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If My Auto Accident Injuries Don’t Appear Right Away, What Should I Do?

by with No Comment Auto AccidentsMotorcycle AccidentsMulti Car AccidentsPersonal InjuryPersonal Injury ClaimsPersonal Injury LawyerRide Sharing AccidentsTraumatic Brain InjuryTruck AccidentsUber Accidents

It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly if you experience symptoms following an auto accident. Seeing a doctor is not only essential for your well-being but also for your personal injury claim. However, what if you feel fine immediately after the collision, only to have symptoms arise later?

This situation is more common than you might think.

As a general rule, it is advisable to undergo a medical examination after a motor vehicle accident, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Neglecting medical care can exacerbate injuries, potentially turning what could have been a short-term injury into a long-term or permanent one.

auto accident injuries

Additionally, it is wise to consult a local car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the incident. The responsible driver’s insurance company will likely reach out to you shortly after the accident, and engaging in conversations with them before seeking advice from an experienced auto accident attorney can be risky.

Below are some types of injuries that may not be immediately apparent after an automobile accident. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and if you experience any unusual symptoms in the days or weeks following a traffic accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention.

  1. Head Injuries:
    Head injuries, including concussions and more severe forms of traumatic brain injury (TBI), can go unnoticed immediately after a motor vehicle collision. Several factors contribute to this. Firstly, someone who experiences a headache immediately after a traumatic event like a car crash may attribute it to stress or the jarring impact of the collision. Secondly, a small bleed may not cause immediate symptoms. Thirdly, many people are unaware that concussions can occur without a direct impact to the head. Additionally, some symptoms of TBI, such as dizziness and nausea, may not be immediately associated with a head injury.
  2. Back Injuries:
    Even a significant back injury may not be immediately evident. Sometimes, individuals with back injuries may mistake their stiffness or soreness as a result of the impact and decide to wait a few days to see if their condition improves without medical care. In other cases, the pain may not be noticeable amidst the shock and disorientation following the car crash. Furthermore, some back injuries may initially cause little or no pain but worsen as the injured individual moves around and strains their spine.
  3. Psychological Harm:
    Many individuals who have been injured in automobile accidents, especially severe collisions, may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other psychological impacts. However, these symptoms may not manifest immediately. For example, someone with PTSD following a motor vehicle crash and hospitalized may not experience symptoms until they attempt to get into a car to go home from the hospital. Additionally, it can be challenging in the initial days to distinguish between the natural emotional and psychological response immediately after the incident and a more lasting psychological issue.
If My Auto Accident Injuries Don’t Appear Right Away, What Should I Do? 1 Motorcycle Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

What to Do When You Discover Car Accident Injuries:

Ideally, you should have undergone an examination immediately after the accident and documented any symptoms you experienced thereafter. However, if you did not suspect an injury initially and have not taken these steps, the next best course of action is to act promptly once you realize you were injured.

  1. Seek Medical Assessment:
    The first step is to seek medical attention. Whether you visit your doctor, an emergency room, or a walk-in clinic, make sure to inform the physician about all your symptoms, even if they seem unrelated. As previously mentioned, you may not always recognize the connection between a specific symptom and an injury sustained in the auto accident. Also, inform the doctor that you were involved in a traffic accident and describe any symptoms you have experienced since the collision and when they started.
  2. Document Your Symptoms and Limitations:
    Whenever you sustain an injury, it is advisable to keep a record of the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect your daily life. Ideally, you should start maintaining this record immediately after the accident. However, if your injuries were not immediately apparent, begin documenting as soon as you realize you were injured. While it may seem that you will remember the details of your condition and its impact on your quality of life, it is easy to forget over time. Maintaining a record will help you provide accurate information to your treating physicians and your car accident attorney, enabling them to offer the best possible assistance.
  3. Consult a Car Accident Lawyer Immediately:
    If you did not immediately realize that you had been injured and may be entitled to compensation, you may have already made mistakes that could affect your personal injury claim. For instance, if you have spoken to the other driver’s insurance company, they may have tried to lead you into saying something detrimental to your car accident claim. Moreover, if you did not seek a medical assessment right away, you may have exacerbated your injury. In such cases, the other party’s insurer will often attempt to prove that your injuries are partly your fault, thereby reducing the available compensation.
If My Auto Accident Injuries Don’t Appear Right Away, What Should I Do? 2 Motorcycle Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

The sooner you engage the services of a reputable personal injury lawyer experienced in car accident claims, the better their opportunity to mitigate any damage, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.

