Destin Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Riding a motorcycle along the open roads of Destin can be a thrilling and thoroughly enjoyable experience. The gorgeous scenery and the availability of delicious seafood along the way can make the ride all the more special.

Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are a common occurrence in Destin – as is the case with most other cities in Florida. In fact, Florida is considered the 7^th most dangerous state for motorcyclists – largely due to the fact that the city’s roadways are designed to be automobile-friendly and many motorists simply do not bother to keep an eye out for motorcyclists – particularly at intersections.

In 2021, a total of 28 motorcycle accidents were reported in Okaloosa County and nearly half of them were fatal in nature. Almost all the accidents were caused by negligent drivers, which is usually the case with accidents involving motorcycles and automobiles.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side that you can trust. At Whibbs Stone Barnett, we have a team of trial attorneys who have more than six decades of combined experience in handling motorcycle accident claims. We can represent you, fight for you, and obtain the monetary compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Destin, FL

One of the reasons why motorcycle accidents are so common in Florida is that many drivers simply do not realize the fact that motorcyclists have the exact same rights that they do under the law. Moreover, due to their compact size, motorcycles can be harder to see for drivers compared to other vehicles, which also increases the risk of accidents significantly.

The most common examples of driver negligence that can lead to a motorcycle accident include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Aggressive or reckless driving
• Failing to yield the right of way to motorcyclists
• Failing to watch out for motorcyclists while making a left turn
• Failing to watch out for motorcyclists while opening the door of a parked vehicle
• Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes

Apart from driver negligence, other factors that can contribute to motorcycle accidents include:

• Bad road conditions
• Defective parts in motorcycles
• Inclement weather conditions

Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections for Motorcyclists in Destin, FL

• The intersection of Main Street and Kelly Street
• The intersection of US 98 and Stahlman Avenue
• The intersection of US 98 and Benning Drive

What Are the Common Types of Injuries That Can Result from a Motorcycle Accident?

Data shows that leg injuries account for approximately 30% of all injuries in non-fatal motorcycle accidents, followed by injuries to the head and neck, upper trunk (chest and shoulders), and the pelvic region.

The most common types of injuries that can result from a motorcycle accident include:

• Cuts, abrasions, and lacerations
• Broken bones
• Crush injuries
• Burn injuries
• Traumatic amputation
• Internal organ damage
• Nerve damage
• Traumatic brain injuries

Does Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance Cover Motorcycle Accidents?

No, it does not. Florida’s PIP insurance only covers cars and other motor vehicles with four or more wheels. If you are injured while riding a motorcycle, you cannot file a PIP claim with your auto insurance company – even if you own a car.

As a motorcycle accident victim, the only option you have is to file a claim against the party that caused the accident and recover compensation. It’s one of the most important reasons why you should get in touch with a Destin motorcycle accident lawyer, who has been through the legal trenches before, as soon as you possibly can after the accident. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner they can start taking the necessary steps to recover the compensation you are owed.

Damages You Can Recover in a Destin Motorcycle Accident Claim

• Current and future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Long-term care (if you are permanently disabled and unable to care for yourself)
• Lost earnings due to time away from work
• Earnings you stand to lose in the future (if you are physically or cognitively impaired and if your capacity to work and earn a living has been affected as a result)
• Cost of repairing your motorcycle and other items damaged in the accident
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Diminished quality of life

Apart from this, if you are unable to have an intimate relationship with your spouse due to a physical or cognitive impairment, your spouse can file a loss of consortium claim against the at-fault party and seek monetary damages.

How Florida’s Pure Comparative Negligence Doctrine Can Impact Your Compensation

Under Florida’s pure comparative negligence doctrine, you have the right to sue the other party even if your own actions partially contributed to the accident. The downside is that your compensation will be reduced depending on the extent to which your own actions contributed to the accident.

For example, if you are awarded a sum of $200,000 and if it is found that you were 25% responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 25% and you will only receive $150,000.

Get Results-Oriented Legal Representation from Our Seasoned Destin, FL Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

At Whibbs Stone Barnett, we know how devastating motorcycle accidents can be. It’s why we go above and beyond what most personal injury lawyers do in order to secure the maximum possible compensation for our clients.

We have handled a large number of motorcycle accident claims over the years and have an in-depth knowledge of local and state traffic laws and helmet laws, the legal precedents in motorcycle accident cases, and the kind of evidence needed to establish fault and liability in these cases.

We will leave no stone unturned to collect evidence, including forensic and accident reconstruction specialist opinions if necessary, and prepare a compelling strategy to maximize your compensation. Our prolific legal team includes highly skilled attorneys with decades of combined courtroom experience who can obtain results that meet or exceed your best expectations.

Call us today at 850-409-6325 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers.