When you are injured in a motorcycle accident, it can be a life changing experience. Severe injuries are more common when a motorcycle is involved, and can even result in the death of an operator. Unfortunately, motorcycle operators are often wrongly accused of fault based on the common stereotypes of motorcycle enthusiasts.
Orlando Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
We'll help you get the compensation you deserveAt Florida Car Accident Lawyer Team, we sympathize with those who choose to brave the road on two wheels, and proudly represent motorcycle operators that have been injured in an accident. It’s our job to know the laws associated with motorcycle operation, and how we can use these laws to defend our clients.
If you are injured in a motorcycle or scooter accident that was not your fault, we can help you receive compensation for your medical bills, emotional trauma, and damage to your personal property.
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, you should not be required to foot the bill for your medical needs, insurance, and destroyed property. We proudly represent motorcycle enthusiasts that have been injured in a motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle laws in Orlando
Florida, as with many other states, has specific laws pertaining to operating a motorcycle. For instance, if you are under the age of 21, you are required by law to wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle. If you are over the age of 21, you are not required to wear a helmet, though we strongly suggest you do (it might just save your life).
Motorcycle operators must follow the same traffic laws that apply to all motor vehicles in the state of Florida, and are expected to share the road with other motor vehicles.
Lane splitting is a practice that some motorcycle operators have used in the past, and it is extremely dangerous. Lane splitting involves a motorcycle operator driving in between two lanes of traffic, and passing between two motor vehicles. This is one of the most common causes of motor vehicle injuries, and is an illegal act in the state of Florida.
Lane sharing is when two motorcycle operators ride side by side, in the same lane of traffic. In the state of Florida, lane sharing is legal. However, more than two riders riding parallel in the same lane is considered illegal.
Passengers are permitted on motorcycles in the state of Florida, with two conditions. The passenger must have a seat on the motorcycle, and there must be foot pedals for the passenger. This ensures the passenger is stable on the motorcycle, and is less likely to result in injury.
In the state of Florida, you must have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license in order to legally operate a motorcycle. This shows that you have proven your ability to operate a motorcycle effectively, and you have been certified to do so. This law was put in place to protect motorcycle enthusiasts, as well as motor vehicle operators in the state of Florida.
What causes motorcycle accidents in Orlando?
Certain situations can put motorcycle enthusiasts at risk of an accident. Here are the most common situations we see that result in a motorcycle accident:
Passing another vehicle is permitted in designated areas on two lane roads, and is very common. The problem with this is, most drivers are on the lookout for other motor vehicles. On occasions, a driver will attempt to make a pass, and not notice a motorcycle driving in the opposite lane. This results in a head on collision, and can very easily result in a fatality.
This occurs when a motor vehicle driver does not see a motorcycle coming, opens their car door, and causes the motorcycle to crash. Depending on the speed of the motorcycle, this can lead to serious impact injuries.
Often times, motor vehicle drivers don’t realize how far their side mirrors actually extend. This can be dangerous when riding beside a motorcycle, and could result in clipping the motorcycle operator, causing them to lose control.
This may seem out of the ordinary, but our firm sees this all too often. Motorcycle enthusiasts’ bodies are exposed, and dogs often chase motorcycles with the intent of biting the operator, resulting in the operator losing control of the motorcycle.
Common injuries in motorcycle accidents
Road rash is a result from an individual skidding along the ground. It is extremely painful, and is similar to a severe friction burn.
Because wearing a helmet is not required in some states, head trauma is very common in motorcycle accidents.
When a motorcycle enthusiast crashes, one of their first instincts is to break their fall. This results in broken arms, as well as broken legs.
Because of the violence that comes with being thrown off a motorcycle, the places where your body bends are highly susceptible to injury. This includes knee injuries, shoulder injuries, and many others.
Injured in a motorcycle accident in Orlando?
Our firm understands that you deserve the same rights that all motor vehicle operators deserve, and that includes the right to be fairly compensated for an accident that you were not at fault for. Call one of our qualified motorcycle injury accident lawyers to discuss the best legal options for you, our fill out a contact form on our website with a description of your claim.