If you have recently discovered that you were injured in an auto accident or another motor vehicle crash caused by someone else’s negligence, the next step to protect your rights is to schedule a free consultation with one of the experienced car accident attorneys at The South Florida Injury Law Firm. Call (954) 488-JEFF to take this crucial step.

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Car Accidents During Spring Break in South Florida

by Auto AccidentsChildren Injuries & AccidentsDUI AccidentsMotorcycle AccidentsMulti Car AccidentsParking Lot AccidentsPersonal InjuryPersonal Injury ClaimsPersonal Injury Protection (PIP)Ride Sharing AccidentsUber AccidentsVacation Injuries

As personal injury attorneys in South Florida, we know that spring break can be a time of fun and relaxation for many people. Unfortunately, it can also be a time of increased risk on the roads, as more tourists and party-goers flock to the area.

According to a study conducted by the University of Miami, the 14 most popular spring break destinations, including South Florida, saw a 9.1% increase in auto accidents

Here, we’ll take a closer look at the issue of car accidents during spring break in South Florida and what you can do if you are involved in an accident.

Why Are Car Accidents More Common During Spring Break?

Spring break is a time when many college students and tourists come to South Florida to enjoy the warm weather and beach parties. While this can be a fun time, it also means that there are more people on the roads, and many of them may not be familiar with the area or local driving laws. This can lead to a higher risk of accidents, particularly if drivers are distracted, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or simply not paying attention to the road.

Car Accidents During Spring Break in South Florida 3 Motorcycle Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

Common Causes of Car Accidents During Spring Break

At South Florida Injury Law Firm, we have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of car accidents during spring break. Here are some of the factors that can contribute to car accidents during this time of year:

Increased traffic

With more people on the roads during spring break, traffic can be heavier and more congested than usual. This can lead to more accidents, especially in areas where there are a lot of tourists and visitors who may be unfamiliar with the local roads.

Impaired driving

Unfortunately, spring break is also a time when many people engage in excessive drinking and drug use. This can lead to impaired driving, which is a leading cause of car accidents during this time of year.

Distracted driving

With so much to see and do during spring break, it’s easy to become distracted while driving. This can include texting or using social media, taking photos or videos, or even just looking at the sights and sounds around you.

Road construction

There is a number of ongoing road construction and maintenance being performed on major roads throughout South Florida and is also a common time for road construction projects to begin, which can lead to traffic disruptions and increased risk of accidents.

Car Accidents During Spring Break in South Florida 4 Motorcycle Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

Driving under the influence

Many people come to South Florida to party, and unfortunately, this often leads to an increase in drunk driving accidents.

Speeding

With so many people on the roads, drivers may feel pressure to get to their destination quickly, which can lead to speeding and reckless driving.

Inexperienced drivers

Many tourists and college students may not be familiar with the area or local driving laws, which can lead to confusion and accidents.

Car Accidents During Spring Break in South Florida 5 Motorcycle Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

What Should You Do If You’re Involved in an Accident During Spring Break?

If you are involved in a car accident during spring break in South Florida, it’s important to take the following steps:

Call the police

Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to call the police and have them document the accident. This can be important if you need to file a claim with your insurance company or if you need to pursue legal action.

Seek medical attention

Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention to make sure that you don’t have any hidden injuries. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms right away.

Gather evidence

Take photos of the accident scene, get contact information from any witnesses, and make note of any relevant details about the accident.

Exchange information

Be sure to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved in the accident.

Contact an attorney

If you’ve been injured in an accident during spring break, it’s important to contact a personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your injuries.

How Can You Stay Safe During Spring Break?

If you’re planning to visit South Florida for spring break, there are several things you can do to stay safe on the roads, including:

Avoid distracted driving

Put your phone away and avoid other distractions while driving.

Don’t drink and drive

If you plan to drink, make sure that you have a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft.

Obey traffic laws

Follow the speed limit and other traffic laws to avoid accidents.

Be aware of your surroundings

Pay attention to other drivers and pedestrians on the roads, and be aware of any hazards or obstacles.

