Riverview Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Riding a motorcycle is a thrilling experience, and a great way to enjoy the beautiful climate and scenery in Riverview. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are much more likely to become hurt or killed if they are in an accident. This is true even when they are wearing a helmet and other protective gear. Motorcyclists are far more exposed than other drivers and they do not have a steel frame around them or safety features such as air bags or seat belts. Below, our Riverview motorcycle accident lawyer explains more about these collisions.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The majority of motorcycle accidents in Riverview, and throughout Florida, is negligence. Any act of negligence, or carelessness, can result in a motorcycle accident but the most common of these are as follows:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Failure to yield right of way
- Violations of traffic law
- Road rage
- Tailgating
- Unsafe turns
- Illegal passing
- Swerving in and out of lanes
- Improper road maintenance
- Defective vehicle parts
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Again, you will likely suffer serious injuries during a motorcycle accident. These include:
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal injuries
- Organ damage
- Amputations
The above injuries will not only result in immediate consequences, but those in the long-term, as well. For example, road rash is a series of cuts and scrapes that can be very painful. Additionally, though, the injury can become infected and cause further complications.
Florida’s Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Under state law, only riders under the age of 21 years old are required to wear a motorcycle helmet. Individuals over the age of 21 can choose to not wear a helmet if they purchase a minimum of $10,000 in insurance coverage for medical benefits. Still, it is recommended that all motorcyclists wear a helmet.
Wearing a helmet can greatly help prevent some of the most serious injuries sustained during a motorcycle accident. Additionally, failing to wear a helmet can also impact the amount of damages available after a crash. For example, if you were in a motorcycle accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury, the other side may argue that you failed to mitigate your injuries. They may argue that your injuries would not be as severe if you were wearing a helmet.
If the other side is successful with this argument, it may significantly reduce the damages you receive. The insurance company or a court may determine that you are 25 percent to blame for your injuries. Any damages you are awarded will then be reduced by 25 percent, the same percentage of fault. If you were awarded $100,000 in damages, you would only receive $75,000.
Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Riverview Can Help
At Anderson & Anderson, our Riverview motorcycle accident lawyer knows the devastation caused by these collisions. We are dedicated to helping accident victims obtain the damages they are entitled to, and we can help with your case, too. Call us now at 813-251-0072 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
