Motorcycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as any other motor vehiclists, yet when they collide with other vehicles, their exposure can be much more severe. Injuries can include traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries that could lead to a lifetime of physical and emotional hardship.
A report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provided the following statistics for 2013:
- There were approximately 8.4 million motorcycles on the road.
- 4,668 people died in motorcycle crashes and
- 88,000 motorcyclists were injured.
The report also shows that motorcyclists were about 26 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled and five times more likely to be injured.
Accidents involving motorcycles occur when cars do not see riders when changing lanes or when there is poor visibility. Motorcycle riders can also sustain injuries from cracks in pavement, or other road hazards that may not involve another vehicle.
The legal aspects of motorcycle accidents are quite complex because many of the physical and emotional injuries suffered in a motorcycle crash are often felt well after the accident occurs. We seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, future losses, and, in the most egregious cases, punitive damages.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, you should seek legal counsel to discuss your case get an honest assessment of your claim and explain your legal options. Contact our Florida motorcycle accident injury attorneys at Babbitt & Johnson P.A. at (561) 375-2841.
Every case we accept is handled on a contingency basis, so you won’t be charged any attorney fees unless we win.
Sources:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report: http://www.iii.org/issue-update/motorcycle-crashes
Babbitt Johnson blog post:
http://www.palmbeach-injurylawyer.com/vehicle-accidents/motorcycle-accidents/
Babbitt Johnson article:
https://www.babbitt-johnson.com/Motor-Vehicle-Accidents/Motorcycle-Injuries.shtml