Unfortunately, no matter how responsible motorcyclists are, they are often involved in collisions due to reckless and negligent drivers. When riding a motorcycle, a rider is tasked with the responsibility of keeping an eye out for other drivers on the road and operating as defensively as possible to avoid collisions. But unlike passenger vehicles, a motorcycle is easier to lose in a blind spot. Many inexperienced or inattentive drivers don’t double-check for a motorcyclist before maneuvering to another lane. The unfortunate reality is that no matter how defensive and alert a motorcycle rider is, they are always at risk of being hurt or killed in an accident caused by someone else. This is something a Navarre personal injury lawyer knows in these kind of accidents.
Motorcycles also have a second drawback: In addition to the increased risk of a collision, a motorcyclist is at risk of worse injuries than someone in a passenger vehicle. This is due to the fact that there is no structural protection provided to a person on a motorcycle, whereas a passenger vehicle has a crash-tested frame, seatbelts, airbags, and more. A motorcycle rider only has the protection that they are wearing, such as a helmet and riding clothes.
Fasig | Brooks Is Ready To Fight For the Money You Deserve After a Motorcycle Accident
If you have been hurt — or a loved one has been killed — in a motorcycle accident that someone else caused, then you are likely entitled to compensation known in personal injury law as “damages.” These are specific impacts of the accident that may or may not have dollar values associated with them. After an accident, a victim or their surviving family members will file an insurance claim with the hopes of recovering these damages. But the reality is that there are many more impacts than an insurer will offer to repay without aggressive negotiations. There are also other damages that people unfamiliar with personal injury law may not realize they are entitled to.
The team at Fasig | Brooks has years of experience representing a wide range of personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents in Navarre. We offer a free initial consultation where we can discuss the specifics of the collision, as well as the repercussions of the accident, the steps already taken, and more. We will provide clear and specific advice on how best to move forward — as well as how our law firm can help. We understand that the days and weeks after an accident are confusing, overwhelming, and painful, and trying to make sense of your legal options on your own can feel impossible.
We are confident that after our free consultation you will be able to look to the future with additional clarity, and as our valued client, you will be able to focus on your recovery and healing without the added burden of handling your own legal issues.
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Is Florida More Dangerous For Fatal Motorcycle Accidents?
Florida does not require riders over the age of 21 to wear a helmet on a motorcycle, which directly correlates with an increase in fatal motorcycle crashes since the law was repealed in 2000. In fact, fatalities increased 81% when comparing 2001-2003 to 1997-1999, compared to a 48% increase nationally, according to a report compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
These statistics show that Florida is the most dangerous state to ride a motorcycle. But wearing a helmet can help improve your chances of surviving a crash substantially. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a helmet is roughly 37% effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and about 67% effective in preventing brain injuries.
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Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents
The following are just a few of the most common severe injuries that riders suffer in motorcycle accidents. Simply contact our personal injury law firm as soon as possible to connect with a motorcycle accident attorney and learn how you can get the money you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
The brain is a highly sensitive organ, and even minor knocks risk causing permanent damage to the victim’s brain function. Wearing a helmet can help to reduce the risk of severe traumatic brain injuries but are not guaranteed to do so. If you suspect that you have suffered even a low-grade concussion, you must get medical attention immediately.
Fractures
Fractures, otherwise known as broken bones, are very common in motorcycle accidents when the rider is hit directly by a vehicle or thrown to the ground. Because a motorcycle is not self-balancing or stable like a four-wheeled vehicle, a rider is nearly always thrown off of the machine during a collision. The speed of their impact with the ground or other obstacles can lead to significant injuries and many broken bones.
Internal Bleeding
High impact collisions can cause the internal organs to be jarred inside the body and may lead to significant internal damage such as uncontrolled bleeding and hemorrhaging. If you feel internal pain after an accident, never ignore it: internal bleeding can be fatal if left untreated and requires immediate medical care to ensure that the necessary treatment is administered.
Road Rash
Road rash is the term for the severe abrasions that a rider may suffer if they do not have proper protective gear when riding, such as a leather jacket, riding pants, gloves, and boots. When a rider hits the ground without proper protection, they often skid to a stop on the pavement, and the surface strips away layers of skin in a manner that looks much like a burn.
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The most important thing to keep in mind regarding your legal needs is that insurance companies typically do not focus on getting victims what they deserve. Instead, an insurance company and the adjuster assigned to your case will be focused solely on settling your claim as quickly and inexpensively as possible. They will give little thought to the long-term financial effects a claimant may suffer if they are not compensated fairly. With our help, you can stay focused on moving forward from your accident while we fight to get you the money you deserve.
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