Car Accidents During Spring Break in South Florida 6 Motorcycle Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

Spring break can be a fun and exciting time in South Florida, but it’s important to remember that the roads can be dangerous during this time. By following the tips outlined in this blog post and staying aware of your surroundings, you can help reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident. If you are injured in an accident during spring break, be sure to contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

At The South Florida Injury Law Firm, we have extensive experience helping clients who have been injured in car accidents during spring break. We understand the unique challenges that this time of year can present, and we are dedicated to helping our clients get the justice and compensation they deserve.

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How Florida Motorcycle Accidents are Caused by Cars

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Although we often first think of losing control in the rain or taking a surprise backroads curve too sharply, but many Florida motorcycle accidents are actually caused by passenger cars.

In a previous post, we shared that, at the time, four of the five most common motorcycle accidents involved a passenger vehicle, and a quick online search today will show that the consensus is that “vehicles turning left in front of you” is still the number one cause of motorcycle crashes.

Despite best efforts to educate, according to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles the number of motorcycle accidents continues to creep up each year.

If you or a motorcyclist you know has recently been involved in a crash, keep an eye out for developing injuries – you have four years from the date of the accident to file a claim with the help of a personal injury attorney. In the meantime, let’s take a look a few other common ways cars can cause you to wreck on your bike.

When You Can’t Tell Them to Stay in Their Lane

Those drivers who don’t use turn signals, are daydreaming (or worse, device-using) drifters, or split-second road-ragers – they are all completely oblivious to your bike, and they’re all changing lanes without warning.

Unfortunately, most drivers simply aren’t programmed to seek out motorcyclists, and the vast majority don’t have experience riding one themselves. Governmental and other safety organizations continue to work on that from an education perspective, but when you’re the one taking the biggest risk on the roadways, you’ve got to take the extra measures to keep yourself self out there.

Rule of Thumb: If you can’t see them, they can’t see you. Check their mirrors. If and when you’re out of their sights, maneuver the bike until you’re confident they know you’re there.

Rear-Ends – Yours and Theirs

Just like with any fender-bender, when the vehicle driver behind (or in front) of you isn’t paying attention to the road, the chances of an accident increase.

If a distracted driver looks down at their phone, say, and a light begins to turn before they return their attention to the road, they may need to slam on the brakes. Unfortunately for motorcycle riders, this can mean flipping over the top of your bike. Or perhaps the opposite situation happens. You’re stopped in front of a passenger vehicle at a light and it changes. If they react faster than you and weren’t really paying attention (maybe that just noticed the light change out of the corner of their eye), you may end up sprawled across their hood.

Remember, you don’t have the same amount of “fender” to bend, so you’re more likely than they are to sustain a serious injury.

Rule of Thumb: Create your own crumple zone. Pull over to the outer limit of your lane, preferably toward the shoulder.

When One Door Opens

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You know the comedy scene in the movie – the motorcycle rider drives down the road a little too close to a row of parked cars and – bam! – Joe Schmoe in the land yacht swings his door wide open without looking, pulling the equivalent of a vehicular clothesline.

Only when it happens to you, you’re not a stuntman, and that bike isn’t a prop. Did you know there’s actually a name for the door’s-width space between parked cars and the lane of traffic? It’s called “The Death Zone.”

Rule of Thumb: Avoid driving in this area if and when possible. When it is absolutely unavoidable, go extra slow. Riding at low speed and being vigilant in watching for signs of activity inside the parked cars can save you from serious injury.

Between the Lines

How Florida Motorcycle Accidents are Caused by Cars 7 Motorcycle Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

Speaking of riding between cars, The American Motorcyclist Association reports that Utah recently legalized filtering motorcyclists between lanes of stopped traffic. As this type of legislation continues to expand across the nation, it’s important to keep in mind: just because you can doesn’t mean you should ride between lanes. If and when you do, all we can say is to be extremely careful.

Again, it comes down to the fact that car drivers don’t always know you’re there. When they aren’t aware, there’s no reason for them to leave much space between their vehicle and the one in the next lane over, leaving all the risk on you. Riders end up easily being knocked into oncoming traffic by drivers merging too quickly or without signaling. Even slight swerves can cause you to react poorly.

Rule of Thumb: Unless you are absolutely unable to avoid it, don’t ride the lines, stay between them.

