Motorcycle Accidents

Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving Motorcycles

The state of Florida has thousands of miles of roads, and traffic to match. In high traffic and high speed areas, motorcycle drivers are particularly vulnerable. Without the safety of a windshield or vehicle chassis, the driver is left exposed. A collision with a larger vehicle or truck can result in severe injuries or even death. Florida Statute 316.211 states that a person may not operate or ride on a motorcycle without proper protective headgear. However, subsection 3(b) states that, “A person over 21 years of age may operate or ride upon a motorcycle without wearing protective headgear securely fastened upon his or her head if such person is covered by an insurance policy providing for at least $10,000 in medical benefits”. This means anyone over the age of 21 with a basic insurance policy can operate a motorcycle without a helmet. However, even the most protected rider can be severely injured in an accident.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact a skilled Sarasota motorcycle accident attorney at Pallegar Law, P.A. today. We will help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. Consulting an experienced attorney is immensely important when you have been in an accident and want to file a claim. We deal with both insurance companies and get you the money that you deserve.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida

Often times, the sheer size of motorcyclists puts them at risk. They may be invisible to large trucks or other drivers, traveling in a dangerous blind spot. Motorcyclists are often seen as small, slow vehicles. Other cars may pull out in front of them, thinking that they have the right of way. Other times, drivers may simply not care about motorcyclists. A motorcycle may not do much damage to an SUV, but an SUV can do a lot of damage to a motorcycle. Many accidents are caused by drivers simply not yielding to motorcycles when they are required to.

Cell phone-related distractions are common causes of accidents as well. A distracted driver may as well be a drunk driver. When texting or using a cellular device, drivers cannot keep their eyes on the road. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another driver, contact an aggressive Sarasota motorcycle accident attorney at Pallegar Law, P.A.

Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are especially susceptible to being thrown from their vehicle or pinned underneath it. If the rider is not wearing protective headgear, head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are quite common. If the rider is not wearing long sleeves and long pants, they are at risk for road rash and skin injuries, lacerations, or disfigurement. Other injures may be broken bones, dismemberment, or spinal cord injuries. Many of these can be severe and life-changing.

Call Pallegar Law, P.A. Today

If you or someone you know has been injured in motorcycle accident, don’t wait. Contact an experienced Sarasota motorcycle accident attorney at Pallegar Law, P.A. Call 941-893-5816 for a consultation.