Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Milton, FL
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident and were not at-fault, you need to seek medical attention first, retain an experienced lawyer second to handle your case. As you are aware motorcyclists are at an extreme risk of being seriously injured when involved in any type of vehicular accident. More than 80% of motorcycle accidents result in the rider and/or passenger being seriously injured due to the lack of protection that motorcycles provide. Unprotected and unguarded by an enclosed metal frame, air bag deployment and seat belts, motorcyclists involved in accidents are at the mercy of the type of vehicle involved and the seriousness of the crash.
Accident victims and their families may face loss of income, high medical bills, permanent damage and the continued emotional distress that can result from these accidents. The consequences of a motorcycle accidents may result in several medical conditions including road rash, torn ligaments and muscles, spinal cord injuries, brain damage, bone fractures or even death and dismemberment. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident you need to seek the counsel and advice of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
At Whibbs Stone Barnett Turner, PA, we have been representing motorcycle victims and their families for over 30 years. Several attorneys in our firm are motorcycle enthusiasts themselves. Mostly weekend riders who have first-hand experience being injured in an automotive accident.
In 2020, there were over 8,045 documented motorcycle accidents resulting in 552 fatalities in the State of Florida, which is an extremely alarming statistic. In 2021 that number increased to 8,649 accidents resulting in 621 fatalities. Worse yet in 2022, there were 9,155 motorcycle accidents reported with 590 fatalities. These are alarming numbers, as the number of motorcyclists increases, so does the amount of accidents occurring.
It is very important for an injured motorcyclist to immediately seek legal advice from an experienced motorcycle accident attorney when these accidents happen. In just over 40% of the accidents recorded, the cyclists themselves were seriously injured. With the rate of almost 3 in 5 motorcycle accidents resulting in a serious injury or fatality, for motorcyclists that rate of injury is significantly higher than those involving only automobiles. In all these years recorded, there were numerous motorcyclist fatalities in Florida. Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of fatalities that occurred in vehicular accidents involved the motorcyclists or their passenger. This makes motorcycle wrongful death cases the largest number of death cases proportionately that occur on our roads in today.
At Whibbs Stone Barnett Turner, PA, we specialize in wrongful death cases involving all types of victims especially motorcyclists. If you operate a motorcycle you need to pay particular attention to traffic, drive defensively, obey all posted road signs and above all never take for granted that another driver sees you and will show caution when sharing the road with you.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida are listed below. Often, these causes are preventable. At Whibbs Stone Barnett Turner, PA we have seen just about every imaginable motorcycle accident scenario and have successfully defended our client’s rights to fair and just compensation for those injuries.
Intersections
The most dangerous traffic control device that exists, for all vehicular traffic, is found at intersections. More motorcycle accidents occur at intersections than at any other place on our highways. The compulsorily motorcycle training adopted by Florida Statutes states “that intersections pose the greatest threat to life and limb where motorcycles are concerned”. Intersections present, 6 different accident posing positions for all drivers who enter them. Head-on collisions and left-hand turns, (crossing a motorcycle’s path), are by far the most documented causes often resulting in a cyclist’s injury and sometimes death. When combined with other vehicles stopped at traffic lights and road signs, automobiles and trucks turning across traffic patterns, combined with road surfaces debris and collected fluids are a breeding ground for accidents, injuries and death.
Driver Impairment
Any driver, impaired by alcohol or drugs is at an increased risk of being involved in an accident. Motorcyclists who operate a motorcycle while impaired, assume the greatest risk. In almost every accident case, there is a negligent or careless behavior that caused the accident. When operating a motorcycle, it is very important to be aware of every factor that could contribute to an accident occurring. From driving in another vehicle’s blind spot, conducting a lane splitting maneuver, passing between traffic at an intersection, passing vehicles on the right to driving over the speed limit. These are all factors that could contribute to a motorcyclist being involved in an accident. Cyclists need to always exhibit extreme caution when operating their cycle and can never assume another driver sees them. Cyclists, above all other drivers, need to anticipate another driver’s intentions whether approaching or overcoming another vehicle in traffic.
Road Conditions
Bad weather, standing water, construction areas, uneven pavement and traffic congestion all contribute to creating an un–safe road conditions for motorcyclists and their passengers. A small amount of road debris can spell certain danger for the average cyclists. Many accidents that occur are the result of road conditions outside of the cyclist’s control. Exercising extreme caution can reduce the cyclists chance of being injured.
Motorcycle Injuries that Can Occur
All motorcycle accidents that occur have one thing in common and that is that motorcyclists and their passengers are the most vulnerable drivers on the road. Motorcycles, unlike cars, trucks and semi’s, provide no protection for their drivers. Wearing helmets and protective clothing only goes so far when a cyclist is involved in a crash. With the lack of airbags, an outside metal frame and 4 wheels of stability, motorcycles truly are dangerous vehicles. Because of this lack of protection, motorcyclists are prone to serious head, back, neck and body injuries when involved in a crash.
Why Choose Whibbs Stone Barnett Turner, PA if You are Involved in a Motorcycle Accident
At Whibbs Stone Barnett Turner, PA we are skilled and experienced motorcycle accident lawyers and have represented 100’s of motorcycle accident cases on behalf of the victims and their families. We understand the mentality of motorcyclists: the thrills, fears and levels of risk that are associated with riding a bike. Sadly, the injuries from motorcycle accidents are often catastrophic or fatal. Our attorneys have helped many families who have experienced the wrongful death of a loved one in a motorcycle accident receive just compensation.
We believe automobile, pickup trucks, commercial vehicles and semi-truck drivers have a responsibility to show caution when sharing the road with motorcyclists. But unfortunately, many motorcycle accidents occur because a driver did not see the motorcyclist. In Florida, we have great weather most of the year which lends itself to motorcyclists and their passengers hitting the road. Regrettably, the risk of being injured through no-fault of their own has been greatly increased for cyclists over the last few years.
Milton Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in our office who can inform you of all your legal options.
At Whibbs Stone Barnett Turner, PA we have the experience and the resources, including access to accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and crash investigators to obtain the compensation you need and deserve for your injury or the death of a loved one.
Call us at (850) 500-1111 for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys who can answer your questions and help you with all your legal needs. There are no fees or cost associated with your injury case unless we win money for you.
