Since Florida is sunny and warm for most of the year, it is an ideal place to ride a motorcycle. While riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating, it can also be extremely dangerous. If you or a loved one has suffered a substantial injury after being involved in a motorcycle crash, our Miami motorcycle accident attorneys can investigate your case. These cases can be complicated, and you will undoubtedly want an experienced legal advocate on your side.
Earlier this month, a motorcycle rider died after a crash on U.S. 1 in Cocoa, according to law enforcement. The two-vehicle accident, which involved a vehicle and a motorcycle, was reported around noon and took place close to an intersection. Sadly, the motorcycle rider was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck. It is unclear if other injuries were reported at the time of the crash. The accident caused some delays on the road as emergency workers cleared the scene.
Unfortunately, deaths caused by motorcycle crashes are more common than you probably think. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published data on motorcycle deaths by state in 2016 and found that 586 people died in motorcycle wrecks and related injuries in Florida that year. About 555 of these deaths were rider fatalities. In addition, 78 percent involved a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .01 or higher, whereas 16 percent involved a BAC of .15 percent or higher.
Car drivers sometimes overlook motorcycles on the road. If a careless motorist caused your motorcycle accident, you may be able to hold that party accountable under the theory of negligence. To prove negligence, you must show that the motorist has a duty to exercise reasonable care; violated his or her duty; and caused your injury by violating the duty. For example, if a driver makes an unsafe lane change and ends up striking a motorcycle, that driver would likely be liable for the motorcycle rider’s injuries because a driver using reasonable care would not change lanes without making sure it was safe to do so, understanding the risk of an accident associated with such behavior.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you will likely have suffered serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment. In addition, you may not be able to return to work for a while. Due to these realities, Florida law allows victims of motorcycle accidents to recover a variety of compensation for the following: medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, property damage, lost income and benefits, pain and suffering and compensation for any other out-of-pocket losses suffered as a result of the accident.
Motorcycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and, in the worst cases, these accidents can lead to death. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys offer compassionate and competent legal representation every step of the way. To speak to us about your case, please feel free to call 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or reach out to us online today.