Given the weather in the Sunshine State, it should be unsurprising that motorcyclists enjoy riding on Florida’s roads. The southeast makes it possible for bikers to ride year-round. Of course, motorcyclists in the state face risks on the road. Motorcycles, in general, offer little protection in the event of a crash. When a motorcyclist is involved in a collision with a larger vehicle, the results are typically far worse for the person on two wheels. Many motorcyclists have learned to ride with skill and take important steps to improve their safety. However, motorcyclists are inevitably at the mercy of other drivers. Even the most experienced and cautious motorcyclists can do little to prevent themselves from suffering injuries at the hands of another driver who violates their right of way. Sadly, drivers frequently cause crashes with motorcyclists that lead to devastating and sometimes fatal results.
If you were injured in a crash while riding a motorcycle, contact the Durham Law Group to discuss your options for pursuing a legal claim. Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the Florida legal system and recover the compensation to which you are entitled. Call us today at 813-333-6250 to discuss your claim with a dedicated Tampa motorcycle accident attorney.
Motorcycle Accident Causes
Motorcycles are less stable than vehicles traveling on four wheels. It requires skill and balance to operate a motorcycle, which in and of itself can place riders at a greater risk of injuries. However, more than half of motorcycle crashes are the result of a driver in a larger vehicle. Studies suggest that motorcyclists are more at risk in part because drivers are psychologically inclined to overlook them on the road. Researchers point to a phenomenon called inattentional blindness, which involves a driver failing to see a motorcyclist because the driver is not looking for motorcycles but rather looking for cars and other larger vehicles. Drivers can even look and still not see a motorcycle that is heading toward them. For this reason, one of the most common types of motorcycle crashes takes place when drivers make a left turn and cut off an oncoming biker. There is little that motorcyclists can do to avoid these crashes, and sometimes all that a rider can do is slow down in order to reduce the speed at which the impact occurs. Slowing down may lessen a crash from one that results in fatal injuries to one that causes broken bones. Of course, if a driver cuts off a motorcyclist while turning left, the motorcycle had the right of way. The driver in this scenario had an obligation to look out for oncoming vehicles, including motorcycles. While the driver might be liable, the motorcyclist will suffer the physical consequences of that crash.
Another problem resulting from the smaller size of motorcycles is that they can become stuck in a driver’s blind spot. When this happens, a driver might change lanes and cut into the path of the motorcycle. Again, the driver is at fault, but the motorcyclist suffers the consequences of that driver’s carelessness.
If you were injured because of the negligent actions of a driver, contact a Tampa, Florida motorcycle crash attorney to discuss your legal options for pursuing a claim.
Motorcyclists and Comparative Negligence
In many cases, car crashes take place because of the actions of more than one motorist. If you were injured in a crash between a motorcycle and another vehicle, it is possible that both vehicle operators are at fault. For injured passengers, it is unlikely that you will share part of the blame, although you might be considered comparatively negligent if you failed to use the seatbelt if one was available to you. For motorcyclists, being partially at fault for a crash will not prevent you from recovering compensation following the collision. Under Florida’s comparative negligence laws, a person can recover an amount that is adjusted to reflect their share of liability. For instance, if you were in a crash and found to be 30% at fault, and another driver was 70% at fault, you could recover 70% of your total damages from the other at-fault individual.
When it comes to motorcycles, one of the best ways to protect yourself from injuries resulting from a car accident is to wear a motorcycle helmet. Helmets have been proven to reduce the risk of fatal injuries in motorcycle crashes and to lower the chances of traumatic brain injuries as well. In Florida, only motorcyclists under 21 years of age are required to wear a helmet. Although you are not legally required to wear a helmet, failing to wear one could reduce your damages. A court might find that you would not have suffered as severely if you had worn a helmet and will reduce the damages available to you from another driver. To learn more about Florida motorcycle lawsuits and your options, contact a Tampa, Florida motorcycle crash attorney.
Call the Durham Law Group Tampa Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
At the Durham Law Group, our attorneys will aggressively pursue your motorcycle claim to get you the compensation that you need. Call us today at 813-333-6250 for a free consultation with one of our experienced and dedicated Tampa motorcycle crash attorneys.
