There are a large number of motorcycle drivers that live in or pass through Florida and Miami which, comes as no surprise. Florida is home to warm weather for much of the year and also hosts several motorcycle enthusiasts events. While driving a motorcycle can be a fun, it can also become dangerous.
If you have been injured as part of a motorcycle accident, regardless if you are the motorcyclist, the other driver, or a pedestrian, the law office of M. J. Louis can help! With over 26 years’ experience handling this type of personal injury case, you can rest assured your case will be handled correctly from the first step.
There is an incorrect assumption that motorcycle accidents are most often the cause of the motorcyclist. They are often perceived as reckless simply because they choose to drive a motorcycle. In many cases, accidents involving motorcycles are caused by issues outside of the motorcyclists control or the fault of another driver. Automobile drivers tend to assume less danger when they see a motorcycle as opposed to a larger vehicle and this unfortunately leads to riskier behavior.
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Road condition impairments such as rain, snow, ice or even roadwork debris
- Motorists not checking their blind spots – motorcycles are less visible to other drivers when switching lanes due to their size
- Drunk drivers
- Motorcyclists across lanes between slower drivers or between cars in two lanes. This practice is often called lane-splitting or white-lining
- When another motorist opens their car door impeding a motorcycle
- Overcompensation of the front brake which causes the motorcyclist to flip over the front of the bike. This can be due to lack of attention by the motorcyclist or other drivers
In the most tragic cases, motorcycle accidents can lead to death. This happens at a higher rate than regular car accidents given the exposed nature and lack of safety features – like airbags – of the motorcycle. It can happen to even to the most careful and prudent motorcycle drivers.
As a biker, the best way to avoid an accident is to:
- Wear a proper motorcycle helmet that has been rated by authoritative entities
- Choose riding gear with reflective elements to make you stand out more to others
- Be mindful of driver’s blind spots and keep an eye out for other vehicles (they may not see you)
- Follow all the safety guidelines and traffic laws
However, sometimes even when all parties try to do everything right, accidents can still happen. It’s important to quickly determine liability and file a claim in a timely manner to ensure your case leads to the compensation you deserve.
Whether you are an injured motorcyclist or injured by a motorcyclist, Mario J. Louis can help you! Contact us to get your claim started today.
