there is enough evidence in such cases, the mechanic or the manufacturer may be considered at fault and be held liable.
4. Dangerous road conditions. Motorcycles are, by their nature, less stable than cars, due to their structure. Slippery surfaces, uneven pavement, and potholes can be deadly obstacles for riders. To reduce risks, riders should avoid adverse weather, and stick to the routes they know well.
5. Lane splitting. This is the act of riding between two occupied lanes, to avoid traffic congestion. This is very risky since drivers do not expect the rider to approach. 

If you’ve been hurt in a Miami motorcycle accident, Sean M. Cleary is committed to helping you and can advise you about your rights to get compensation and protect your interests. Call us today to schedule a free, thorough consultation about your crash.

What is the insurance coverage for a motorcycle rider?

Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance is not available to motorcycle owners even if they already carry PIP for another vehicle. 

Motorcyclists are not covered or restricted by PIP insurance. If an unidentified vehicle causes a crash, or if a hit and run vehicle causes a crash, riders may file claims under their own uninsured motorist policy for their injuries.

Motorcycle owners can buy medical payments insurance to cover the injuries they could suffer and can purchase insurance to cover injuries or damage that they might cause to another. 

An injured motorcyclist may seek compensation from the at-fault party through a personal injury lawsuit. Because motorcycles are not subject to PIP insurance restrictions, injured riders are not restricted in the damages they may seek for their injuries. For example, an injured motorcyclist who brings a claim against an at-fault party does not have to prove their injuries are permanent to recover damages.

A large percentage of motorcycle accidents are the fault of another driver, contrary to public perception. You may be entitled to compensation for damages caused by the negligence of a motorist:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain
• Suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life

The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary has successfully represented many victims of motorcycle crashes recovering large settlements. Reach out to us today for a free consultation.