Seminole Motorcycle Accident Attorney
A motorcycle accident can occur in a split second, leaving you with catastrophic injuries. In a single year, there were 631 fatalities, 1,999 incapacitating injuries, and 3,704 other injuries among motorcycle riders and passengers in the Sunshine State. In Pinellas County alone, there were 35 fatalities, and 376 injuries reported in the same year.
Motorcyclist injuries can stem from a variety of causes, from drivers not yielding right of way to inattentiveness behind the wheel. No matter the cause of your motorcycle crash, you need dependable representation to recover the damages you deserve. If you are ready to defend your rights, reach out to a Seminole motorcycle accident attorney today.
Proving Liability
Establishing liability in a motorcycle accident can be broken down into the following:
- Duty of care: All road users are obligated to follow the rules of the road. For instance, you are obligated to stop at a red light or follow the posted speed limit.
- Breach of duty: A motorist or other road user who fails to adhere to traffic regulations has violated his or her duty. Running a red light or speeding are prime examples.
- Causation: The wrongful party’s actions set off a chain of events that caused your accident, and the accident must be a foreseeable consequence of that person’s conduct.
- Damages: As a result of the accident, you suffered injuries and other losses that are quantifiable.
Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
While motorcyclists are able to maneuver in and out of traffic, motorists do not always spot motorcyclists in dense traffic. Lacking the protection of an enclosed vehicle, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injuries than other motorists.
The top causes of motorcycle accidents in Seminole can be broken down as follows:
Lane Changes
Motorcyclists can fit into tight spaces, meaning that a rider can change lanes quickly. Motorcyclists should be careful not to remain in a driver’s blind spot. If a motor vehicle operator does not see a motorcyclist, the driver may make a lane change that proves deadly.
Failing to Yield Right-of-Way
In accordance with Florida Stat. §316.208(1), motorcyclists are conveyed the same rights as other motor vehicle drivers. In turn, motorcyclists must obey the same traffic regulations as everyone else and are not given special privileges.
Unfortunately, there are circumstances in which a motorcyclist has a right-of-way, but a driver may not grant it due to not seeing the motorcyclist. Even if the driver does not strike the motorcyclist, cutting a motorcyclist off in traffic can cause the rider to lose control of their bike.
Distracted Drivers
In a recent year, distracted driving took the lives of 3,308 people. Distracted driving can include eating/drinking, talking on your cell phone, and changing the radio station. Motor vehicle operators who do not pay complete attention to the road are likely to not see a motorcyclist stopping or changing lanes.
Oftentimes, the cause of a motorcyclist accident is not always clear. When you work with a Seminole motorcycle accident attorney, you are working with someone who will investigate the circumstances behind your collision. A motorcycle accident attorney will determine which factors contributed to your crash and which evidence clearly demonstrates liability.
Speak with a Seminole Motorcycle Accident Attorney Now
At Matthews Injury Law, our personal injury team knows that a motorcycle accident can leave you with more than minor bumps and bruises. If you have suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident and are ready to recover the compensation that is rightfully yours, we are more than happy to provide you with assistance. To learn how we can help, contact us online or by phone. We offer free consultations scheduled at your convenience.