Motorcycle Accidents
South Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that there are over 4 million motorcycles registered in the United States, which is attributed to the low maintenance costs, fuel efficiency, and their use as pleasure vehicles.
Despite preventive actions and safety features (helmets), motorcycle accidents will and do occur. Serious bodily harm and even death are often the result of such tragic occurrences. The lack of a protective barrier between the driver and the road ultimately leaves motorcyclists in a very vulnerable position.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, between 2001 and 2008, more than 34,000 motorcyclists were killed and an estimated 1,222,000 persons were treated in a U.S. emergency department for a non-fatal motorcycle-related injury (minor bumps, bruises, abrasions, road rash, broken bones, concussions).
In Florida, there are also a number of scooter accidents that occur every year.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents:
- Motorcycle-Car/Truck Collision. Sometimes car and truck drivers pull out in front of the biker at the last minute, cut off the motorcyclist, make a U-turn in front of the biker, or otherwise violate the motorcyclist’s right of way. The car/truck often does not see the biker due to blind spots, driving conditions (hard to detect at night or in poor weather), or they are distracted (texting, talking on cell phone).
- Sudden-Stop Collision. Rear-end collisions where the driver of the motor vehicle stops for some unknown reason and the motorcyclist crashes into the back of their vehicle.
- Open Door Accidents. Parked cars and vehicles that open the door directly into the biker’s path.
- Road Conditions. Debris on the road, trash thrown out the window, groves, gravel, or lose pavement can cause a bike to skid out from under the rider. Road construction and railroad crossings can also put bikers at risk.
Fatal Motorcycle Accident Statistics
It is estimated that 50,000 people are injured in motorcycle accidents in America each year. Over 2,000 people die in a motorcycle accident each year. A motorcycle rider who is involved in an accident is 37 times more likely to die in an accident than someone who is driving a car.
In 2008, there were 9,618 motorcycle accidents in Florida. Five hundred and two motorcycle riders were killed in an accident in 2008. Many accidents could have been prevented if people would wear helmets. In fact, people who wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle are 40 percent less likely to die in a motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle riders were required to wear helmets in the past. However, in July 2000 a law was passed that stated only drivers who did not have adequate insurance and were under the age of 21 were required to wear helmets. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, the number of fatal motorcycle accidents in Florida increased by 81 percent from 2001 to 2003.
The good news is that despite the fact that many places do not require that riders wear helmets, helmet use has increased nationally during the past five years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 67 percent of motorcycle riders wore helmets in 2009.
Defective Motorcycles
In many cases, motorcycle accidents occur as the result of a defective part. Defective tires, brakes and parts increase a driver’s chance of losing control of the motorcycle. Helmets are supposed to protect a person during an accident. However, if the helmet is defective, then he or she can still be seriously injured.
If you have been injured in an accident as the result of a defective motorcycle part, then you can contact Zimmerman & Frachtman. Zimmerman & Frachtman can help you get compensated for the pain, suffering and injuries you received as the result of your accidents.
Motorcycle accident attorney Robert Zimmerman knows the particulars of Florida motorcycle laws and insurance regulations. As a motorcycle owner, rider, and enthusiast, Robert’s knowledge and experience will help you obtain appropriate compensation for your injuries. Zimmerman & Frachtman have been helping personal injury victims of motorcycle accidents in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties since 1993.
We also serve areas such as:
- Miami
- Fort Lauderdale
- Naples
- West Palm Beach
- and all over South Florida
Questions To Ask Your Attorney
Do You Have Experienced With Motorcycle Accident Cases?
While many personal injury law firms advertise that they specialize in motorcycle accident cases, it is quite possible that they’ve only worked on a few. In addition, not every motorcycle accident case is similar. In fact, most motorcycle accidents differ on a case-by-case basis.
Will You or Another Attorney be Working on My Case Specifically?
This is a very important aspect to establish in the beginning as you want to make sure that you know exactly who to communicate with throughout the process.
While there may be other staff members assisting with the process who are usually more than capable of handling these types of cases, it is still crucial to know who is representing you in your specific case.
When Will The Lawsuit Be Filed?
To give a peace of mind, it’s critical for you and your South Florida motorcycle accident lawyer to set a timeline in place for all components of the lawsuit. A lawsuit is usually filed as quickly as possible, but make sure you double check with your lawyer to ensure you are aware of when your suit will be filed.
How Can I Help My Case?
Many times, there are things that an individual can do to assist their attorney and to increase the chances of receiving the most compensation possible. This may mean going to a doctor to get a second opinion on your injuries or working with your attorney in speaking with investigators about the accident. Just remember that your South Florida motorcycle accident attorney is working for you.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of a car or truck driver and would like to learn more about your legal rights, please contact our law firm or by calling (954) 509-1900 or toll free at (800) 886-LAWS. We also handle mini bikes accidents, go-cart accidents, ATV accidents, and other off-road vehicle injury cases. Our personal injury and motorcycle accident law firm offers free consultations and charges you only if we win your case.