Compared to a car, a motorcycle has many benefits, such as better gas mileage and less pollution. Unfortunately, a motorcycle can also be dangerous as it lacks many of the safety features of an automobile. Additionally, other motorists often don’t exercise proper care around a motorcyclist, leaving the rider at risk for serious injuries in a motorcycle accident in South Florida.
Therefore, as a motorcyclist, you should be aware of your right to file a personal injury claim if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in South Florida. A Palm Beach motorcycle attorney with extensive knowledge of Florida’s insurance laws can go over your case and determine issues of negligence and compensation to which you may be entitled.
Road Risks for Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists face many risks and, judging by the following statistics, should seriously consider filing a personal injury claim if harmed in a motorcycle accident in South Florida.
Some sobering statistics in regards to motorcycle accidents include:
- 66% of motorcycle accidents that involved another motor vehicle occurred because a motorist violated the motorcyclist’s right of way; and
- it’s 26 times more likely that motorcycle riders will be killed in an accident as compared to someone in a car, and 5 times more likely that motorcycle riders will sustain injuries.
In fact, there were 5,290 motorcycle fatalities across the country in 2008, and 523 of them occurred in Florida, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s an increase over 5,174 accidents in 2007 and 4,837 in 2006.
Besides the lack of safety features on a motorcycle, riders face other problems that could lead to a motorcycle accident in South Florida, including:
- Visibility issues – a motorcycle is a small target, and thus it can be obscured by larger vehicles and adverse weather conditions.
- Potholes, debris, oil slicks and uneven pavement – these conditions can cause a motorcyclist to lose control of the bike.
- Instability – a motorcycle can become unstable at high speeds and wobble because of an alignment problem.
Personal Injury Claim After a South Florida Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle accident in South Florida, negligence will play a huge factor in your personal injury claim.
Your Palm Beach motorcycle attorney will have to prove that the party responsible for your injuries:
- owed you a duty of care;
- breached that duty;
- caused your accident; and
- caused you to sustain injuries.
To prove negligence, your Palm Beach motorcycle attorney will analyze evidence including police reports, witness statements, crash evidence and medical records to establish fault.
Additional Parties in a South Florida Motorcycle Accident
An automobile driver is not the only party that could be at fault in a motorcycle accident in South Florida.
If it there is a defect in your motorcycle, which could be the case with a speed wobble accident, an experienced Palm Beach motorcycle attorney will help determine whether your personal injury claim should be filed against the manufacturer of the motorcycle or your mechanic.
A malfunction or vehicle defect could cause even the most knowledgeable motorcycle rider to sustain injuries in a motorcycle accident in South Florida.
Contact a Palm Beach Motorcycle Attorney
A motorcycle accident can ruin and completely change your life. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in West Palm Beach or North Palm Beach, Florida, you should contact a Palm Beach motorcycle attorney to learn about your rights and determine liability. When you are interviewing attorneys ask critical questions, like: how long have you been practicing; what is the largest settlement or verdict you’ve obtained; and do you have experience with motorcycle cases?
24/7 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless one of our trained motorcycle attorneys wins your case. Call now to schedule a no-cost evaluation of your case – 888-984-4878.