Of course, sometimes you can be as careful as humanly possible and a negligent driver will still cause you to get hurt in a crash. If this happens to you, remember that you should never have to pay for their mistake. Florida has personal injury laws to protect people in exactly these situations – use them.

When you’ve suffered a serious injury, the medical bills begin to accumulate quickly. If your injuries were caused by the negligence of another driver or other responsible party, you may be entitled to substantial compensation.

When you consult with an accident attorney in South Florida, your personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and the specifics of your motorcycle accident to determine the extent to which you are due financial remuneration.

Conveniently located for residents of Boynton Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach and South Florida, The South Florida Injury Law Firm are in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. However, if you have the need, your South Florida personal injury attorney can visit you in your home or, if necessary, in the hospital. To contact an  injury lawyer with The South Florida Injury Law Firm you can call 954-488-JEFF anytime 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Or fill out the convenient online form for a free case evaluation. Remember, the consultation is free and you will owe nothing until recovery of benefits is made.

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Auto Accident Liabilities: Finding Who Is At Fault

by Auto AccidentsBike AccidentsDriving SleepyDUI AccidentsMotorcycle AccidentsMulti Car AccidentsNo-Fault LawsPersonal Injury Law Suit

Accidents happen every day. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 6,452,000 police-reported accidents in one recent year. That’s an AVERAGE of over 17,000 accidents per day! Thankfully, a great deal of these are minor accidents. Regardless of the severity of the accident, there is one critical factor that all insurance companies will want to know:  Who is at fault?

 

Determining liability in a car accident—whether pursued through the insurance company’s claim process or through a personal injury lawsuit—will only be paid out if the injured plaintiff can prove negligence.
There are times when the blame is clear, such as in most rear-end accidents. However, there are other times when there is more than one individual at fault.

 

 

Here is a look at some common car accident scenarios and the process of evaluation that goes into determining fault.

 

  1. Left-turn Accidents

    Left-turn accidents occur when one vehicle is going straight through the intersection while another car is making a left turn and collides into the side of the straight-moving vehicle. Like rear-end accidents, liability is generally easy to determine. Left-turning vehicles have a lower priority in this scenario, meaning that—unless there is a green arrow—they must yield to those moving straight through the intersection. A study from the federal government discovered that the left-turning driver most often committed a critical error, such as “turning with an obstructed view,” “misjudgment of gap or speed,” “inadequate surveillance,” or “false assumption of the other driver’s intentions.”These are all errors that place liability for an accident at the hands of the left-turning driver.

    Are there ever cases where the other driver is at fault, though?

    Yes. While rare, the driver of the straight-moving car may incur some liability for an accident. One such circumstance is in the case of an accident in which the driver of the straight moving car was traveling at a speed far in excess of the speed limit, making it impossible for the turning driver to either see him or her in time or to calculate how much time he or she has to complete the turn.

  2. T-Bone Accidents

    In a collision where one vehicle rear-ends another, the driver of the trailing vehicle is at fault far more often than the leading vehicle. Lawyers will look for signs of distraction, speeding, and following too close on the part of the trailing driver, while also keeping in mind that the lead driver could share blame. Mechanical failure can also contribute to these accidents, so lawyers will pay attention to any signs of a defective part.

    Typically, in a T-bone accident, one vehicle comes flying through an intersection without stopping. The driver might miss the presence of a stop sign or fail to notice that a light turned red. Drunk driving or distracted driving can increase the risk of a T-bone accident. Usually, in these scenarios, you might assume the driver who struck the side door of a vehicle bears liability for the accident. However, you should ask several questions to help determine liability in this scenario.Auto Accident Liabilities: Finding Who Is At Fault 8 Motorcycle Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

  3. Running The Light

    Which driver ran the light? In an intersection with a red light, consider which driver ignored traffic laws and came through the intersection without stopping for a red light. Usually, other drivers can easily confirm which driver ignored the light.Which driver ignored a stop sign? In an accident at an intersection with a stop sign, the driver responsible for the accident may have failed to stop for the stop sign or came through the intersection after another driver had already started progressing through the intersection.

    Were both drivers moving at the time of the accident?

