Tampa Intersection Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Intersections are one of the most common locations for traffic collisions in the Tampa region. Not surprisingly, many of these traffic accidents involve motorcycles. And the consequences of such collisions are often catastrophic for the motorcyclist given their almost complete lack of protection from the road and other outside elements.
Intersection accidents are almost always the result of some form of negligence. At Anderson & Anderson, our Tampa intersection motorcycle accident lawyer can assist you in identifying the negligent driver and holding them legally responsible for your injuries arising from the crash. We have helped many clients receive significant jury verdicts and out-of-court settlements in cases arising from preventable intersection collisions.
How Intersection Motorcycle Accidents Occur in Tampa
Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as any other motorist under Florida law. But this is a two-way duty. Drivers of cars and trucks must also take care when sharing the road with motorcycles. Yet it is precisely because too many motorists ignore this duty that we see serious–and often fatal–motorcycle accidents at intersections.
Some common examples of motorist negligence include:
- A distracted motorist misses a red light or stop sign and enters the intersection when they do not have the right of way.
- A motorist tries to execute an illegal traffic maneuver, such as a U-turn, and gets caught up in the intersection.
- A motorist tries to “beat” a yellow light before it turns red.
- A motorist incorrectly assumes the motorcyclist plans to turn in a different direction than they actually do.
Beyond driver negligence, intersection accidents involving motorcycles can occur as the result of other factors beyond the control of any driver on the road. For example, a defect in the motorcycle itself can lead to a critical equipment failure while the motorcyclist is in the intersection. In such cases, the manufacturer of the motorcycle (or the defective part) may be responsible for the motorcyclist’s injuries under Florida’s strict product liability laws.
How Our Florida Intersection Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
Intersection accidents often end up with both drivers trying to blame the other for the collision. Motorcyclists need to be especially mindful of such blame-shifting tactics. Florida now follows a modified comparative negligence rule in all personal injury cases, including claims arising from motorcycle crashes.
Basically, if you sue a driver for negligence, they can argue that your own actions contributed to–or were the primary cause of–your injuries. If the judge or jury apportions some of the fault to you as the motorcyclist, that automatically reduces the compensation you are entitled to under the law. And if your “comparative fault” exceeds 50 percent, then you walk away with nothing.
So it is essential following an intersection accident involving your motorcycle to seek out competent legal advice. The Tampa intersection motorcycle accident lawyers at Anderson & Anderson can review your case and explain your legal options. Call us today at 813-251-0072 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.
