South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog
When you ride a motor vehicle, you put yourself at certain risk of injury from a potential accident. When you ride a motorcycle, the stakes are much higher for many reasons. Because motorcyclists do not have the protection around them like a car or SUV would, bikers often suffer from severe injuries and expensive medical costs after a crash. Inquiring with an experienced attorney could be vital to pursue the compensation needed for a full recovery.
At the law office of Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, our distinguished attorneys have more than four decades combined of legal experience handling personal injury cases, including cases involving motorcycles. Sign up for a no-cost consultation to learn if you may be legally eligible to recover compensation to pay for lost income, medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and property damage.
Although you do take a significantly higher risk as a motorcycle rider, you may still deserve compensation to cover your damages. Learn more about these risks below, along with some ways you may be able to reduce your chances of getting into a serious motorcycle accident.
Dangers of Riding a Motorcycle
Riding a motorcycle can be fun and exciting, however, you put yourself in significant danger every time you hit the road. Even if you are the safest rider, some of the risks you take include:
Getting Hit by Another Vehicle
Because motorcycles do not have any metal protective barriers around them, when another vehicle collides with them, the rider is prone to sustain catastrophic injuries. Since motorcycles do not have safety features such as seatbelts or airbags, the rider also has little to no protection to avoid a serious injury. We recommend wearing protective gear to keep you safe such as a helmet, protective eye-wear, jacket, and gloves.
Falling Off Your Bike
Even the smallest bump on the road can cause a biker to lose control and fall off the motorcycle. Riders are often thrown off their bikes and land on the unforgiving pavement, which can result in broken bones, lacerations, traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s), and even death. Always stay focused on the road and slow down when you see something that may cause you to lose control of the bike.
Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, uneven pavement, road erosion, puddles, oil spills, debris, and railroad tracks are often easily passable for a car or SUV, however, these seemingly harmless obstacles can be treacherous for motorcycles. Pay close attention when riding through a construction area, as there may be some unfinished road work, equipment, or construction materials that may have been left behind. When road conditions are not ideal, proceed with caution and try to avoid these obstacles.
Inclement Weather
Sometimes strong storms seem to appear out of nowhere in Florida. Slick roads, high winds, and flash flooding can all pose significant threats to bikers who may be caught off-guard. Since motorcycles only have two wheels, it means they have far less traction and balance compared to vehicles with four wheels.
Be sure to check the weather before going for a ride, and remember to check for updates often throughout the day, as weather patterns can often change. Keep an eye out for fallen debris such as branches, rocks, or trash that may have been blown onto the road after a strong storm. When visibility is poor, it is best to wear bright colored clothing so other drivers can see you coming.
Drivers Failing to Notice Motorcycles
Since motorcycles are much smaller than most other vehicles, it makes them much harder to notice for unsuspecting drivers. Other drivers can suddenly switch lanes and move right into oncoming cyclists before noticing them, causing the motorcycle to swerve and hit other vehicles. Always use your turn signals when switching lanes and ride defensively by assuming the other drivers have not noticed you.
Distracted Drivers
Unfortunately, one of the biggest growing problems for all motorists is attributed to distracted driving. Motorcyclists are even more likely to become victims of crashes caused by driving while eating, drinking, texting, changing the radio, or adjusting the GPS. If you notice a distracted driver, slow down and stay away to avoid a dangerous collision.
Driving While Under the Influence
When drivers are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it causes them to make poor decisions which puts motorcyclists at risk for crashing and sustaining severe injuries and sometimes death. It is always better to let a sober friend drive or call for a ride rather than driving while under the influence.
If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you may need to file a wrongful death claim. Surviving family members could qualify for financial compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, medical expenses, loss of future income, and loss of companionship.
Defective Parts
Sometimes serious motorcycle accidents are caused by faulty or defective bikes or its parts. Defective tires, faulty brakes, and inadequate throttles are all common examples of defective parts motorcyclists often face.
You may not notice certain issues until you speed up on your bike. For example, the front end of the motorcycle could become wobbly and unstable when traveling at high speeds. This may happen because the front and rear tires are misaligned. In the event of a crash, the manufacturer of the bike or its parts could be held liable for your damages.
Inquire With a Lawyer Who Has a Proven Track Record
If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident contact a Port St. Lucie motorcycle accident lawyer, it is important to understand your rights to seek legal compensation (by appointment only). You could be eligible for funds to cover medical costs, pain and suffering, property damage, lost income, and more. Inquiring with a lawyer who has a proven track record could help you seek the financial support you may need for a full recovery.
At the law office of Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, our dedicated lawyers understand the difficulties injured victims and their families face after suffering a serious motorcycle crash. This is why we offer a no-cost initial consultation to hear the details of your injury claim. There is no obligation to retain our services, so there is no risk in giving us a call today.
Our award-winning attorneys have over 40 years of combined legal experience while recovering more than $100 million in successful verdicts and settlements.
Our firm is available by phone, 24/7, at (561) 800-8000. You can also chat with our online representative.