    Sometimes, in a T-bone accident, one driver might strike another, stationary vehicle. Sometimes, a car might stall in the middle of the intersection or get stuck due to traffic. While drivers should try to avoid sitting in an intersection, sometimes, circumstances make it impossible to avoid it completely. If one vehicle had to stop, and another one strikes it in the side, the driver who moved after the other vehicle stopped bears liability for the accident.

  4. Head-on Collisions

    Perhaps one of the most deadly types of accidents is a head-on collision. Sometimes referred to as a frontal crash, this type of accident occurs when two vehicles strike one another while traveling in opposite directions. When the fronts of two vehicles collide, it is often at high speed.Survival may depend upon the stretch of road, the reaction time of one or both drivers, and the type of vehicles involved. With the front end of the car receiving the brunt of the impact, larger and heavier vehicles protect occupants better than smaller, lightweight cars.

    Consider the weights of the following vehicles and the force of the impact when they meet, head-on, at high speeds:
    Car (SUV): 3,778 pounds
    Pickup truck: 5,217 pounds
    Minivan: 4,485 pounds

  5. Single-Car Accidents

    Single-car accidents occur when a motorist loses control of a vehicle rolls over, drives off the road, or collides with a stationary object. On the surface, one might assume single-car accidents are always the fault of the driver. But that isn’t the case. Drivers in single-car accidents too-often blame themselves for a crash. In fact, as often as not, fault for single-car accidents lies elsewhere.To begin, even without a collision there can still be another motorist who causes a single-car accident. Take, for example, the common scenario in which a car swerves and crashes into a tree or road barrier in reaction to erratic driving by a second vehicle that goes unharmed. In that case, the driver of the second vehicle has fault, even though he wasn’t technically involved in the accident.

Similar to other scenarios above, automotive manufacturers and municipal road contractors may also have fault for single car accidents if their actions create unsafe conditions leading to a crash. Another party who could have fault for a single-vehicle accident is a drug manufacturer, if it markets a medication with dangerous side-effects without warning about them, leading a driver to fall asleep or to become disoriented behind the wheel.

 

 

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

The most important step immediately after a car accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, accept transport to the nearest hospital. Internal injuries are often invisible to the naked eye while causing serious harm to your organs. Only a medical professional can determine the true extent of your injuries.

Do provide as much information as you can to law enforcement. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene and if you are too injured to do so, ask a witness to take them for you. Collect the contact information for witnesses and most importantly, try to remain calm. Do not approach or talk to the other driver.

 

 

How a Florida Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You Fight Back

 

As we said at the outset, fault forms the core of the inquiry into who has legal liability for a car accident and the damage it inflicts on innocent victims. Accordingly, lawyers, insurance adjusters, judges, and juries focus a significant amount of effort on determining fault in car accident cases.

 

Finding fault means investigating facts in detail. An attorney representing a client injured in a car accident will usually try to collect as much evidence as possible about the accident, and then (sometimes with the help of forensic experts) will piece that evidence together to form a picture of whose actions led to the collision or accident. In performing this task, lawyers pursue the facts as far as they go until there is no longer a provable, reasonably foreseeable connection between someone’s actions and the accident and injuries.

The more time and information you can provide to your lawyer to do this work, the better your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. Once fault has been determined, a personal injury attorney can help you file a personal injury lawsuit and fair compensation.

 

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A skilled Florida personal injury attorney can ease your burden in dealing with all of this and help you fight to get the compensation you deserve. Reach out today for a free case review. We will look over the details of your situation and let you know what options are available to you.

 

 

When your life has been turned upside down due to another’s negligence and you are drowning in bills and struggling to recover, you want to make sure you work with the best law firm you can find.

 

What is the difference between a high-quality injury firm and one that will only do the bare minimum?

The people who work there. That is why The South Florida Injury Law Firm is made up of some of the most well-respected and successful injury attorneys around.

Our lawyers have more than 60 years of combined injury law experience, and they have handled just about every type of Florida injury case you can imagine. They are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an elite group of attorneys who have helped settle injury cases worth more than a million dollars. They have been named to Florida Trend’s Legal Elite. They are recognized by the Florida Workers’ Advocates group.

Perhaps even more importantly, they have received glowing reviews from clients – and they get results.

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5 Common Ways Motorcycle Accidents Happen

by Auto AccidentsAutomobile SafetyMotorcycle Accidents

Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating. The roar of the engine provides the soundtrack for flying down the open road – just you and your bike. But riding a motorcycle can also be dangerous. The thrill of riding a motorcycle can quickly become risky if you’re not careful or riding safely.

