Even if a motorcycle rider takes every possible precaution by driving safely, wears protective equipment, and operates their bike safely, another driver’s poor decisions could place their life in jeopardy. Every driver owes a duty to all other people on the road to prevent unnecessary risk of harm, so motorcyclist who suffers an injury after an accident may have the right to pursue an at-fault defendant for damages.
Every portion of the claim from gathering evidence, to measuring losses, to participating in all settlement talks, is essential, so retaining professional help from a skilled personal injury attorney can be crucial as well. A Palm Harbor motorcycle accident lawyer might be able to help you form a cohesive case and effectively pursue financial recovery.
Common Injuries that May Affect Motorcycle Riders
Motorcycle riders are in a vulnerable position compared to other people on the road. Even those who make the responsible choice to wear helmets and other protective gear can be subject to harsh impacts in case of a collision with another vehicle. Even if the two vehicles never come together, a biker may need to take evasive action that forces them to the ground or off the road.
As a result, the physical injuries that affect motorcyclists can be harsh. It is not uncommon for victims of a motorbike crash to experience:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Separated joints
- Abrasions from sliding on pavement
- Burns
- Spinal cord damage
A Palm Harbor motorcycle accident attorney could help a crash victim measure all the damages that result from a collision. No matter how severe losses may be, though, there is a limited time to bring a claim. Under Florida Statutes §95.11, a prospective plaintiff has only four years from the date of the accident to demand payments.
Demonstrating Defendant Negligence in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Drivers must follow all rules of the road and take appropriate caution to protect motorcyclists. One common way to demonstrate defendant negligence in a motorcycle case is to prove that a defendant violated a rule of the road. This can include texting while driving, failing to check blind spots when changing lanes, ignoring stop signs, or speeding.
If a plaintiff can show that a defendant was convicted for a moving violation, it may serve as evidence of negligence. This allows a civil court to assume that a defendant was at fault for an accident.
A party may also be considered careless instead of negligent. Courts in Palm Harbor use comparative negligence law to assign blame following an accident, which means that a biker may be partially responsible for the accident while still collecting compensation. A motorcycle crash lawyer in Palm Harbor could work to gather evidence that shows another driver was responsible for an accident that resulted in injuries.
How a Palm Harbor Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Could Help
After an accident, many riders must deal with serious injuries that affect their health, their ability to earn a living, and their emotional wellbeing. A Palm Harbor motorcycle accident lawyer could take the lead in your case to evaluate your losses, gather the essential information needed to prove defendant negligence, and promote your interests. Call today to find out how a qualified attorney could help you.
