How Motorists Can Avoid Motorcycle Accidents
May 14, 2018 | Category: Motorcycle Accidents | ShareOther vehicles cause most of the accidents which involve motorcycles. Even if motorcycles are traveling at low speeds, the riders may incur injuries. They have very little protection against larger vehicles.
The three most common types of accidents happen when:
- Another vehicle causes motorcyclists to lose control of their bikes when attempting to avoid a crash.
- A car or object causes motorcyclists to suddenly stop to prevent accidents.
- Motorists, not seeing motorcycle riders, make negligent maneuvers which force riders to take avoidance measures.
How can motorists avoid accidents with motorcycles?
Since Florida is a Mecca for motorcyclists, other motorists must be watchful for them at all times. This is particularly true when changing lanes. Checking mirrors and being careful of “blind spots” may mean the difference between a safe move and an accident.
Leaving a sufficient amount of maneuvering space for motorcycles is important to sharing the road. Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable when there are road conditions such as potholes, construction and railroad tracks. Being aware of these trouble spots will make for safer conditions for motorists and motorcyclists.
Remember, motorcycles have the same rights to the road as other motorists. It is very important that motorists do not crowd a motorcycle in a lane. Motorcycles have the right to ride two-abreast when traveling on Florida’s roads and highways.
Motorcyclists’ legal rights
Should motorcyclists be injured in an accident, they have the right to legal recourse. A motorcycle accident victim suffering severe injuries should be able to recover compensation for medical costs, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.
There are several factors involved in determining the amount of compensation victims may receive. These factors include the severity of the injuries, whether the injuries affect the victim’s ability to perform the basic functions of a job, the relative degree of fault between the motorcyclist and the other driver, and what protective gear the motorcyclist was wearing to help prevent injury. The concept of negligence governs the amount of compensation.
In Florida, a motorcyclist is entitled to damages even if he or she is more than 51 percent at fault. Florida is one of thirteen states to have this rule which is more favorable than the laws of many other states.
Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey says, “We are available 24/7 to assist you should you be injured in a motorcycle-related accident, and there are no costs or attorney fees unless we make a monetary recovery for you.”
Ft. Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.