Melbourne Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycles offer greater freedom on the road than cars or trucks. But with that freedom comes increased risk. Motorcyclists lack the protection offered by larger motor vehicles. And other motorists often shirk their responsibility to share the road with motorcycles responsibly. The result is often a devastating accident that can kill or seriously injure the motorcyclist.
Many people tend to automatically blame motorcyclists for their own injuries. There is still a social stigma that considers motorcyclists a reckless and dangerous group. But the reality is that it is often the “normal” car or truck driver who causes such accidents through their own reckless behavior. An experienced Melbourne motorcycle accident lawyer can help you in obtaining compensation for your injuries. The team at the Pendas Law Firm represents accident victims throughout Brevard County in taking legal action against negligent drivers and their insurance companies.
What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes?
Unlike people who drive four-wheel vehicles like cars and trucks, Florida law does not require motorcyclists to carry any form of personal injury protection (PIP) or “no-fault” insurance coverage. The flip side of this is that a motorcyclist is free to sue an at-fault driver to recover compensation for their injuries following an accident. And as previously noted, motorist negligence is often the cause of such accidents.
Some common factors that we have found in at-fault motorcycle accidents include:
- speeding;
- drunk or drugged driving;
- running a red light or stop sign;
- unsafe lane changes;
- sudden stopping or braking;
- failure to yield the right of way when making a left turn;
- failure to keep an eye on a vehicle’s blind sports; and
- a motorist opening a car door in the path of an oncoming motorcycle.
In addition to driver negligence, motorcycle accidents may also be the result of a defect in the roadways–in which case the state or local government may be liable for compensation–or with the motorcycle itself. In the latter case, the company that designed or manufactured the motorcycle (or one of its parts) may be sued under Florida’s product liability laws.
What Compensation Can I Demand Following a Motorcycle Accident?
The risk of serious injury or death is substantially higher in a motorcycle accident than in other types of crashes involving motorized vehicles. Through a personal injury claim, a motorcycle accident victim can seek both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket losses. Non-economic damages, in contrast, cover pain and suffering and other intangible losses that can be difficult to quantify. In extraordinary cases, a Florida court may also award punitive damages to punish a defendant who engaged in intentional misconduct or gross negligence.
Contact The Pendas Law Firm Today
Motorcycle accident victims often face an uphill battle, both to recover from their injuries and when seeking compensation from an at-fault party. A skilled Melbourne motorcycle accident attorney can help take the latter burden off your hands. If you or someone that you love has been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash, contact the Pendas Law Firm today to schedule an initial consultation.