 

If you’re going to take a motorcycle on the road, you should complete a basic motorcycle rider course and know the Florida motorcycle laws, in addition to being equipped with the proper safety gear.

 

What kind of safety gear?

Helmet, gloves, protective eyewear, boots, leather clothes, and body armor. This kind of gear can both make riding a motorcycle more comfortable and help to protect you from injuries if you are involved in an accident.

 

But the best thing you can do is try to avoid accidents altogether.
To help you do that, here are 5 of the most common types of motorcycle accidents and how to prevent them.

 

  1. A car turns left in front of you.

    This is probably the most common motorcycle accident. Why does it happen? Lots of reasons. A car might not see you or can’t correctly judge your speed. They might also be distracted or driving recklessly. Additionally, cars waiting to turn at intersections are particularly dangerous, as are gaps in traffic at an intersection, parking lot, or driveway.

 

As a motorcyclist, you need to be prepared for these kind of mistakes. Drivers might display certain signs that can foreshadow their turning in front of you. One thing to look for is the direction of cars’ wheels. The direction of a car’s wheels is the first sign of what the car might do next.

 

Boca Raton Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

 

 

  1. You turned too fast into a corner.

    You’re going too fast into a corner and you realize you might not totally make it. What do you do? Well, first of all, you shouldn’t be going too fast. You should also be paying attention to visual cues from the road to know what’s coming up ahead.

 

If you’re in that situation though, try to ride it out. Don’t slam on the brakes or do anything that may cause a loss of traction. Lean into the corner and be in control of the bike.

 

 

  1. A car suddenly changes lanes into you.

    Motorcycles can easily fit into a car’s blind spot, so unfortunately it’s easy for a car to drift into your space.

 

As a motorcyclist, you should know this and be aware of where blind spots are and avoid riding into those spots. A good note: if you can see a driver’s eyes in their mirror, they can see you too. You should also be watching the road to see if cars will need to be changing lanes quickly.

 

Also watch for signs a car might be changing lanes:

    • Turn signals
    • Turning wheels
    • A driver is checking their mirrors
    • A driver’s head is moving

 

5 Common Ways Motorcycle Accidents Happen 9 Motorcycle Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

 

  1. A car hits you from behind.

    With cars, fender benders are the most common accident. But a fender bender with a motorcycle could kill a motorcyclist.

Avoid this accident by using other cars as barriers. When you stop, politely pull in front of another stopped car to cushion yourself from any cars coming up behind you. Or pull in between a line of cars.

If there aren’t any stopped cars, stop to the side of your lane instead right in the center. Flash your brake lights and be aware of what’s happening behind you in case you need to quickly get out of the way.

 

 

 

  1. A car opened its door.

    If there are parked cars on the side of the road, never ride between them and an active lane of traffic. Even if there’s a ton of extra room. Car doors can open. Pedestrians can step into the road. Cars can pull out. And so on. Motorcyclists and bicyclists call the area next to parked cars The Death Zone for this very reason.

 

If, however, you end up in this situation, brake as hard as possible to avoid a collision. If a collision is going to happen anyway, you can at least decrease your speed.

Hopefully, when you’re on your motorcycle, you ride safely and exercise caution while on the road. If for some reason you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle accident, seek medical attention immediately. Then contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can look at the facts of your case and determine if you’re entitled to any damages.

 

 

 

 

Protecting Yourself on Florida Roads-Safety Tips for Motorcyclists

Rash of Recent Motorcycle Deaths in Florida Reminder to Be Safe

by Auto AccidentsMotorcycle Accidents

Rash of Recent Motorcycle Deaths in Florida Reminder to Be Safe

For many, there’s nothing like getting on a motorcycle and hitting the open road. Luckily, here in Florida, we have the kind of weather where you can do that regardless of the time of year.

