If you ride a motorcycle, you are a member of an exclusive group of individuals who can take advantage of the state’s warm climate and scenic ocean views. A motorbike can give you a true sense of freedom as you cruise down the open road.
Unfortunately, crashes involving motorbikes are significantly more dangerous than those between two cars and almost always result in devastating injuries to the rider. If you or a loved one has suffered harm from such an accident, talk to a DeLand motorcycle accident lawyer at Colling Gilbert Wright to learn about your legal rights and options. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys will work hard to help you recover the compensation you need and deserve after a serious crash.
Common Causes and Injuries From a Motorbike Crash
A motorcycle is more maneuverable and capable of accelerating up to full speed much quicker than most standard cars, which is what makes them so appealing to riders. However, a bike is much smaller and can easily disappear in another vehicle’s blind spot. A motorcycle’s speed may also be too fast for some drivers to judge the distance or react in time to avoid a collision.
Consequently, one of the most common causes of motorcycle-related crashes occurs when a car or truck driver does not see the rider. This tends to occur when the vehicle is making a lane change on the highway or a turn at an intersection.
Motorcycles also lack many of the same safety features of larger vehicles, such as seatbelts and a steel frame surrounding the operator. This puts you at a significant risk of being thrown off your bike if you are hit by another vehicle. If this happens at a high speed, the damage could be catastrophic, including traumatic head injury, shattered bones, and even death.
Our attorneys have helped injured victims and their families with all types of motorbike crash cases in DeLand. In one, we reached a $1.3 million settlement for the parents of a rider killed at an intersection. Our team is here to provide support and guidance throughout your situation.
What Are Your Responsibilities as a Biker?
Although a bike is smaller, the rider has the same rights and duties as any driver of a four-wheeled vehicle. There are, however, some specific rules for bikers that you should know.
For example, it is illegal to ride a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or vehicles, known as lane splitting. If you are over the age of 21, you do not have to wear a protective helmet, but you must have an insurance policy with at least $10,000 in medical coverage. Additionally, while a helmet is optional, protective eye gear is a requirement.
These are important rules to remember because of the state’s modified comparative negligence law. This means there may be a reduction in your compensation based on the percentage that your actions contributed to the accident or the injuries. However, under the modified system, if you were more than 50 percent at fault for the crash, you may not be able to recover any compensation.
Therefore, it benefits you to speak with a skilled lawyer from our firm after being in a motorcycle collision in DeLand. Our knowledgeable team could review your case to determine how much you may be able to recover.
Contact The Florida Firm To Talk to a DeLand Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Motorbike crashes could be more complex than those involving cars, and they carry a high risk of severe injuries. If you are a rider and suffered injuries in a collision, a Florida motorcycle accident lawyer at Colling Gilbert Wright could help you recover compensation for your medical treatment and pain and suffering.
Our firm has an extensive history of success with challenging motor vehicle collision claims. Other law firms trust us to handle their cases because they know we take care of the clients. Schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers today.