In the world of motorcycle and bike accidents, the statistics can be alarming.
The laws surrounding motorcycle operation in Florida can be complex, with requirements for helmets, insurance, and more. And unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are not an anomaly. When it comes to pedestrian and bicycle accidents, the risks are just as high, with common injuries ranging from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 103 motorcycle accidents in 2017, and these accidents resulted in 101 cases of people involved sustaining one or more injuries and 5 fatalities.
Unfortunately, many motorcyclists sustain catastrophic injuries as a result of car accidents every year, and many of these accidents are caused by the reckless actions of a person operating a motor vehicle, not the motorcyclist.
Although Florida does require you to obtain a motorcycle license before you can operate a motorcycle on your own, you may have some misconceptions as to some of the rules you are legally required to adhere to under Florida law.
Motorcyclists involved in a car accident often sustain catastrophic injuries, which is why contacting a car accident attorney in Spring Hill, FL is so important. A car accident attorney will guide you through the claims process, gather evidence to strengthen your case, and explain the various laws in Florida that apply to your unique scenario.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact our expert attorneys at Peck Law today. Our attorneys will guide you through the claims process, negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, and if needed, prepare your case for trial. Our attorneys have experience in handling all types of car accident claims, and they are ready to start working on your claim immediately.
Due to the density of the population in Hernando County, car accidents involving a bicyclist or pedestrian are rare compared to other areas of the state. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were a total of 59 car accidents involving pedestrians and 35 car accidents involving bicyclists in 2017, but when these accidents do occur, almost all of them, 92% and 91% respectively, result in one or more people involved sustaining one or more injuries. Common injuries sustained by a pedestrian or bicyclist involved in a car accident include:
These injuries can lead to paralysis, severe physical impairment, or even death in some cases, but despite this, at-fault drivers often attempt accuse a bicyclist or pedestrian of being partially or completely responsible for having caused the car accident to occur. If successful, the amount of compensation you are awarded for the damages you incurred as a result of the accident could be reduced under Florida’s comparative fault statute, which states that a finding of contributory fault on the part of you, the claimant, will proportionally reduce the amount of economic and non-economic damages awarded to you as a result of the accident.
Meaning, if you are found to be 50% responsible for having caused a car accident, regardless of how severe your injuries are, any economic and non-economic damages you are awarded at trial will be reduced by 50%. As such, if you are a bicyclist or pedestrian that has been involved in a car accident, you should always contact a car accident attorney in Spring Hill, FL who will aggressively pursue your claim, because failing to do so could have a negative impact on your case in the long-run.
In these unfortunate situations, having a knowledgeable car accident attorney in Spring Hill, FL can make all the difference. We can navigate the legal complexities, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don't wait to seek help in the aftermath of an accident – contact a car accident attorney to protect your rights today.