Motorcycles are incredibly popular across Florida, with some cities ranking among the highest numbers of registered vehicles in the country. Of course, a large number of motorcycles can mean an increase in motorcycle accidents, especially if the rider demonstrates signs of negligence. It is an unfortunate statistic, but there are more fatal motorcycle accidents in Florida than in any other state.
Some accidents are just that – unforeseen events that could not have been easily avoided. However, in many cases, these accidents happen due to the negligence of one or more road users. Many of these accidents involve multiple parties. In some cases, the driver of another vehicle can be to blame. However, there is every chance that the motorcyclist’s action may have caused the incident and any subsequent injuries.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, or have suffered from motorcycle accident injuries, then The Law Place is here to help. We are vastly experienced with cases in North Port and across Florida, and we will do all we can to enforce your right to compensation. Call us right away on (941) 444-4444 for a free case review with one of our motorcycle accident lawyers. Phone lines are open 24/7.
The Most Common North Port Motorcycle Accident Causes
Some of the most common maneuvers on the road can have disastrous consequences for motorbike riders and other road users when negligence is involved.
Statistically, the event that causes more North Port motorcycle accidents than anything else is when a driver is turning left. A car user should pay attention to their surroundings before doing so. Still, it makes sense for the motorcyclist to also fully assess the situation before they make the wrong decision and find themselves trapped in an inevitable scenario.
Other significant causes of accidents including motorcycle riders include:
- Motorbike riders heading straight through an intersection without due care and consideration.
- Negligently attempting to overtake other road users.
- Breaking the given speed limit.
- Stopping suddenly for no discernable reason.
- Driving under the influence.
Other issues may qualify as negligence on the part of the motorcyclist, even if they are not immediately apparent. A bike owner that allows their motorcycle to fall into a state of disrepair may cause an accident. At the same time, someone that decides to acquire a high-performance machine with which they are not fully experienced can also do a lot of damage on the road.
What Rules Govern Safe Motorcycle Usage in Florida?
There are a huge number of rules and regulations surrounding the use of the road in North Port and the wider state, and they apply just as much to motorcyclists as they do car and truck drivers. It is essential for everyone to understand the rules, as it will drive the decisions they make in various situations.
At the most basic level, Florida’s citizens need to familiarize themselves with the State of Florida’s Driver’s Handbook, which outlines license types, signals, and what to look out for to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy.
This handbook applies to everyone who takes to the road in the state. However, motorcyclists have additional rules that they must observe, which do not apply to most other drivers. These additional regulations are as follows:
- All motorcyclists using public roads must have either a motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement.
- Helmets are required by law for anyone under the age of 21. Beyond this, they are a good idea for all motorcyclists, as brain injuries can be a relatively common result of a crash involving a motorbike rider.
- Motorcycle users must wear eye protection that has been approved by the Florida Department of Transport.
- Motorcyclists should also remember that their personal injury insurance does not extend to their vehicle, nor to the bodies and vehicles of others. Therefore, it is also required by law that they have the correct property damage and injury insurance to cover third parties.
The Florida Department of Transport’s Safety Plan targets a reduction in auto accidents and injury and enforces road use rules accordingly. However, the fact remains that, for whatever reason, some people consider themselves above the law, while others feel they know better than the rules that have been laid out before them.
If you feel that your involvement in an accident was due to negligence by another road user or the breaking of road laws, our team of motorcycle accident lawyers and general accident attorneys will help you to build a case to enable you to obtain the compensation you deserve.
The Duty of Care to Other Drivers
Everyone that takes a vehicle out onto the road in North Port has a duty of care to other road users. Whether in a car, on a motorcycle, or using any other kind of vehicle, the system relies on a clear understanding of the rules by all parties, together with a willingness to demonstrate consideration for those around you.
These considerations do not need to be complicated. Indeed, your duty of care to others largely involves common sense. Above all, anyone out on the road should do all they can to ensure that their actions will not cause a motorcycle accident or personal injury to themselves or others.
In terms of common sense, it would be easy to assume that motorcyclists are particularly passionate about upholding their duty of care. After all, they are relatively exposed to the dangers of the road compared to others that are fully encased within their car or other vehicles. However, that is not always the case.
