Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Who’ll Fiercely Defend You in Court
Florida is a distant second to California as the state with the most motorcycles, but the Sunshine State is a clear leader when it comes to being the state with the most motorcycle accident deaths. In 2017, the state of Florida saw nearly 10,000 motorcycle accidents, tragically resulting in almost 8,000 injuries and more than 500 deaths. Although a common misconception exists of motorcycle riders as aggressive or reckless drivers, research shows it’s the driver of the other vehicle that is at fault in the great majority of motorcycle accidents.
How do motorcycle accident victims overcome this bias against them and recover the recompense they are due from a negligent driver? Sarasota motorcycle accident attorney Patrick M. Hale has the skills, experience, and dedication needed to hold negligent drivers accountable. You can depend on him to secure full compensation for those who suffered serious personal injury. Learn more about motorcycle accident causes and how to prevent them below.
Our firm is dedicated to getting excellent results that help you get back on your feet after a serious injury.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Sarasota?
Motorcycles only make up about three percent of the registered vehicles in the state. Because of that, they are less commonly seen on roads than cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, commercial trucks, and other vehicles. Drivers don’t expect to see motorcycles on the road, and it’s been shown that they often don’t see the motorcycle before the accident occurs. Sometimes, they only notice the motorcycle before it is too late to avoid a collision.
Since drivers don’t expect or see motorcycles on the road, they often don’t account for their possible presence before making a turn, lane change, or other maneuver. Motorcycle accidents occur when drivers violate the riders’ right-of-way. They happen frequently at intersections and involve the driver running a stop sign or red light.
Another common reason behind motorcycle accidents is the driver executing a left turn into the oncoming path of a motorcycle. Either the driver doesn’t see the motorcycle, or the driver misjudges the speed and/or distance of the oncoming bike.
What Can Motorcycle Riders Do To Avoid Motorcycle Accidents?
Since so many accidents occur because drivers are not aware of motorcycles in their midst, riding more visibly can be key to avoiding a collision with another driver. Consider using headlamps during the day and wearing brighter or more visible clothing. Defensive riding practices can also help prevent collisions, including riding predictably and using signals well before lane changes or turns.
Motorcycle riders almost always fare worse than other drivers during accidents. So of course, riding soberly, safely, and legally is essential to avoid being the cause of motorcycle accidents. Finally, wearing a DOT-certified helmet and protective clothing can help prevent the most serious injuries in some crashes.
Sometimes, all your care and attention can’t keep you from becoming the victim of a negligent or distracted driver. In those situations, seek an experienced motorcycle accident attorney for help obtaining proper medical care and compensation for all the harm done to you.
The Lawyers Motorcycle Riders Can Rely On After Collisions
Drivers are well-protected inside their automobiles, and new safety features are introduced every year for passenger vehicles. Unfortunately, motorcycle riders continue to have little protection in the event of a crash and are many times more likely to be injured or killed in a collision than the driver of the other vehicle. Motorcycle riders make up three percent of the drivers in Florida and 20% of traffic accident fatalities.
Motorcycle riders also don’t have the benefit of Personal Injury Protection and no-fault insurance in Florida like automobile drivers do. In the event of a crash, injured motorcyclists may have to sue the other driver to recover compensation for their claim. This way, they can overcome the bias against motorcycles held by many insurance companies and jury members. Having an experienced, assertive, and successful motorcycle accident attorney can be key to getting the best result on your claim.
If you got injured in a motorcycle accident in Sarasota, contact Hale Law at 1-800-800-1414 for a free consultation with an experienced and tenacious Sarasota motorcycle accident attorney. There’s no fee until after we recover for you. We also have a dedicated truck accident lawyer in Sarasota, FL who can help if you’ve been injured in a truck accident.
Schedule A Free Consultation