Serious injuries are, unfortunately, a common occurrence in motorcycle collisions. Motorcyclists understand the increased risks of these accidents, but avoiding them is not always possible. Negligent motorists who fail to watch for motorcycles are especially likely to cause a crash.
You might have a case for compensation when a motorcycle wreck results in your physical injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney could answer your questions and advise you on the strongest path toward justice. Before you consider a settlement offer or file a lawsuit on your own, speak with a Trinity motorcycle accident lawyer at Perenich Law Injury Attorneys.
What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Sadly, many collisions between motorcycles and automobiles could have been prevented if drivers had acted responsibly, exercised caution, and observed the rules of the road. Unfortunately, many drivers today are caught up in their own worries and constantly in a rush to get places. While they might check for other approaching cars, they might not look around for motorcycles, which are lower to the ground and have smaller frames. However, the fact that motorcycles are not as easy to see is not an excuse for a motorist’s negligence.
Some examples of driver negligence that could cause them to collide with a motorcycle include:
- Tailgating
- Speeding
- Illegal turns
- Unsafe passing
- Fatigued driving
- Distracted driving
- Illegal lane changes
- Not using lights in the dark
- Intoxicated or drugged driving
- Failure to yield or stop as required
A motorist can be at fault for an accident even if there is no direct contact between a bike and a car. For instance, when an automobile driver tailgates or follows a motorcycle too closely and forces it to swerve suddenly to avoid a collision, they could cause a motorcycle driver to lose control of their bike, potentially resulting in severe injuries to the rider.
A skilled law firm with a longstanding reputation in this community could thoroughly investigate the accident. A Trinity motorcycle crash lawyer could scrutinize all evidence, including the police report and traffic camera footage. They could also meet with people who saw the crash to learn what they observed. By knowing how to properly interview witnesses, they could learn additional information that might not have otherwise been disclosed. If appropriate, a proactive legal team could also follow the correct procedural requirements to get copies of the driver’s blood alcohol test results and cell phone records.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents might not be as common as car accidents, but the resulting injuries can be severe. These vehicles provide little to no protection for riders. When crashes happen, motorcyclists face the risk of injury due to an impact on another vehicle, as well as the threat of being thrown from their bike and striking the ground.
One of the most frequently occurring injuries in motorcycle wrecks is known as “road rash.” This burn-like injury occurs when a person is thrown from their motorcycle and their exposed skin skids across the ground. Other common injuries include:
- Fractures
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Severe burns
- Cuts and bruises
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
Each of these injuries could provide viable grounds for a legal claim for compensation. A skilled Trinity motorcycle accident attorney could build a strong case for negligence based on any of these injuries.
Do No-Fault Rules Apply to Motorcycle Collisions?
Under Florida state law, accidents involving cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles are covered by “no-fault” insurance rules. In a no-fault state, motorists are required to seek compensation through their own insurance company after a crash instead of filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party. However, these rules do not apply to motorcycle accidents.
An injured person in a motorcycle crash can pursue a civil lawsuit, regardless of the circumstances. In order to obtain compensation, the injured motorcyclist must be able to establish that the wreck resulted from the other driver’s negligence.
There are four elements to negligence. They include the duty of care, breach of the duty of care, causation, and damages. A well-practiced lawyer serving Trinity could establish the elements of negligence in a motorcycle accident case.
What Is a Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
No one can estimate with certainty what a motorcycle accident case is worth. There are too many factors at play to be able to calculate the outcome of a case accurately. However, a knowledgeable motorcycle wreck lawyer in Trinity could advise an injured party on the type of damages they might be entitled to recover. This could help paint a picture of the possible outcome of these cases. Some of the damages available include:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage claims
- Diminished future earnings
- Disability
An Insurance Company Offered Me a Settlement After My Motorcycle Accident. Should I Accept?
After a motorcycle accident, people face many obstacles. They need to work on recuperating from their physical injuries. They might also face emotional struggles as they learn to address their anxiety, mental anguish, or depression. If their injuries force them to take unpaid leave from work, they might have costly medical bills and other expenses, which quickly add up, with no means to pay for them.
Insurance companies are aware of the struggles that people face right after a motorcycle wreck. They understand that motorcycle crash survivors are in desperate need of money as soon as possible after an accident, which is why they try to offer unreasonably low initial settlement offers. The primary goal of insurance companies is not to help injured parties. Instead, they are more interested in saving their company money and preserving company profits. Consequently, it is never a good idea to accept an initial settlement offer without consulting first with a knowledgeable local attorney. A qualified lawyer could review the terms of a proposed settlement to see if they are just and fair. A motorcycle collision attorney in Trinity could also use their experience, skills, and resources to negotiate for a more reasonable settlement.
At Perenich Law Injury Attorneys, we understand that injured parties want to end the matter as quickly as possible; however, accepting the first settlement offer is not usually the right answer. Our legal team could work determinedly to seek a fair and swift resolution while looking out for an injured motorcyclist’s best interests. We care about all of our clients and want to help them move on from the aftermath of a tragic accident.
Reach Out to a Trinity Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
A successful motorcycle collision lawsuit could provide financial compensation for an injured rider. However, securing this outcome is not always easy. The right attorney could make a fair outcome a reality for you.
Let a Trinity motorcycle accident lawyer at Perenich Law Injury Attorneys help your case succeed. Call as soon as possible for a free, confidential consultation with one of our qualified legal professionals. We are a team of 3 Brothers Helping Others, and we want to help you.
(727) 669-2828