Key West Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Key West Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle accidents often have extremely serious consequences for riders. After all, while people driving or riding in cars have airbags, seatbelts, and other measures in place for their protection, motorcycle riders have only helmets. If you’ve been in a crash on your motorcycle, you should hire a Key West motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. You may be eligible to receive compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Trust the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA

The Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, has been handling personal injury and motorcycle accident claims for years. In that time, we’ve seen it all. We’ll happily evaluate your case to determine whether you have sufficient evidence to support a claim and assist you with everything from gathering documentation to filing the claim and negotiating with insurance companies to get the maximum possible payout.

Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

In 2022, 9,270 motorcycle crashes occurred in the Sunshine State. There were 631 fatalities from those crashes. Of those fatalities, an astonishing 605 were motorcycle riders and only 26 were drivers of or passengers in cars. Of those who survived, 1,999 motorcycle riders suffered incapacitating injuries that altered the courses of their lives, and another 5,929 riders suffered other injuries.

No matter the severity of your injury, if you were hurt in a motorcycle crash due to a passenger vehicle driver’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated. You can hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to help you file a claim against the responsible party or parties.

Your Key West motorcycle accident attorney can evaluate evidence, come up with compelling arguments, and negotiate with the responsible driver’s insurance company to make sure you get the money you’re owed.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

In Florida, you can be partially responsible for a motorcycle accident and still receive compensation. You just need to be found 50% responsible or less. Some motorcycle accidents are caused by bikers, but the majority of them occur as a result of driver inattention. Common causes of accidents include:

• Lane-splitting. Motorcyclists sometimes ride between the lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic on busy Duval Street, which carries extreme risk because the drivers to either side don’t always anticipate the motorcyclist’s movements. Florida bans lane splitting, so you should not engage in this dangerous behavior.
• Blind spot collisions. Motorcycles have a smaller profile than cars, which makes them more prone to being hidden in other vehicles’ blind spots. Passenger car drivers often fail to see motorcyclists when they are changing lanes or merging, leading to collisions. Motorcyclists can avoid this situation by practicing defensive riding and avoiding riding in blind spots.
• Intersection collisions. Motorcycles can be harder to spot at intersections than passenger vehicles. They’re prone to left-turn accidents, where vehicles turning left don’t yield to oncoming traffic.
• Poor visibility. Nighttime riding or poor weather conditions can make motorcycles more challenging to spot, making accidents even more likely.
• Road hazards. Hazards on major roads like the Overseas Highway that pose a minor inconvenience to passenger car drivers can be extremely hazardous to motorcycles. Road hazards can include potholes, oil slicks, puddles, and objects in the roadway. Uneven pavement, gravel, and railroad crossings can all lead motorcycle riders to lose control, as well, especially at higher speeds.
• Speed wobble. At higher speeds, motorcycles’ front ends can become unstable and begin to wobble or shake, leaving riders at increased risk of crashing. Issues that can cause speed wobble include unbalanced or worn tires, misaligned wheels, improper tire pressure, and loose bearings. Keeping your bike in good shape can help you avoid this issue.
• Drunk driving. Driving while intoxicated increases the risk of accidents for anyone on the road. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable, though, and DWIs are one of the leading causes of fatal motorcycle crashes.
• Design or manufacturing defects. Some accidents occur not due to rider error or driver negligence but motorcycle manufacturing or design defects.

FAQs

What Is the Motorcycle Accident Law in Florida?

The motorcycle accident law in Key West, Florida is that riders must carry a minimum of $10,000 in liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage, but riders are responsible for the damages they cause in accidents. If you’re found to be more than 50% at fault for an accident, you will not be able to recover damages.

What Is the 14-Day Rule in Florida?

The 14-day rule in Florida states that anyone injured in a car or motorcycle accident must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the crash to be eligible for benefits under their personal injury protection insurance. The rule is designed to ensure that accident victims get prompt medical attention and to prevent fraudulent claims by ensuring that injuries are linked directly to accidents.

Does Florida Have a No-Chase Law for Motorcycles?

Florida does not have a no-chase law for motorcycles. The Florida Highway Patrol changed its policy to allow troopers to pursue motorcycles, even if a violent felony is not involved. Troopers are allowed to initiate a chase with a motorcycle as soon as the suspect attempts to flee, regardless of the nature of the initial stop.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident in Florida?

There is no average settlement for a motorcycle accident in Florida because every accident is different. Your settlement amount will vary depending on factors such as the severity of your injuries, how long they’re expected to last, what types of medical treatment they require, and whether you have current or future lost wages to worry about. Other economic and non-economic damages can also affect the outcome of your claim.

Your Key West Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured while riding your motorcycle, it’s time to hire a Key West motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and seek the compensation you need to recover and move on. You can turn to the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, for help. We’re familiar with motorcycle accident laws and can apply them to your specific case to maximize damages and your settlement. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

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