Lakeland Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Riding a motorcycle doesn’t mean you’ve signed up to be the target of other drivers’ road rage, and yet, that’s what many motorcyclists experience every day. Motorcyclists in Florida enjoy some of the most beautiful sights in the country, but they’re also put in danger by careless local drivers and tourists who don’t understand the state’s motorcycle community.
In many cases, motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent or malicious passenger vehicle drivers. As a motorcyclist, you have a lot to lose when this happens. That’s why it’s crucial to discuss your legal options with a top Lakeland motorcycle accident attorney. You could be entitled to money for medical bills, property damage, and more. Contact Darla K. Snead, P.L. to learn more about your options.
What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents?
Unsafe maneuvers are always risky, but when a motorcyclist is involved, an accident is more likely to cause serious injuries or fatalities. Motorcyclists have far less protection than those in passenger vehicles, and they often bear the brunt of the force generated in an accident. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Drivers who speed. These drivers often fail to leave enough space between themselves and motorcyclists. Similarly, motorcyclists who drive too fast for conditions may be unable to avoid obstacles or unsafe drivers.
- Distracted driving. Distracted driving is a serious problem across the country. A driver distracted by their phone, food, drink, makeup, or a passenger is more likely to drift across their lane and hit a motorcyclist or other vehicle.
- Impaired driving. Impaired drivers are unable to stop in time or react to the presence of other drivers. Impairment on either side can lead to tragedy.
- Improper left turns. Drivers are often unable to properly judge distance. If a motorcyclist is approaching an intersection and a vehicle driver is waiting to turn left, they may believe they have more time than they really do and proceed into the intersection. This can cause a T-bone or head-on crash, which is likely to cause fatal or severe injuries for motorcyclists.
- Lane splitting. Lane splitting is illegal in Florida, and motorcyclists who do it may put themselves at risk of accidents.
Avoid Accidents With These Safety Tips
While you cannot control other drivers, you can take your safety into your own hands to some extent. Follow these safety tips to make the most of your time on the road:
- Take a safety course. This helps you avoid common dangers on the road and ride in a way that keeps you safe.
- Use appropriate gear. A helmet is obviously crucial, but you should also wear goggles, leatherwear, and nonslip gloves to protect your skin from road rash.
- Avoid riding in poor weather. The risk of accidents increases substantially in poor weather. If there’s any chance of bad weather for the day’s forecast, save the motorcycle ride for another day.
- Keep up with routine maintenance. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule provided by the motorcycle manufacturer, and get any suspicious sounds checked out promptly.
- Use extreme caution when riding around other people. Other people simply aren’t as aware of motorcyclists as they should be. No matter how much space you think you need between yourself and others on the road, leave even more space.
What Injuries Are Commonly Caused By Motorcycle Accidents?
Victims of motorcycle accidents often sustain far worse injuries than drivers and passengers of other vehicles, which is why it’s important to work with a Lakeland injury lawyer after an accident. Depending on the severity and type of accident, you may suffer from:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Road rash
- Broken bones
Types Of Compensation Available For Motorcycle Accident Victims
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident and you can demonstrate that the other party caused the accident, you may be able to seek compensation for your physical and financial losses. Working with a motorcycle accident lawyer can make this process much easier and less stressful since they can help you determine how much your injuries are worth and which settlement offers are worth considering. You may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Lost future wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Note that Florida motorcyclists do not have to carry personal injury protection coverage, unlike those who drive conventional passenger vehicles. Furthermore, it’s very unlikely that your PIP policy for another vehicle will cover you while you are riding your motorcycle. Because of this, you may be able to seek more compensation from the driver responsible for your injuries.
How Darla K. Snead, P.L. Can Help You
Darla K. Snead Dulin and Michael H. Dulin are passionate advocates for those who are injured in motorcycle accidents, car crashes, and other injury-causing accidents. With over 50 years of combined experience in the field of law, they know all of the tactics that insurance companies use to prevent victims from getting the compensation they deserve. They’ve seen insurance adjusters try to push blame onto innocent riders, diminish the severity of victims’ injuries, and twist victims’ words to downplay their injuries. This is especially true for victims of motorcycle accidents; many insurance adjusters have negative preconceptions of motorcyclists, and they allow this to cloud their judgment.
As Lakeland personal injury lawyers, Darla K. Snead Dulin and Michael H. Dulin fight aggressively on behalf of their clients. During negotiations, they use all of the evidence available to secure a fair settlement for their clients. If insurance companies are unwilling to play fair, they are ready to take a case through the legal process to ensure that justice is served.
Work With The Lakeland Motorcycle Accident Attorney Who Will Fight For You
When you’re recovering from a motorcycle accident, you’re in no condition to fight with insurance adjusters and try to defend your innocence. Choose Darla K. Snead, P.L. as your Lakeland motorcycle accident lawyers and let them advocate for you. Schedule a consultation now by contacting our office.
