An Orlando motorcycle accident attorney such as myself can be your first ally in the battle for compensation after a serious motorcycle accident. Unless you’ve tried to settle a motorcycle injury claim in the past, you may not be aware of how valuable it is to your financial future and your current health to work with a motorcycle injury lawyer. Settling a motorcycle injury claim can be difficult even with legal help. You don’t want to find out the hard way what it will be like without the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Factors That Increase Risk or Contribute to
Orlando Motorcycle Accidents
The freedom of maneuverability that comes with riding a motorcycle is also one of its greatest downfalls. While cars, buses and trucks have the safety of an enclosed space and features such as seat-belts and airbags, the motorcycle does not provide these same safety features. In fact, most motorcyclists have no more protection during a crash than the clothes on their back.
Visibility is another downfall of motorcycles. Because they are smaller, they tend to fall into the blind spots of nearby vehicles. This can result in serious accidents when a negligent driver fails to check his or her mirrors before changing lanes or making a turn.
A lesser known reason motorcycle crashes occur is due to manufacturer defects and mechanical failures. Many motorcycle models have been recalled over the years due to design or production flaws. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes the occurrence of several serious or fatal accidents before these flaws are discovered and resolved.
Cuts, bruises, road rash, burns, broken bones, and head trauma are possible consequences of these accidents. All of this can add up to substantial medical expenses, loss of work, and other damages. That is why you need a skilled personal injury attorney handling your case who will work zealously on your behalf to get the financial compensation for damages that you need and deserve.
Injuries Suffered In Florida Motorcycle Accidents Can Be Catastrophic
Because motorcyclists lack the extra protection of a car body around them, they often suffer more serious or fatal injuries. Any Orlando motorcycle accident attorney can attest to the severity of motorcycle injuries. According to the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT), the most common motorcycle fatalities were due to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or injuries to multiple body regions. For non-fatal crashes, fractures, especially to the lower extremities, and internal organ injuries were among the chief reasons motorcyclists were hospitalized after an accident.
Aside from the physical toll a motorcycle accident can take on a person, the financial burdens are a concern as well. As you heal from your injuries, the medical bills are sure to accumulate, which can create unexpected stress in an already stressful situation.
Your motorcycle crash lawyer is there to help put your mind at ease by taking up the task of negotiating a fair settlement for your injuries. The basis of a motorcycle accident case is that another negligent party, whether it be another driver or a motorcycle manufacturer, was responsible for causing your accident and injuries.
The liability in any motorcycle or other traffic accident depends on the specific facts and circumstances of your case. Florida state laws govern financial liability proportionate to fault. Such factors as speed, driver inattentiveness, disobeying traffic signals and signs, drug or alcohol influence, weather, road conditions, and more may play in part in determining fault in any accident.
An Orlando motorcycle accident attorney can also help examine the possibility that a defect with a part or the bike itself was the cause of the accident. In this case, a lawsuit may be filed against the part or bike manufacturer to recover damages.
How an Orlando Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Can Help Your Case
The Florida DOT reports that in 2010 the median hospital charge for motorcyclists involved in a crash was $55,748. Even a simple in-and-out emergency room visit cost a median $3,101. The point is – motorcycle injuries are NOT cheap.
As you recover from your injuries you’re most likely unable to work and are therefore losing regular income. Unexpected medical bills and unexpected lost wages can result in unexpected stress – a motorcycle injury lawyer can help alleviate some of that stress.
The main benefit of working with a motorcycle crash lawyer is the familiarity of handling motorcycle accident claims. Most motorcyclists have never been in an accident before and once the phone begins to ring with messages from your insurance adjuster, things can become frustrating.
In 2009, about half of the hospitalizations and emergency room visits due to motorcycle crashes were paid for by commercial insurance policies. This means it is highly likely you will have to deal with an insurance company in the course of your settlement.
Your Orlando motorcycle accident attorney can become your voice when dealing with the insurance adjusters, which can save you time and money. You can focus on recovery while your motorcycle injury lawyer focuses on negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company.
Many insurance adjusters will try to pressure claimants into accepting a quick settlement in order to downplay the serious costs a motorcycle accident can rack up. They know you are most likely desperate for relief from your medical bills, and if their initial settlement compensates for your current bills, you may be more likely to take it. Before you accept this settlement, have it reviewed by a motorcycle crash lawyer – I will point out that your settlement should cover not only your current losses, but also account for your future medical costs and lost wages.
Orange County Florida Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Source: www.flhsmv.gov
According to the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) Traffic Safety Office there were 7,484 motorcycle crashes and 6,686 with injuries reported in 2010. Of these crashes, 350 resulted in fatalities which accounted for 14.3 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state.
A motorcycle injury lawyer may see hundreds of cases in their career and each one is unique. While there are some common factors among motorcycle injury cases, it is important to note that even extremely similar cases can have drastically different outcomes due to a variety of factors.
The majority of motorcycle accidents in Florida in 2010 occurred with male motorcyclists between the ages of 45 and 54.
The most motorcycle accidents in 2010 occurred in Miami-Dade, Pinellas, Volusia, Hillsbobough, Palm Beach, Broward, Duval, Orange, Pasco and Brevard counties.
In 2011, helmet use was reported at 49.3 percent, and 37 percent of the victims of fatal crashes were not wearing a helmet according to the 2010 crash data.
These facts are part of the sad truth about motorcycle hazards – the Florida highways are still a dangerous place for motorcyclists to share the road.
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Orlando
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident in the greater Orlando area or in the surrounding counties of Seminole, Orange, Lake, Osceola, or Volusia, call us today at 407-490-1271 or use the form found on this page to schedule your free Orlando Motorcycle Accident Consultation. We are here to help and want to get the best possible results for your Motorcycle Accident. Our Orlando Motorcycle Accident team and I are familiar with Florida motorcycle laws, motorcycle insurance rules, and we can review and evaluate your case under personal injury laws.
