Motorcycle accidents can be devastating. They can result in extremely serious injury, including head trauma, paralysis, loss of limbs, and loss of life. Determining who is at fault for a motorcycle accident is key to any claim for damages. Their common causes and how often they occur determine much of the law involving motorcycles. One of the main issues is that drivers of passenger vehicles are unaware or dismissive of motorcycle riders, and often very judgmental of them. This can lead to a plethora of problems on the road, where a majority of car drivers assume that the lanes were made for them and only them.
At The Law Place, we are experienced in motorcycle accident cases. All of our motorcycle accident lawyers in Tampa, FL, work together on every case, ensuring a thorough approach to the individual needs of your lawsuit. We have experience dealing with reckless drivers and can provide the legal aid needed in this trying time. If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident and are seeking compensation for your personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death, we can help.
Book a free consultation with us today to see what your options are, and to get the justice you deserve. Call us today on (941) 444-4444.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Motorcycle Accidents?
By far, the most common cause of motorcycle accidents is reckless passenger vehicle driving. Car drivers are at less risk in a motorcycle accident, and the effects on motorcyclists can be traumatic or life-threatening. Disputes often center around right of way, with car drivers oftentimes unaware of motorcyclists.
These are the most common examples of motorcycle accidents involving passenger vehicles:
- Left-turn accidents.
- Distracted drivers.
- Door-opening into a lane.
- Unsafe or reckless lane changes.
- Brake-checking.
- Failure to yield.
Left-turn accidents account for nearly 50% of all motorcycle collisions. These happen at intersections where motorcycle riders attempt to pass on the left when a car is turning. It is important for the rider to be aware of what is happening in the traffic around them at all times, as motorcycles are easily in the blind spots of other motorists.
In addition to these listed causes, a motorcycle crash is many times the result of poor maintenance of roadways or unclear road signage. It is important to drive safely and be aware of traffic at all times, or it could cost you your life.
What Are Major Causes of Death in Motorcycle Accidents?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle collision than those who ride in passenger cars. 4,985 motorcycle riders died in 2018. Lacking the steel cages and seat belts that ensure relative safety in a passenger vehicle, motorcycle drivers are at a much higher risk for catastrophic personal injury. This means that riders need to take extra precautions when hitting the road in search of the thrill that motorcycles provide.
Fatal motorcycle accidents have a range of causes that include:
- Turning accidents.
- Unsafe road conditions.
- Motorcycle part defects.
- Lack of protective gear.
- Reckless driving.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
(Note: accidents due to defective motorcycle parts are rare and most often due to deficient maintenance.)
In the tragic case of death in motorcycle accidents, fatal injury is most often traumatic head injury. Wearing a helmet is always recommended and can be one of the best ways to prevent death or catastrophic injury on the road. If you are over the age of 21 in Florida, you are not required to wear a helmet. However, if you choose not to, you must also carry at least $10,000 worth of medical payment insurance. The NHTSA estimates that in 2017 1,872 motorcyclist lives were saved by the use of helmets.
Paralysis, loss of limbs, internal organ damage, and other potentially fatal injuries can occur while riding a motorcycle. Our law firm always recommends taking every safety precaution available in order to prevent tragedy from striking you or a loved one.
At What Speed Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
An unexpected fact of motorcycle accident statistics is that most accidents occur at a low speed of 29.8 mp/h prior to impact and only 21.5 mp/h at the time of impact. Only 1/1000 motorcycle accidents occur at a high speed of 86 mp/h.
Even when cruising down a suburban roadway, motorcyclists must be vigilant and careful of the dangers presented by passenger car drivers. The consequences could be costly or deadly.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day.
How Is Fault Determined in Motorcycle Accident Cases?
Car drivers are often held in the majority responsible for motorcycle collisions, but the actions of both motorists are considered in the final decision. When the fault of an accident is unsafe roadways, the government entity responsible for road management may be held responsible.
Fault is calculated based on arguments made by attorneys using evidence provided in an investigation and then determined by the court in its final decision. Motorcycles generally pose less of a threat on roadways to passenger vehicles, and the court takes this into consideration when making its decision. However, if evidence proves a motorcyclist is partially responsible for the crash, the court will deduct damages from the final settlement based on its calculation of plausible liability.
It is important to consult a personal injury or wrongful death lawyer to investigate the matter fully in order to determine which parties are liable in your case. The Law Place has experienced investigators who will examine all the evidence available and do all in our power to find those at fault for your accident.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience
Consult Our Experienced Team of Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
Have you experienced personal injury or property damage in a motorcycle crash?
Contact The Law Place to schedule a free consultation and find out what damages you may be entitled to. Our professional and experienced team of lawyers work together on every case. No stone will be left unturned in our thorough approach to the individual needs of you and the case. File your motorcycle accident action with us to make certain you have the best available law firm on your side. We guarantee exceptional legal aid during your time of hardship.
Focus on healing and leave the rest to us. Call The Law Place on (941) 444-4444 for your free consultation today.
