Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

With sunny, year-round riding weather, Fort Lauderdale is a great location for motorcyclists. However, this does not make it any safer out on the roads. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that there are are well over 4,000 motorcycle fatalities every year. These fatalities account for 13 percent of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. This percentage is larger in Florida on account of the good weather, accounting for 15 percent of all traffic fatalities, according to Ride Smart Florida. Over 400 motorcyclists die in Florida per year. Due to lack of protection against the pavement or other vehicles, motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to die in a crash than if they were in a car. With distracted driving on the rise, motorcyclists are being put under even more threat. According to Automotive Fleet, 40 percent of all motor vehicle collisions involve a cell phone. While motorcyclists must remain vigilant at all times, car drivers often give only part of their attention to operating their vehicles. Contact our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers for more information.

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All users of the road owe each other a duty of care. This duty requires all of us to operate our cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles with care and in a way that does not jeopardize the safety of any other road users. Violating this duty includes speeding, distracted driving while drowsy or under the influence of alcohol, improper lane changes, disobeying traffic signs, and more. When this duty is breached and causes another to be injured, the party who caused the crash is deemed liable. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident, give the best Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers a call to discuss how you can be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Negligence is Commonly Found in Motorcycle Accidents

In the case of most motor vehicle collisions, there is a negligent party. This means that there is someone who caused the crash. If they had given more thought to their duty of care, the crash could have been avoided. However, Florida is a pure comparative negligence state, meaning that fault or negligence can be distributed amongst multiple parties. As an example, if someone ran a red light and T-boned another vehicle, but that other vehicle had been speeding excessively, both parties might be found negligent. The person who ran the red light might be found 80 percent liable, while the person speeding might be found 20 liable, which would decrease the amount of damages they would be able to collect from the other party.

Motorcyclists in Fort Lauderdale Have the Same Rights and Responsibilities as Other Motorists

Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other motor vehicles. As an example, motorcyclists are able to use the full lane of traffic, just like cars or trucks. In terms of responsibility, just like it would be illegal for a car to do so, motorcyclists must refrain from riding in-between lanes, which some motorcyclists occasionally do to pass stalled traffic. Contact our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers today.

What to do if You Have Been in a Motorcycle Accident in Fort Lauderdale

The first step you must take after a motorcycle accident is to establish liability. You have four years to file a personal injury claim under Florida’s statute of limitations. If you have been in an accident, you may be able to collect damages to help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Don’t let these bills pile up, especially if you have had to miss work while recovering from your injuries. Contact one of our experienced Fort Lauderdale personal motorcycle accident injury lawyers to discuss your legal options. Give us a call today and we can get you started on the path to financial recovery. The Pendas Law Firm of Fort Lauderdale is one of Florida’s most popular personal injury law firms.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident In Fort Lauderdale

Motorcycle fatalities continue to creep up throughout the years within the U.S. Over 4,000 motorcycle fatalities occur annually, making up 13 percent of all traffic fatalities. In Florida, that number is even higher. Motorcycle fatalities make up 15 percent of all traffic fatalities here, in part because of the warm, year-round riding conditions. As the roadways continue to get more congested as more vehicles pack into the roads, the danger for motorcyclists continues to rise. And with more and more drivers disregarding their duty of care to the other users of the road by talking and texting on cell phones, the number of avoidable accidents may only increase. Nowadays, 40 percent of all motor vehicle collisions involve the use of a cell phone, according to Automotive Fleet. One in four traffic fatalities is caused by a distracted driver using a cell phone, GPS device, or from eating.

If You Have Been Involved in a Motorcycle Crash in Fort Lauderdale, Follow These Steps

You can increase your chances of proving negligence by taking certain measures after your motorcycle crash. It is vital to gather as much evidence as you can immediately following the collision. Memories fade and minds are changed with time. Many times the negligent party admits to fault at the scene but goes back on their word after the fact.

Speak to the police and tell your side of the story. However, you stand to gain nothing by arguing with them about the details of the crash. Keep a calm state of mind. Make sure they take down your account for the official accident report.

• Gather witness testimony and write down contact information.
• Photograph the scene, any injuries you sustained, and the damages to your motorcycle and other property that was damaged.
• Seek medical treatment and be honest with your doctor. Everything you discuss with them will be recorded and used in settlement.

Collecting Damages After Your Motorcycle Accident in Fort Lauderdale

All users of the road owe one another a duty of care. When this duty is violated by swerving, speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, or other careless or reckless actions, the negligent party may be held liable. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident and are able to prove negligence on the other party, you may be able to file suit to recover damages. These damages may include funds for medical bills, future medical treatments, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In the state of Florida, you have up to four years from the date of the collision to file a claim. To discuss your options, contact one of our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers today. The Pendas Law Firm is one of Florida’s most respected motorcycle accident firms and we focus specifically on personal injury cases. We don’t charge any fees up front, so call us today and we can walk you through what to expect in the coming months. Let our successful Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers help you.