After a motorcycle accident, you are often left with sizable medical bills, physical recovery time, and lost wages. You may also find yourself dealing with the emotional aftermath of your accident as well.
We don’t think you should have to bear this burden alone. You deserve compensation for what you’ve been through, and we want to help you get it.
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Kissimmee
At The Ward Law Group, we have been handling personal injury cases in Florida for years and understand what it takes to successfully pursue a claim following a motorcycle accident. Our skilled team will work with you and help you get your deserved compensation.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Kissimmee
Motorcycle accidents can occur in different ways. These include:
- Intersection accidents
- Blindspot or lane change accidents
- Head-on accidents
- Failure to yield accidents
- Rear-end accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- And more
Regardless of the type of accident, motorcycle accidents can be extremely dangerous and often result in serious injuries or even death.
Common Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
- Traumatic Brain Injury: TBIs are scary no matter how they occur; the fact that many motorcycle crashes happen at high speeds makes this injury common among victims of these accidents. According to an article posted by surface.syr.edu, 37% of motorcycle-related deaths involved head injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: This can result in partial or total loss of function and sensation in areas below the injured area. Victims of motorcycle accidents may experience paralysis due to their spinal cord injuries, which can be devastating both physically and emotionally.
- Fractures: Motorcycle fractures are often caused by road rash, which occurs when a motorcyclist slides along the pavement after being thrown from their bike during an accident. Any body part may suffer road rash and subsequent fractures in a motorcycle accident.
- Internal Injuries: Internal injuries can be very dangerous as they are not easily diagnosed. Common internal injuries include bleeding in the brain (intracranial hemorrhage), bleeding in the lungs (pulmonary contusion), liver laceration, spleen rupture, and aortic rupture.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
In 2019, over 8,000 crashes occurred involving a motorcycle. A common cause of motorcycle accidents is negligence by other drivers. Often, this negligence stems from the failure to account for motorcycles when driving or making turns properly.
Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:
- Unsafe Lane Changes: One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is unsafe lane changes. When drivers change lanes recklessly or suddenly change without checking their blind spot, they may not see a motorcyclist and cause an accident.
- Car Doors Opening: Another cause of motorcycle accidents is when car doors open unexpectedly. Drivers will often park along the road or on busy streets. When they leave their car, they may open their door without looking over their shoulder or checking for other vehicles on the road.
- Speeding: Motorcycles are much smaller than cars and trucks, giving them the agility other vehicles lack. However, this agility is dangerous when combined with high speeds. Speed makes it more difficult for the rider to control their bike, but speeding also makes it harder for other drivers to react quickly enough to avoid a collision.
- Driving Under the Influence: Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the leading causes of all traffic-related collisions, and an average of 33% (death-related) motorcycle accidents involve a driver who was under the influence at the time of the collision.
- Lane Splitting: Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes on a highway or road where multiple lanes travel in the same direction. This maneuver is illegal in Florida and most states — and it’s extremely dangerous for motorcyclists.
- Left Turn Accidents: Another type of accident is when a motorcycle crashes into a car that has made a left turn into its path. When this happens, it’s usually because the driver failed to see the motorcycle or misjudged its speed and distance from his vehicle.
In addition to the common causes listed above, there are many other ways that a motorcycle accident can occur. These may include:
- Driving on damaged or uneven roads
- Poorly maintained motorcycles
- Mechanical defects on the motorcycle itself, such as faulty brakes
- Inexperience or lack of training
- Poor weather conditions, such as rain or snow
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Kissimmee
When you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to understand that there is a process to dealing with the situation.
- Move away from the road.
- Contact the police and first responders.
- Do not remove any safety gear.
- If you can, collect the information of other motorists.
- If there are any bystanders or passengers, get their information as well.
- Note any unusual behavior from the other driver.
It is vital to control your emotions immediately after a motorcycle accident. You are in shock and must take the proper steps to fight back. Your primary focus should be on preserving evidence and getting your help.
Florida Motorcycle Laws
Some rules and regulations govern riding motorcycles in Florida, making it important for motorcyclists to be aware of these laws before traveling through the state.
The first thing to know about Florida motorcycle laws is that, in general, all motorcyclists must wear a helmet when riding on.
- Helmet Law: Florida law requires that all people under the age of 21 wear an approved helmet when operating or riding a motorcycle. Riders 21 and older are not required to do so.
- Eye Protection: Motorcycle operators and passengers must always wear protective glasses, goggles, or a transparent face shield.
- Motorcycle Endorsement: You must have a motorcycle endorsement on your license to operate a motorcycle in Florida. You can get this by passing the Basic Rider Course (BRC) or Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course (MSF).
- Lane Splitting: It is illegal to drive between two lanes of traffic, including stopped or slow-moving vehicles.
- Stunt Riding: Stunt riding — including wheelies and donuts — is illegal in Florida.
- Passenger Restrictions: Passengers are not allowed to ride motorcycles unless the bike is designed to carry more than one person. Footrests are required for any passengers.
- Listening Devices: Riders cannot wear headphones or earbuds while operating a motorcycle. One ear must be kept unobstructed at all times.
- Headlights: It is mandatory to always have your headlights on while operating a motorcycle.
- Mirrors: All motorcyclists are required to have a mirror on the left and right sides of their bikes. The mirrors must provide an unobstructed field of view for at least 200 feet to the rear.
Contact Kissimmee Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
At The Ward Law, our motorcycle accident attorneys are committed to helping injured motorcyclists get the compensation they need to recover from their injuries and move forward with their lives. We offer free consultations, so don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn more about your legal options.