St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Florida is a wonderful state to enjoy a long weekend motorcycle ride. The beaches make for good scenery and the weather is good for riding all year long. Unfortunately, Florida roads can also pose serious dangers to motorcyclists. All it takes is one inattentive or drunk driver to swerve or turn without looking, and you could be ejected from the motorcycle and facing life-threatening injuries. If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a crash while riding a motorcycle, it is important you seek legal guidance from a knowledgeable St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyer.
Motorcyclists are Vulnerable Road Users
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that, per mile traveled, motorcyclists’ deaths occurred nationally at a rate that was 27 times the rate of deaths for car occupants. The reason motorcycle deaths happen at a higher rate is because motorcyclists are vulnerable road users. Unlike car occupants, motorcyclists do not have the protection of an enclosed vehicle with state of the art airbags, roll cages, seatbelts, and other safety features. Motorcycles are also smaller vehicles on the road, which means drivers who are not paying attention to their surroundings are less likely to notice a motorcycle when changing lanes or making a turn.
Common Motorcycle Injuries after a Collision
According to Florida Statute 316.211, all motorcyclists must wear a helmet that complies with Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standard 218 unless they are over the age of 21 and have $10,000 of medical benefits insurance. While helmets and protective clothing can help prevent injuries in the event of a crash, motorcyclists still have a high risk of injury. Common motorcycle injuries include:
- Burns;
- Spinal cord injury and paralysis;
- Traumatic brain injury;
- Road rash and nerve damage;
- Broken bones;
- Internal bleeding; and
- More.
The Costs of Being Injured on a Motorcycle
Initially, you may be considering how expensive the ambulance bill to the hospital will be, but a catastrophic crash will cause even more unexpected financial burden as you recover. In addition to medical bills, you may be faced with extensive rehabilitation and require time away from work. A personal injury claim will take into account these expenses in addition to:
- Permanent disability;
- Loss of ability to work due to injuries;
- Cost of medical equipment necessary;
- Loss of joy of life;
- Pain and suffering;
- Property damage; and
- Funeral and burial costs if a fatality is involved.
The St. Petersburg Attorneys From the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely are here to Help
If you or a loved one has sustained serious injuries while riding a motorcycle due to another party’s negligent driving behavior, it is time to speak with a skilled St. Petersburg motorcycle accident attorney. Insurance companies will do everything in their power to avoid paying for the costs of a crash, but the attorneys from the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely can advocate on your behalf for strong compensation for the damages you sustained. Contact our offices at 727-550-8800 to schedule your no-cost consultation today.