Miami Lakes Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Recent Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Florida and Miami-Dade County

Motorcycle accidents can be life-threatening for riders and motorcyclists. A motorcyclist, unlike automobile or truck occupants, does not have the structural security measures that these vehicles provide to their drivers and passengers. Motorcycle riders over the age of 21 are not required to wear helmets in Florida if they’re covered by $10,000 in medical insurance coverage for crash injuries. Helmets can’t shield a biker from every incident, but not wearing them could leave a rider more vulnerable to catastrophic injuries or even death.

• According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 8,897 motorcycle crashes in Florida in 2021, resulting in 522 fatalities and 6,845 injuries. In Miami-Dade County alone, there were 737 motorcycle crashes, resulting in 36 fatalities and 570 injuries.

Through education, enforcement, outreach, and legislation, NHTSA’s motorcycle safety initiatives focus on that prevent crashes, preventing injury when an accident occurs, and reducing the degree of severity of trauma following a crash. The NHTSA’s activities encourage the promotion of motorcycle rider education and licensing, the reduction of impaired motorcyclists, increased motorist awareness of motorcycles, and the usage of helmets.

Injuries Caused in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can lead to various types of injuries, some of which can be severe and life-changing. These types of injuries or trauma often need considerable medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical attention. It is crucial to understand the types of injuries that can occur in a motorcycle accident and the impact they can have on a victim’s life.

Here are some of the most common types of injuries that can occur in a motorcycle accident:

• Head trauma: These injuries range from minor concussions to serious traumatic brain injuries (TBI). A TBI can result in permanent cognitive, physical, and emotional damage. Helmets can reduce the severity of head injuries, but they cannot prevent all injuries.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can lead to permanent disability, paralysis, or even death. These kinds of injuries often call for considerable medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
• Road Rash: Road rash occurs when a rider’s skin is scraped or rubbed against the road surface. It can cause severe pain, infections, and scarring.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Fractures and broken bones are common in motorcycle accidents. They can range from minor to severe and may require surgery, physical therapy, and long-term care.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and bruises. Although they may seem minor, they can cause significant pain and require medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Motorcycle accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, some of which can be severe and life-changing. Victims may face significant expenses, including medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages. An expert motorcycle attorney in Miami Lakes can help victims recover compensation for their damages and ensure that they receive the care and support they need to move forward. This is where an expert motorcycle attorney at The Ward Law Group in Miami Lakes can help you. 

What Can Be Recovered in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

When a motorcycle accident occurs, victims may be entitled to compensation for the damages they have suffered. The damages can include both economic and non-economic losses. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for a variety of damages, including:

1. Medical Expenses: Victims can recover compensation for their medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
2. Lost Wages: Victims may be entitled to compensation for the income they lost due to the accident, including wages, salaries, and other benefits.
3. Property Damage: Victims can seek compensation for the harm done to their motorcycle and any other personal property that got damaged in the accident.
4. Pain and Suffering: Victims can receive compensation for their physical pain and emotional suffering, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
5. Disability and Impairment: Victims who suffer permanent disabilities or impairments can recover compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life, loss of future earnings, and other long-term consequences.
6. Wrongful Death: If a loved one dies as a result of a motorcycle accident, their family members can recover compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Florida Statutes Governing Motorcycle Accidents

Florida Statutes have specific laws that pertain to motorcycles and motorcycle accidents. Here are some of the most important ones that can affect a victim’s motorcycle accident claim:

• Motorcycle Helmet Law: Florida law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets while riding. Failure to do so can affect a victim’s ability to recover compensation, as it may be seen as a violation of the law and could be considered negligence on the victim’s part. According to Florida Statute §316.211, no one may ride or operate a motorcycle unless they wear protective headgear. The helmet must meet Federal Motorcyclist Safety Standard 218. Riders must also wear eye protection. Individuals riding in a covered cab are exempt from the law.
• Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: All motorcycle owners in Florida are required by law to carry motorcycle insurance with a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL). However, motorcyclists are not required to carry bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage, which can make it more challenging for a victim to recover compensation if the at-fault driver does not have sufficient insurance coverage.
• Comparative Negligence: The state of Florida follows a “pure comparative negligence” system, which means that a victim’s compensation may be lowered by the percentage of fault they are determined to have in the accident.  For example, if a victim is found to be 30% at fault for the accident, their compensation will be reduced by 30%.
• Statute of Limitations: Florida law imposes a strict time limit, known as the statute of limitations, on how much time a victim has to file a motorcycle accident claim. In Florida, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents usually spans four years from the date of the accident. Failing to file a claim within this time frame can result in the victim losing their right to recover compensation.
• Lane Splitting: Lane splitting is not legal in Florida, which means that motorcyclists cannot legally ride between lanes of stopped or slow-moving vehicles. If a motorcyclist is involved in an accident while lane splitting, it could affect their ability to recover compensation.

These Florida statutes can significantly impact a victim’s ability to recover compensation in a motorcycle accident claim. It is important for victims to work with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can navigate these laws and ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve.

Hiring an Experienced Motorcycle Attorney Can Maximize Your Claim

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, hiring an experienced Miami Lakes Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can be crucial to the success of your case. A motorcycle attorney at The Ward Law Group can:

In Florida, there are statutes, rules, and regulations that govern motorcycle accidents. These laws can affect a victim’s ability to recover compensation, depending on the circumstances of the accident. For example, Florida follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means that a victim’s compensation can be decreased if they are proven to have contributed to the disaster.

Additionally, Florida has specific laws regarding motorcycle helmets. In Florida, all riders and passengers are required to wear a helmet while on a motorcycle. Failure to wear a helmet can affect a victim’s ability to recover compensation, this is why you need an experienced motorcycle attorney to help you navigate the complex legal process. 

The complex legal process of a motorcycle accident claim in Florida can be challenging, especially for victims who are still recovering from their injuries. This is where The Ward Law Group’s experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can help.

The benefits of working with a motorcycle attorney at The Ward Law Group:

• Knowledge of the law: A motorcycle attorney will have a thorough understanding of the law and how it applies to your case. 
• Negotiating skills: An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
• Trial experience: If your case goes to trial, an attorney can represent you and fight for your rights in court. 

How Will the Ward Law Group Help Me?

1. Investigate the Accident: The Ward Law Group’s attorneys can investigate the accident to determine who was at fault and gather evidence to support the victim’s claim.
2. Calculate Damages: The attorneys can calculate the victim’s damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, to ensure that they receive fair compensation.
3. Negotiate with Insurance Companies: The attorneys can negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of the victim to reach a fair settlement.
4. Represent You in Court: If necessary, The Ward Law Group’s attorneys can represent the victim in court to ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve.
5. Provide Legal Guidance: The Ward Law Group’s attorneys can provide legal guidance and support throughout the entire process, ensuring that the victim’s rights are protected.

Contact a Miami Lakes Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Hiring an experienced motorcycle attorney in Miami Lakes can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. The Ward Law Group motorcycle accident lawyers have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you navigate the legal system and obtain the compensation you deserve. If you have been in a motorcycle accident in Miami Lakes, call us today at 855-DOLOR-55, or contact us online for a free consultation!