Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Most motorcyclists can’t imagine a form of transportation better than the one they currently employ. Motorcycles are efficient, cost effective, simple to park in congested areas, and just plain fun to ride. The warm, sunny climate of Tampa offers an additional perk that most of the country only gets to enjoy for a few choice months in the summer. Experienced motorcyclists can navigate even the busiest streets with ease and confidence, which, however, really only creates an illusion of control. While you may be an excellent and incredibly vigilant rider, the same probably is not true for the multitude of drivers behind their steering wheels with hunched heads scanning their Facebook account or reading incoming emails before getting to the office. We all know just how dangerous riding a motorcycle can be, regardless of caution and level of rider experience, as no amount of defensive maneuvers can prevent every crash from occurring. And, when crashes do occur, even full face helmets and full riding gear won’t protect a rider from the harsh reality of the pavement and 4,000 pounds of steel.

While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 10 times more motorcyclists died in states without universal helmet laws (such as Florida) than in states with universal helmet laws, one cannot automatically blame a motorcyclist for the cause of the crash or for their injuries. As a motorcyclist, you know just how dangerous the roads can be, and you must take the appropriate precautions to mitigate those dangers. Often, crashes are the result of a driver’s poor maneuvering, lack of attention, excessive speed, drug or alcohol-induced impairment, or outright road rage. If you are the victim of a motorcyle accident, or a loved one was seriously injured by a negligent driver, contact an experienced Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you can to discuss your options for financial compensation.

Time of Day is a Factor that Leads to Chances of Being Involved in a Crash

The time of day that you ride has a lot to do with your chances of being struck. The majority of alcohol-impaired driving occurs between midnight and 3:00 a.m., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In fact, 63 percent of alcohol-caused crashes occur within that time frame. Refraining from riding during that time can help your chances, as well as attempting to ride outside of normal rush hour traffic times. Even a head start of 20 minutes can help reduce your risk of getting hit, though it is not always possible to do this, of course. Riding with lights on at all times of day, despite the prevalence of bright sunny skies, can also help create driver awareness–something you should not have to do in an ideal world, but in this one, it is a good idea.

If you were injured in a crash, please don’t hesitate to call The Pendas Law Firm today at 1-844-200-0000 to discuss the matter with one of our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers. The most popular lawyers in Tampa will fight for your rights to ensure you are able to recover adequate compensation.

What to do in a Tampa Motorcycle Accident

As with any motor vehicle crash, your safety, and the safety of anyone riding with you, should be your utmost concern. However, there are other aspects of a collision that need to be given fair attention when life threatening injuries are not present. You can help supply your future lawyer with vital forms of evidence that will lead to a more favorable financial settlement–a settlement that can help pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Nearly 12 percent of drivers and motorcyclists that are involved in fatal crashes had been in a previous recorded collision at some point, 16.8 percent had speeding convictions, and 17.4 had been in previous collisions that involved an injury, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This should come as little surprise, since most people are involved in a collision once every 18 or so years. However, what these numbers hint at, but fail to fully reveal, is that, just like drunk drivers, dangerous drivers are repeat offenders. As such, their insurance premiums often reflect the numerous and serious traffic infractions of their past. A driver that is involved in multiple crashes, has received numerous speeding tickets, and has caused serious bodily injury to others is the most likely to cause more injuries and even fatalities down the road. As a motorcyclist, you are at incredible risk of being hit by one of these high risk drivers. In addition to driving under the influence of alcohol, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lists the following as examples of driving behavior that will add to a driver’s insurance costs and likelihood of future collisions:

• A DUI;
• Excessive speeding tickets;
• Street racing;
• Driving without a valid license;
• Reckless driving; and
• Traffic violations that caused a fatality.

Unfortunately, these drivers are still allowed to be on the streets, which presents a hazard to everyone that shares the road with them. While it may not be possible to keep them off the road for life, you do have the opportunity to gather evidence to help convict them of further traffic violations, and hold them liable for financial compensation. Follow the steps listed below to help your lawyer prove their negligence:

• Contact the police;
• Get their information as soon as possible to prevent a hit and run. This information includes their license plate, make and model of vehicle, driver’s license number, address, phone number, and full name. Use your phone to take pictures of their car, them (if you deem necessary), and the scene of the crash, including where your bike ended up;
• Keep to the side of the road, safely away from traffic;
• Get the contact information of any eye witnesses;
• Talk with the police and describe, in detail, what happened;
• Get medical treatment; and
• Call your insurance company.

Experienced Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help Today

Of course, if you have been injured in a wreck, make sure to reach out to a skilled lawyer who can fight for your rights in a claim or civil lawsuit. Call The Pendas Law Firm today at 1-844-200-0000 to talk with one of our experienced and aggressive Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers to discuss your options for seeking substantial financial compensation from the liable party.