• martindale
  • avvo
  • lawyers
  • martindale

Due to the size of a motorcycle compared with most other vehicles with which it shares the roads and highways, accidents are frequent and injuries severe, as there is no padding between the rider and the pavement. The Centers for Disease Control reported an estimated 1,222,000 people in the United States were treated for non-fatal injuries due to motorcycle crashes from 2001 through 2008. The most common reported injuries were:

  • head or neck: 22%
  • arm or hand: 20%
  • upper body: 8%
  • leg or foot: 18%
  • lower body: 30%

Serious injury is likely

In 2008, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles noted that 9,877 motorcyclists were involved in crashes with 8,784 resulting in injuries. Another 544 motorcycle accidents resulted in death. Clearly, riding a motorcycle on Florida's roads and highways can be dangerous. While most motorcyclists exercise proper safety precautions, many accidents cannot be prevented. In fact, a motorcycle rider usually has about two seconds to react to a dangerous situation to avoid an accident. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of death and lowers the risk of a life-threatening head injury, but it won't prevent serious injuries to other parts of the body.

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Types of motorcycle accident injuries

Typical injuries seen in motorcycle accidents include:

  • facial disfigurement
  • head or neck injuries
  • nerve damage or paralysis
  • skin or muscle damage
  • broken bones

The loss of a limb is another unfortunate injury often seen in these types of accidents. Costs for medical treatment and expenses add up quickly. The time it takes to recover from such injuries often keeps a person from working. Severe injuries may result in permanent disability.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is critical to retain an experienced personal injury law firm as soon as possible to help protect your rights and begin investigating the circumstances of the accident, which could help you recover monetary compensation due to negligence of another. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Leanne L. Ohle, P.A. help protect the legal rights personal injury victims throughout the Treasure Coast.

 
 

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT FAQs

 

Is the other driver usually at fault in motorcycle accidents?

Due to their smaller and narrower profile, motorcyclists face a heightened risk of not being seen by drivers of other vehicles. In motorcycle crashes involving one or more other vehicles, another driver violated the motorcyclist's right-of-way in roughly two-thirds of accidents. A passenger vehicle making a left turn is the most common situation that results in motorcycle accidents. A motorcyclist is not seen, or not seen in time, and the passenger vehicle turns left in front of the motorcycle when it should have yielded. Overall, the bulk of motorcycle accidents arise from right-of-way failures at intersections during left turns or because of running a traffic signal or stop sign.

What should I do after a motorcycle accident?

If you are able, moving your motorcycle out of the path of traffic should be your first step. This action lowers the hazard presented by passing vehicles. If you can, take some pictures of your vehicle damage, physical injuries and the road conditions and traffic signs at the scene. Collecting contact information from other drivers involved and witnesses will be a top priority. If the police respond to your accident, answer their questions but never admit fault. Fault is best determined by a dispassionate analysis of the facts and not when you may be in a state of mental or physical shock. Remember to ask the police officer how to get a copy of the accident report. Next, get a medical exam as soon as possible.

Can I still seek compensation for a motorcycle accident if I wasn't wearing a helmet?

Your choice to not wear a helmet may impact your case. Florida personal injury law operates under the principle of comparative negligence. This concept reduces compensation awards by the amount of responsibility assigned to the victim. However, the absence of a helmet may not reflect negatively on leg, arm or torso injuries because a helmet would not have mattered. Additionally, if another driver struck you, then that driver still may have been negligent. A helmet has nothing to do with someone violating the rules of the road and causing an accident. A case evaluation by a motorcycle accident lawyer could help you understand how the helmet issue could influence your case.

Why Choose Ohle & Ohle?
"I don't usually write reviews, but needed to make an exception because I was so impressed with Leanne Ohle. Not only was she was able to help me with my case with her expertise but also showed compassion when I needed it most. She made this process as easy as possible during a time in my life nothing seemed easy. If you're looking for an attorney that's able to explain exactly what needs to be done, always there to answer any questions you might have, and be compassionate at the same time, Leanne is your best choice. Thanks again."
~ Sonda Danko, Google Reviewer
Unlike many large, high-volume firms, we'll treat you like an individual, and with compassion and understanding. Whether you're facing criminal charges, going through a divorce or injured in an accident, what you need most right now is someone who will listen and provide you with the best possible representation throughout your unique case.
Several law firms from West Palm Beach claim to specialize in Treasure Coast cases, when in fact they don't even have an office here. Leanne and Michael Ohle were born and raised in the Treasure Coast, and know the ins and outs of its legal system. We have offices in Fort Pierce and Stuart, and can come to you, depending on the situation.
The attorneys at Ohle & Ohle have proudly served Fort Pierce, Stuart, Port St. Lucie and the rest of the Treasure Coast for the past 48 years. We pride ourselves on our deep-rooted, strong ties to the community, which we believe gives us a clear advantage over our non-local competitors.
CALL US 24x7 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION (772) 221-3457