Motorcyclists are often severely injured or killed in motorcycle accidents. The motorcyclist has virtually no protection, other than a helmet, if worn, and “leathers,” to help prevent dangerous road rash. When a passenger vehicle (weighing 2,500 lbs. and up), or a large commercial truck collide with a motorcyclist, the motorcyclist is unlikely to walk away unscathed. Serious, life-threatening, and long-term injuries to motorcyclists involved in a vehicle accident are common since; there are no airbags, no safety belt, and no steel and glass “cage” to protect the motorcyclist. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, your best course of action is to contact a Plantation motorcycle accident attorney as quickly as possible.
We at the Law Offices of Nerina Smart, P.A., are ready to help you through this incredibly difficult time. If you were hit by a negligent driver, you need legal assistance, and you need it quickly. Our firm is built on the desire to help those who find themselves in a situation like yours. We have a passion for helping those involved in a motorcycle accident receive the financial compensation they need and deserve. We will work hard for you, aggressively pursuing equitable compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How Common are Motorcycle Accidents?
As of 2021, the state of Florida ranked as the seventh most dangerous state for motorcyclists, and Florida has consistently ranked within the top five states having the most motorcycle fatalities. Motorcycles are very popular in Florida; as of 2019, there were almost 600,000 registered motorcycles in the Sunshine State. Not to mention, Florida is home to the largest motorcycle event in the nation, the annual Daytona Beach Bike Week.
Further, the year-round warm weather encourages motorcyclists to ride year-round. With more motorcycles on the road, the chances of motorcycle accidents occurring increase exponentially. And when motorcycle accidents occur, severe injuries and fatalities follow. In 2020, motorcycle fatalities represented 15.5 percent of all traffic crash deaths in the State of Florida
What is the Process for a Plantation, FL, Motorcycle Accident Claim?
The claim process for a Plantation, Florida motorcycle accident can be complex, due in part to Florida’s no-fault insurance laws. Drivers of four-wheeled vehicles must carry $10,000 PIP insurance and $10,000 property damage liability insurance. Motorcycles cannot be insured on the same policy as a car and motorcycle insurance is only required if you choose not to wear a motorcycle helmet. Florida is the only state in the U.S. that has this type of motorcycle insurance law.
But, if you are at fault in a motorcycle accident and have no coverage to pay for the other driver’s expenses, you could lose your right to drive in Florida, have your motorcycle registration revoked, and will be forced to buy a liability policy for the next three years. This means that while you might not be legally required to have motorcycle insurance, you should. Even more perplexing, Florida’s no-fault system does not apply to motorcyclists. Following a motorcycle accident, it must be proven which driver was at fault; the at-fault driver could be responsible for the expenses of the other driver.
Your motorcycle crash will be investigated by your Plantation motorcycle accident attorney, using the police report, citations issued, photos of the scene of the accident, eyewitness statements, traffic cameras, and more. When necessary, your attorney may have an expert accident reconstructionist determine how fast the vehicles were moving and whether distraction, fatigue, or impairment was a factor. Your attorney will document your injuries as a means of securing full compensation. After adding up all your financial costs and losses, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company. If no agreement can be reached, the case will be litigated, but only if you have severe and permanent injuries. Depending on whether you chose to have a bench or jury trial, either a judge or a jury will decide who was liable in your accident and how much the liable party will pay.
FAQs Regarding Plantation Motorcycle Accidents
What Are the Primary Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents are most often the result of a failure to see a motorcyclist by the driver of a vehicle. Whether the motorcyclist is beside the vehicle on a busy freeway, or behind them as the driver of the vehicle backs out of a driveway or parking lot, or oncoming as the vehicle makes a left-hand turn, many drivers simply do not watch for or notice motorcyclists. Other common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Excess speed
- Impairment
- Driver distraction
- Driver fatigue
- Debris in the road
- Weather hazards
- Inexperienced drivers
- Potholes and other road hazards
Should I have a motorcycle accident attorney following my collision?
If you have anything other than the most minor injuries and minor damage to your motorcycle, you should definitely speak to a knowledgeable Plantation motorcycle accident attorney. As noted, the insurance laws for motorcyclists are very complex and injuries to motorcyclists are often very grave. You need someone who will fight for your rights and your future, from start to finish, working hard to ensure you receive an equitable settlement for your injuries.
Yet another reason to have a motorcycle accident attorney lies in the fact that there are many stereotypes associated with motorcyclists. Many believe the myth of the reckless, hard-living, “outlaw” motorcyclist, despite evidence to the contrary. A jury may believe these stereotypes, assuming the motorcyclist was at fault, even when he or she clearly was not. Your attorney can take steps to dispel these false beliefs, making it more likely you will receive a fair settlement.
How Can The Law Offices of Nerina Smart, P.A., Help Plantation, FL Motorcycle Accident Victims?
Plantation motorcycle accident Attorney Nerina Smart wants to be your advocate following your Florida motorcycle accident. With a strong desire to help those who cannot help themselves, the Law Offices of Nerina Smart believe in justice for the “little guy.” Our firm stands for compassion, fairness, and knowledge. We believe you deserve the highest level of legal representation, and we will work hard to ensure the best outcome possible. Contact The Law Offices of Nerina Smart, P.A. today.