West Central Florida is some of the best riding country in the state. The weather cooperates most of the year, the roads range from Gulf coast highways to quiet backroads, and motorcyclists are a regular presence across the region. But that same open road comes with real risk, and when a negligent driver causes a crash, riders pay a far higher price than occupants of passenger vehicles.
Motorcyclists are nearly 29 times more likely to die in a crash than car occupants, and when they survive, the injuries are often severe and lasting. At Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer, Injury Lawyers, we fight hard for motorcycle accident victims throughout West Central Florida. We understand the unique risks riders face and the bias some carry against them, and we are here to make sure your rights are protected.
Motorcycles are more vulnerable than passenger vehicles in nearly every way. They have a narrower profile that makes them harder to see, less stability on wet or debris-covered roads, and no protective cage around the rider. Several driver behaviors regularly put motorcyclists at serious risk:
Motorcycles offer none of the protective features of enclosed vehicles. There are no airbags, no steel frame surrounding the rider, and no seat belt. When a crash occurs, the rider is often ejected and may strike the vehicle, the road, guardrails, or other obstacles. The injuries that result are frequently severe:
A serious motorcycle accident injury touches nearly every part of a rider’s life. The financial impact is immediate, with unexpected medical bills, costs to repair or replace the motorcycle and gear, and lost income from time off work. If the injury causes permanent disabilities, the losses extend further to a reduced ability to earn an income and the loss of employment benefits.
At home, family members may take on caregiving responsibilities they were not prepared for. A rider’s spouse may experience loss of consortium, the loss of the physical and emotional intimacy that often accompanies serious injury and long recovery. Friendships can fade when a rider can no longer participate in shared activities. The social and personal losses from a serious motorcycle accident are real and recoverable, and our attorneys account for all of them.
One of the most common questions motorcycle accident victims have is whether not wearing a helmet will affect their ability to recover compensation. Under Florida law, riders over 21 who carry at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage are not required to wear a helmet, and in those cases, helmet use does not affect the claim.
For riders under 21, helmets are required by law. If you were under 21 and not wearing a helmet, you may still file a claim and recover compensation from the at-fault party, but the amount you recover could be reduced. Our attorneys can explain exactly how this applies to your specific situation.
If a negligent driver caused your motorcycle accident, you have the right to seek compensation for both the financial costs and the personal impacts of your injuries. This includes:
To recover compensation, your attorney must show that another party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty through negligent or unlawful behavior, and that the breach directly caused the accident and your injuries. Our attorneys investigate every aspect of the crash to build the strongest possible case.
Motorcycle accident victims deserve attorneys who take their cases seriously and fight hard for full compensation. When you work with LMD, you get:
If a negligent driver injured you in a motorcycle accident, you do not have to face the insurance company alone. Contact Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer, Injury Lawyers today for your free case evaluation. We serve clients throughout West Central Florida and we are ready to help.
(727) 849-5353