If any party involved in an accident in Florida is determined to have breached their duty of care, they are likely to be held liable for causing the accident.
Common Claims for Damages Following a Motorcycle Accident
In many cases, claiming compensation with the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer relies on loss or another interruption to standard daily life. Anyone that is concerned about whether they were a victim of an accident and is unsure about whether to become a client of a North Port motorcycle accident lawyer should consider whether any of the following applies to them:
- They have had to contact insurance companies since the accident.
- They or their families have sustained some form of personal injury.
- Their injuries have led to unforeseen medical expenses.
- A loss of income or the loss of the ability to earn for reasons related to their car accident.
- Suffering from any mental issues and injuries beyond anything physical. This may include stress, anguish, and anything else that could be directly associated with the car accident.
If the decision is taken to enlist the assistance of motorcycle accident lawyers, our team of attorneys at The Law Place have extensive experience in successfully seeking compensation, and we would be happy to talk to you about building a case around your auto accident and the injuries you may have received as a result.
How Do Accident Attorneys Decide Who Is at Fault in a Motorcycle Accident?
While any accident involving a motorcycle will have its own challenges, the process of assigning blame does not change. In cases where it is the motorcyclist that has caused the accident by doing something wrong, such as breaking the law or breaching their duty of care, they are at fault due to their own personal negligence.
Any intentional or careless action that results in personal injury or other issues can be classed as negligence. Speeding, using the wrong equipment, a poorly maintained motorcycle, or driving without the correct license and insurance can all fall into this category.
The reason why accident attorneys can often be so valuable in these cases is that proving that the rider of a motorcycle was at fault can be difficult, and that is only one stage of the process. It is also essential to prove that negligence from a third party directly contributed to the crash. After all, it is impossible to hold someone liable for negligence when there was no accident or if the incident took place later and in an unrelated event.
How Can Attorneys at The Law Place Help?
Injury attorneys start the claims process with a consultation about the car accident. Most North Port motorcycle accident lawyers will gather as much information about and on behalf of clients as possible, such as checking with insurance companies, getting a clear picture of any personal injury, and the status of liability insurance among all parties.
Another important role played by a personal injury attorney is proving that the claims made by the people involved in the case are true. Claimants can say anything they want to their insurance company and representation. However, if they do not have proof of their injuries and other losses suffered, the likelihood of compensation reduces significantly.
While the evidence is not required upon initial consultation with a lawyer, it is a good idea to have as much evidence to hand as possible when making a claim. This can include medical bills and statements, documentation from an insurance company, wage slips, and anything else that can help to prove that issues suffered as a direct result of the accident are genuine.
When seeking to become a client of a North Port motorcycle accident lawyer, it is also ideal to have any additional evidence to hand surrounding proving who was at fault. This could be other people that were in a vehicle at the time, dashcam footage, witnesses’ contact details, or anything else that can assist your representation in making a case on your behalf.
How Much Does a Consultation With a Law Firm Cost?
Different law firms charge different rates. However, your initial consultation with The Law Place will cost nothing. The initial case review is free of charge. The navigation of the various issues involved with each accident will be completed before our team decides whether there is a case for a claim. Once it is clear that there is a case to be made, we would be delighted to act on your behalf at every stage.
The time immediately following an accident can be particularly stressful, and we seek to reduce that stress at every opportunity. Our law firm works on a contingency basis, so our fees will only be taken from your final settlement if/ when your case is successful. Our work is in line with the State Bar Association, which controls the guidelines around all charges associated with contingency work. We will make fees and associated costs clear as part of the initial consultation, ensuring that all clients have the full picture of what to expect as their case proceeds. There are no surprise bills with The Law Place!
Work With The Law Place on Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you have been involved in an accident involving a motorcycle and wish to make a claim for damages, we would be delighted to welcome you on board as a client. If you’re worried about contacting insurance companies or need any guidance right away, we’re here to help. Call The Law Place today to start an immediate case review on (941) 444-4444. Phone lines are open 24/7 for your convenience.
