Florida and Georgia are great places for bikers. Sunshine and long, ambling highways are just some of the popular reasons residents and visitors enjoy riding motorcycles in these areas.
Unfortunately, perhaps because of our popularity as a biking destination, these states also rank among the top states for motorcycle accidents. Hundreds of bikers die each year and many more are seriously injured.
If you are a biker that was injured in a crash caused by someone else's negligence, please call Kelleher Law at 833-546-3675. We have offices in Naples and Fort Myers, Florida, as well as Atlanta, Georgia. Wee provide free case reviews 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our experienced attorneys can determine whether you have a claim to pursue compensation for your catastrophic injuries.
When Other Vehicles Cause a Motorcycle to Crash
In motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle, it's entirely possible that the driver of the other vehicle is at fault. Here are some of the most common ways motorists cause motorcycles to crash:
- Turning in front of a motorcycle
- Following a motorcycle too closely
- Crowding a motorcycle in their lane
- Changing lanes too close to a motorcycle
- Opening a car door as a motorcycle passes
Motorcyclists have a right to be on the road just like any other licensed motorist. They have a right to the highway, and the same caution should be exercised around them as around other motorists.
Some of the most common motorcycle accidents can be linked backed to a motorist who overlooks the presence of the motorcycle on the road, or who recklessly and aggressively denies the motorcyclist their right to the road. Turning in front of a motorcycle is a frequently cited caused of these crashes, and it usually has to do with the driver failing to see and recognize the approaching motorcycle, or misjudging the speed at which the motorcycle is traveling.
Other Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
Sometimes it isn't other motorists who cause these crashes. Sometimes it is another party whose role in the crash may have been carried out long before it occurs:
Dangerous or defective roads.
Motorcycles require more skill to handle than other types of vehicles. Hazards on the road can pose a much greater threat to a two-wheeled bike. While some things – rockfall and debris blown into the road – are random acts of nature, in other instances the road itself may be dangerously designed. A curve may be too sharp for the posted speed limit, or there may be a lack of warning signs for such a curve. Things like these can cause a biker to lose control unexpectedly. A roadway architect or construction company may be at fault.
Motorcycle defects.
There may be some defect in the design or manufacture of the motorcycle itself, or the motorcycle parts and components. When these defects are not known to the rider, the defects may cause a sudden and unexpected problem the rider is not properly prepared for. The result can be a serious crash.
If you aren't sure of the exact factors that came together to cause a crash, don't worry. Our experienced attorneys will use our resources to determine if negligence played a role in the accident that injured you. If the accident can be traced back to someone else's carelessness, then you deserve the opportunity to hold the responsible party accountable in an accident claim.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents are less common than those involving larger vehicles, but are much more dangerous. Because motorcycles are less crashworthy than passenger vehicles, motorcycle accidents commonly result in serious or fatal injury. Some studies have found that motorcyclists are 26-times more likely to die in an accident and five times more likely to become injured.
What Are the Short-Term and Long-Term Impacts of a Motorcycle Accident on a Person's Health?
There are several possible injuries in a motorcycle accident. Some of the most common include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Facial Disfigurement
- Broken or Fractured Bones
- Road Rash
Some studies have found that 98% of accidents involving motorcycles and other vehicles result in injury to the motorcyclist, several of which have long-term consequences such as permanent loss of ability, forced changes to lifestyle, and an inability to work. These accidents may also come with several emotional consequences, including PTSD, inexplicable mood swings, increased anxiety, and depression.
What is the Risk of Expensive Medical Bills After a Motorcycle Crash?
Most motorcycle accidents result in injury to the motorcyclist. Motorcycles offer no protection against impact, increasing the risk of serious or fatal injury. The risk of expensive medical bills is much higher in a motorcycle accident than in one involving passenger cars alone.
See What Our Clients Are Saying...
"From the beginning of my case, the insurance company never wanted to admit I was hurt. They never offered much more than my medical bills and that was after more than a year in court. When we finally went to trial, Jim Kelleher was fantastic. He totally connected with the jury and got them to award me $250,000 which was WAY more than any offer I had ever received. If you want a lawyer who will fight for you and who can beat those insurance people at their own game, hire Jim Kelleher!!"
Tragic Injuries Are Common
Motorcycles really don't offer any protection. Getting thrown from the bike can lead to fatal injuries, or life-altering injuries even if they don't prove fatal. Head and brain injuries are common, as are spine trauma and broken bones. Road burns are very common.
If the crash was caused through no fault of your own, why should you have to deal with the consequences while the responsible party pays nothing? A wrongful death or injury claim handled by our experienced lawyers is your opportunity to hold them accountable. You deserve maximized compensation for your injuries, and the related expenses and losses.
When Should You Contact an Attorney After a Motorcycle Crash?
You should always consult with an attorney after a motorcycle accident, even if it was a single-vehicle accident, even if you suspect you played a role. There can be several causes of an accident that may be overlooked by both rider and insurance companies, making it important that a third party investigate the accident to establish liability.
One of the key services a motorcycle accident lawyer performs is an investigation into the cause of the accident. This helps to ensure victims of these accidents are made aware of what their claim may be worth and are provided information on all of their options.
How Long Do Motorcycle Accident Cases Last?
Depending on the complexity of the case and the severity of the injuries, a motorcycle case may take one to two years to settle. Most motorcycle accident cases settle out of court, but those that require a trial will take longer. One of the best ways to determine how long a claim may take is by talking to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
Can You File a Motorbike Accident Injury Case on Behalf of Someone Else?
If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. While each state is different, in the state of Florida, a wrongful death claim may be brought by the victim’s:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
Claims may also be brought about by blood or adopted relatives who are, at least in part, financially dependent on the victim.
Talking to an experienced lawyer is one of the best ways to learn if you are entitled to seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Call Kelleher Law Now
To find out if you have a claim, please call us at 833-546-3675 or contact us online. Our attorneys in Florida and Georgia proudly serve residents from our office locations are in Naples, Fort Myers, and Atlanta.
As an injured motorcycle rider, you deserve to know if you have a claim. Your case review is free and involves no obligation. Our AV Preeminent® lawyers will provide the clear, straightforward answers you need.
