Motorcyclists enjoy riding their vehicles in the beautiful weather year-round in Florida. Unfortunately, the high levels of vehicle traffic in the state also increase their chances of getting into a serious accident with a driver.
When a vehicle strikes a motorcycle, the reason for the collision is often driver negligence. Drivers who are not paying close attention to the road might not take the time to look out for a motorcycle, resulting in an accident. Due to the lack of protection on motorcycles, riders often suffer significant and even life-threatening injuries in such collisions.
If this happened to you or a loved one, you should not have to bear the financial burden of this situation on your own. A Sarasota motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help you hold the driver responsible for their negligent actions and recover damages. Reach out to one of the dedicated injury attorneys at Distasio Law Firm for a free case review.
Reasons Drivers May Not See Motorcyclists
Many times after a collision between a motor vehicle and a motorcycle, the driver of the vehicle will claim that he or she simply did not see the motorcycle. While it is possible for this to be an unavoidable accident, more often than not, negligence played a role.
Drivers behaving in a negligent manner while operating a car or truck may fail to watch for motorcycles before completing various driver maneuvers. This includes properly checking the rearview, side mirrors, and blind spots on a vehicle to see if a motorcyclist is nearby or approaching. Using blinkers and following the right of way can also help motorcyclists predict a driver’s movements and respond accordingly.
While careless or thoughtless driving may be to blame in motorcycle collisions, other factors may play a role as well. Intoxication or distraction are two of the most common causes of biker crashes in Sarasota.
Driving While Impaired
Motorcyclists can do everything correctly while they are riding and still end up in a collision because of driver negligence. Choosing to drive while intoxicated is one example of this.
A driver who takes drugs or drinks alcohol hinders their ability to operate a vehicle safely. Some of the issues that alcohol and drugs can cause for drivers include:
- Loss of motor coordination.
- Loss of judgment.
- Enhancement of drowsiness.
- Blurred vision.
Any of these conditions could cause the driver to fail to see a motorcyclist, creating a situation that leads to an accident. Impaired driving is a clear indication of negligence on the part of the driver, potentially paving the way for a personal injury claim.
Driving While Distracted
A driver who is not completely focused on the road may not see a motorcyclist in time to stop and avoid a collision. Florida has a Ban on Texting While Driving Law—Florida Statutes §316.305—that prohibits drivers from reading or sending text messages on a smartphone for this reason. Other distracting behaviors can include adjusting an entertainment system, eating, or talking to passengers.
The driver can miss approaching motorcycles or other vehicles when glancing away from the road, making distraction a negligent act if a collision occurs as a result. Count on a Sarasota motorcycle crash attorney from Distasio Law Firm to work hard to prove the other driver’s negligence in your accident case. Call us today for a free consultation.
Dangers for Motorcyclists in Florida
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that in 2018, 9,143 crashes involving motorcyclists occurred in the state, resulting in 531 fatalities. Even though motorcyclists were only involved in about 2% of all crashes in the state that year, they accounted for nearly 16% of all fatalities. The reasons for this largely have to do with the lack of protection riders have and the difference in size and weight compared to other vehicles.
Compared to all of the safety features found in a passenger vehicle, including a sturdy frame that surrounds the passengers, a motorcyclist has very little protection in case of a collision, aside from a helmet and other wearable gear. With so little protection for the rider, injuries suffered in a collision with a car can be severe, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Facial trauma.
- Amputation of limbs.
- Broken bones.
- Internal organ injuries.
- Internal bleeding.
- Severe lacerations.
- Paralysis.
- Infections from road rash.
A motorcyclist may suffer injuries at the moment of impact with the motor vehicle, though he or she may experience additional injuries if he or she is thrown from the bike. Some types of injuries in motorcycle crashes may be significant enough that the rider never recovers fully, leaving behind significant disabilities. Others may result in death. A dedicated lawyer from our firm could help you pursue comprehensive compensation for the full-extent of your injuries following a motorcycle collision in Sarasota.
A Sarasota Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Stand Up for Your Rights
After a crash in which you suffered an injury, a Sarasota motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help your case. The team at Distasio Law Firm takes its obligation to help victims of motorcycle accidents seriously. We will fight hard to show your side of the story, investigating the facts in the case to try to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident to secure your award for damages.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not accept any payment for our services until the case reaches a satisfactory conclusion. When you are facing financial hardship from the accident, not having to make payments upfront can be a significant benefit for you. For a free review of your case, contact us today.
