Motorcycle Accidents
recently Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Florida?
Contact Elle Rudisill Law Firm today and speak with an attorney who will focus on your unique case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What is a Motorcycle accident (personal injury)?
A motorcycle accident occurs when a motorcyclist is injured or killed because of another party’s negligence. Due to the lack of physical protection afforded to riders, motorcycle crashes frequently result in catastrophic injuries, long-term disabilities, or fatalities.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents
Motorcycle accidents are often caused by:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Left-turn accidents
- Unsafe lane changes
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Following too closely
- Blind spot collisions
- Opening vehicle doors into a rider’s path
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Poorly maintained roads
- Road debris or construction hazards
- Defective motorcycle components
Common types of motorcycle accidents
- Left-turn collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Lane-change accidents
- Blind spot accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- Intersection accidents
- Multi-vehicle crashes
- Single-motorcycle crashes caused by road hazards
- Hit-and-run motorcycle accidents
Common injuries
Motorcycle accident victims often suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Internal injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
Who may be liable?
Depending on the facts of the case, responsible parties may include:
- Negligent drivers
- Commercial vehicle operators
- Employers of negligent drivers
- Government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions
- Motorcycle manufacturers
- Parts manufacturers
- Repair or maintenance shops
- Construction companies
- Property owners (in limited circumstances)
Compensation available
An injured motorcyclist may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation costs
- Property damage
- Permanent disability
- ßWrongful death damages
Evidence commonly used
Strong motorcycle accident claims often rely on:
- Police crash reports
- Scene photographs and videos
- Helmet and riding gear
- Motorcycle damage documentation
- Traffic camera or surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Vehicle electronic data (when available)
Florida motorcycle accident claims
Motorcyclists in Florida have the same rights to use public roads as other motorists. However, riders often face unfair stereotypes from insurance companies that attempt to shift blame onto the motorcyclist.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning compensation may be reduced if the injured rider is found partially at fault. Unlike most drivers, motorcyclists generally are not covered by Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) requirements, making liability insurance claims especially important after a crash.
Because motorcycle accidents often involve severe injuries, preserving evidence and obtaining prompt medical treatment can significantly strengthen a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a motorcycle accident?
- Call 911.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Photograph the accident scene, motorcycle, and injuries if possible.
- Obtain insurance and contact information from all involved parties.
- Collect witness information.
- Preserve your helmet and riding gear.
- Contact a motorcycle accident attorney before providing a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
Can I recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Possibly. Whether helmet use affects your claim depends on the facts, the injuries involved, and applicable Florida law. An attorney can evaluate how it may impact your case.
What if the driver says they didn’t see me?
Drivers have a legal duty to maintain a proper lookout and operate their vehicles safely. A failure to see an approaching motorcycle does not automatically relieve a driver of liability.
contact elle rudisill Law firm
We Put Your Recovery & Compensation First
Elle Rudisill Law Firm represents individuals and families who have been injured due to the negligence of others. Our practice focuses exclusively on personal injury law, allowing us to provide knowledgeable, strategic, and client-focused representation in matters including:
Each case is handled with personalized attention, a thorough investigation, and a results-driven approach to pursuing the maximum compensation available under the law.