Survey a large group of motorcyclists and ask them why they choose to hit the road on two wheels. You're bound to come across a diverse assortment of explanations. Many consider motorcycling to be a way of life or a form of self-expression, while others simply view it as a hobby. There are many reasons why one might opt to drive a motorcycle as opposed to a four-wheeled automobile. For example, you can't beat the superior fuel economy or your vastly improved traffic maneuverability on a motorcycle. That being said, there are always risks involved whenever you hit the open road.
It's no secret that motorcycles have their own inherent dangers specific to their design. Perhaps, the perceived element of danger contributes to the cultural reverence of motorcycles. Simply put, there is something about the potential risk that lights up the parts of our brains responsible for excitement and fun. However, like a lot of things, the danger is only cool until it isn't. Motorcycling is a wonderful, exhilarating activity. However, when an accident strikes, there are serious consequences that come into play.
It is nigh impossible to walk away from a motorcycle accident with no personal injuries-or at the very least-property damage. Basically, you're going to suffer financial losses in some form or another. When that happens, you're going to want a veteran legal team to help you recuperate from those damages. The Ward Law Group is one such team. Our attorneys have earned nearly a decade of experience serving clients with every variation of accident claim imaginable. Additionally, our lawyers serve both the English- and Spanish-speaking communities, covering the widest possible audience with our expert legal consultation. If you primarily speak Spanish, don't let that scare you away from pursuing the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today!
Personal Injury & Motorcycle Accident Statistics for Orlando, FL
According to the Governor's Highway Safety Association, the state of Florida has one of the highest percentages of motorcyclist fatalities in comparison to total motor vehicle deaths. The Sunshine State sits firmly in 7th place with 18.5% of fatal traffic accidents deriving from motorcycle crashes. In the year 2016, this translated into roughly 574 motorcycle-related deaths. This was the highest number of deaths for any state of that year. And believe it or not, that was actually 70 fewer deaths than the year before.
It should come as no surprise that Florida has one of the largest motorcycle riding communities in the entire country. After all, the state was practically made for it. The weather is nice, the scenery is beautiful, and many motorcycle riders take note of this fact. The number of motorcyclists in Florida is naturally on the rise. Experts expect that this will only contribute to the ever-increasing number of motorbike accidents in the near future.
You can only do so much to protect yourself out there on the road. When an accident happens, the only avenue is to respond-there is no reversing it. The best thing you can do for yourself in this situation is to contact an experienced team of attorneys such as The Ward Law Group. Our lawyers understand your circumstances. And, we will fight tooth and nail to make sure that you walk away from your claim with the highest settlement possible.
Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
According to the American Automobile Association, Orange county witnesses 20-30 motorcycle fatalities each year. While this falls squarely in the middle of the pack state-wise, you have to remember that Florida still sees more motorcycle-related deaths than any other state in the country. Naturally, this means that Orlando sees more motorbike fatalities than most other parts of the U.S.
Of course, not all of these accidents end in wrongful death. There are plenty of motorcycle accident survivors. However, a lot of them have injuries to contend with nonetheless. Bodily harm from motorbike crashes ranges wildly. Common examples of personal injuries from motorcycles include:
- Road Rash
- Lacerations & Bruises
- Soft Tissue Injury
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Bone Fractures
- Internal Organ Damage
- Burns
- ...and more.
If you are the victim of a motorcycle accident that led to personal injury, get in touch with The Ward Law Group. Injuries complicate cases as they open up potential avenues for negotiation and litigation. And of course, it is going to take an experienced legal team to help you collect those forms of compensation. For that, you need to look no further than The Ward Law Group.
Florida Law & Auto Accident Compensation
Florida motorcycle laws are a little unusual in a couple of ways. For example, in the state of Florida, it is not required for motorcycle riders above the age of 21 to wear a helmet. That being said, it is required for all motorcyclists to wear eye protection. Kind of weird, right? And of course, things don't stop getting interesting there. For instance, motorcycle riders are not required to carry the PIP insurance that all four-wheeled vehicle operators must have in the state of Florida. That's certainly very different.
There are other motorcycle laws that make a lot of sense, however. For example, motorcycle operators are expected to follow the same traffic laws that drivers of other vehicles on the road must abide by. This means that motorcyclists are not allowed to split lanes or weave between congested lanes of traffic. Additionally, motorcycle riders (unlike bicyclists) have an entire lane reserved to themselves when out on the road. Essentially, motorcyclists are treated like any other automobile operators.
These laws are put into place specifically to keep motorcycle operators safe. That being said, accidents still do happen. And, when they do, you can expect to see some personal and financial damages. An experienced team of lawyers such as The Ward Law Group, however, will help you recover from these losses. For instance, if you have to pay medical bills resulting from a motorcycle accident, then you may be able to receive financial reparation as a result. Additionally, The Ward Law Group can help you recover from other losses as well. These include forms of compensation for lost wages, property damage, emotional trauma, or the loss of consortium.
Maximizing Your Claim: Immediate Steps to Take After an Accident
If you are involved in an accident of any kind, the first step you should take is to contact emergency services. This means seeking out immediate medical attention for yourself or others if necessary, as well as calling the police. Failing to reach out to either of these branches may hurt your potential settlement. So, don't skip this step under any circumstances.
If you are able, make sure to collect as much information as possible. The police will arrive on the scene and immediately begin to write up a police report. Be sure to get a copy of this document. You are also going to want to obtain the contact information of all parties involved, including any witnesses to the accident. It may also prove fruitful to gather photographic evidence. Take advantage of your smartphone if it was not damaged in the accident. You'll want pictures of all the damages and injuries, as well as the general location and scene of the incident.
Lastly, you'll want to contact your insurance company and an experienced legal team. When talking to your insurance company, be sure to be concise and truthful. Any discrepancies between your side of the story and what actually happened may come back to haunt you at a pivotal point in your case. And of course, as far as legal teams are concerned, reach out to The Ward Law Group. They have the experience underneath their belts to handle any potential hiccups and intricacies that may come along with your case.
How the Ward Law Group Can Help
If you are in a motorcycle accident, chances are you are not walking away from it unscathed. Navigating the legal space is already difficult enough with a healthy mind and body. But, doing so with debilitating injuries is nigh impossible by yourself. Remember, insurance company adjusters are out to make a profit, not to serve you. You are going to need to fight them and come out on top.
The Ward Law Group doesn't just make this process possible, they make it easy. Chances are, you're likely under enough stress already. Do yourself a favor and lighten the load by getting in touch with a group of attorneys who know what they are doing. And don't forget, if you speak Spanish, don't let that get in the way of pursuing the settlement you deserve. The Ward Law Group serves both the English- and Spanish-speaking communities. Contact us today!