Orlando Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Because of their size, riders are more likely to be injured than someone traveling in a car. One of the reasons is the added protection of the metal surrounding the car as opposed to the open air of the motorcycle ride. In addition, many accidents are caused because there is a lack of respect for motorcyclists. Whether that is the result of some drivers thinking they are “bigger and better” or whether they equate motorcycle riders with the motorcycle gang is difficult to say. Of course, some motorcyclists must take some liability because they often cut off cars because they know they can because of their size.

Because of their lack of protection, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to catastrophic and fatal injuries than other motor vehicles. This worsens because of the number of riders who fail to wear helmets and other protective clothing that would make them less vulnerable to injuries in an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration motorcycle riders are 32 times more likely to die from injuries than are those riding in cars and trucks. In addition, the majority of motorcycle riders involved in accidents suffer back, head, and neck injuries that often are serious.

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you want to have someone available to collect important information for you if you are unable to do so. It is not advisable to speak to any law enforcement personnel except for those officers investigating the accident, and you should not speak to the other party’s insurance company if you are planning to hire an attorney. Remember there is likely to be some question about who was really at fault since motorcycles seem to have a bad name about car and truck drivers, so be prepared to prove that it was the other driver’s fault.

If you plan to obtain an attorney, make sure you choose a personal injury attorney that is familiar with litigating in cases involving motorcycles. Keep in mind that more serious injuries are usually involved with motorcycle accidents, so you want to go to the hospital and be thoroughly checked even if you think your injuries are minor. There are statutes of limitations in all states, so you don’t want to find out later that what you thought was just a back strain is more serious than that.

When a motorcycle accident is the fault of the driver of the car or truck, there is likely to be extensive property damage in addition to serious personal injury to the motorcycle driver and/or rider such as back, neck and head injury depending on the severity of the accident. Gathering as much information as possible will allow your attorney to proceed with the personal injury case smoother and obtain a settlement for you quicker. In many cases if you have your facts together and there is no doubt the liability lies on the driver of the other vehicle, your attorney can obtain a quick out of court settlement for you, at least to cover the immediate costs of medical care and lost wages.