 

As exhilarating as a motorcycle is, though, it’s important to remember that that they can also be dangerous. Let’s look at three recent motorcycle deaths from the news as a reminder:

 

Jordan Ward, a 25-year old man from Cross City, was killed in a motorcycle accident near Gainesville. His 2005 Suzuki GSXR overturned after Ward lost control of the bike and ended up in a roadway. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

Alfredo Castillo, a 22-year old University of South Florida student in Tampa, was killed in a motorcycle accident when a car turned into his path. Even though Castillo braked and turned his motorcycle on its side, he still hit the car and was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

A similar accident also killed 54-year old Hee Soong Lee in Odessa when a van turned into his path. Lee, who was driving his Kawasaki motorcycle, hit the van and later died at the hospital from his injuries.

 

These three deaths, along with the many others not mentioned, should serve as reminders for how important it is to practice motorcycle safety, so let’s go over a few tips for preventing motorcycle accidents.

 

4 Motorcycle Safety Tips

 

  1. Always wear a helmet. If you are properly insured in Florida, you aren’t required to wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle, but you should still do it. Government studies have found that riders not wearing a helmet are 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury in a crash and are three times more likely to suffer brain injuries than riders who wear helmets. Don’t ride without one.

 

  1. Wear the proper gear. You’re exposed to a number of hazards when driving a motorcycle, but the proper gear can keep you from getting seriously injured in the event of a crash. Leather clothing, gloves, long pants, high boots, and protective eyewear can offer you maximum protection from wind, bugs, debris, and road rash.

 

  1. Take a motorcycle safety course. In order to lawfully operate a motorcycle in Florida, you have to have a motorcycle endorsement on your license or a “motorcycle only” license. The courses offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) are for both beginning and experienced riders and have been shown to reduce injury and fatality rates.

 

  1. Be a defensive driver. One of the most common complaints about a crash involving a car and a motorcycle is that the driver of the car didn’t see the motorcycle. For this reason, it’s especially important to be on constant alert for potential road hazards while on your motorcycle. Pay attention to other cars pulling out in front of you or quickly changing lanes. Also, make sure you maintain a safe following distance so if something does happen, you have enough time and distance to react appropriately.

 

4 Motorcycle Safety Tips

While it’s important for motorcycle drivers to be safe, it’s also important for other drivers to be aware that they’re sharing the road with motorcyclists. If you’re driving a car on the road, focus on driving, watch out for motorcycles, and don’t forget to check your blind spots.

 

Be safe when you’re on the road, and if you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact an experienced Florida motorcycle attorney to see if you’re entitled to compensation for your injuries.

 

About the Author:

Jeffrey Braxton is a trial lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who has devoted his career to the practice of personal injury law. As lead trial attorney for The South Florida Injury Law Firm, Jeff has litigated thousands of cases and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an exclusive group of attorneys who have resolved cases in excess of one million dollars.

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Florida Is the Most Dangerous State for Motorcyclists

by Motorcycle Accidents

Florida Is the Most Dangerous State for Motorcyclists

If you ride a motorcycle, you know all too well how much danger you’re in when you’re out on the road. After all, you’re completely exposed. There are no doors protecting you from an impact. No windshield or seatbelt preventing you from flying off the bike. The only things between you and an accident are your skill as a rider and the awareness of drivers.

 

This isn’t just opinion, either. All over the country, motorcycles are known to be far more dangerous than automobiles. Case in point: Your chances of dying in a car accident are 1 in 18,585… but your chances of dying on a motorcycle are 1 in 802.

 

In fact, motorcycle accidents ranked as the 12th highest cause of death in 2009. Car accidents was 8th. Considering how few cyclists there are out on the road in comparison, those rankings are way too close.

 

Unfortunately, Florida riders have it even worse – our state has been ranked as the most dangerous state for motorcyclists.

 

Florida and Motorcycle Accidents

 

Florida has more motorcycle fatalities than any other state in the country. Motorcyclists make up only 7% of the population on the road, but motorcycle accidents account for 19% of motor vehicle fatalities.

 

Why Florida? Many blame the lack of helmet laws. Helmet laws are a controversial topic throughout the nation, and the indecisiveness and confusion is reflected nowhere better than in Florida’s laws.

 

Helmets used to be required in Florida, but the laws were appealed. Now, you are not required to wear a helmet. But if you choose not to, you must carry insurance that will cover $10,000 worth of damages in case you get into an accident.

 

How much do helmets matter? Since the laws were appealed, motorcyclist deaths have doubled.

 

How to Stay Safe on a Hog

 

Motorcycle Injury Attorney

Whether you’ve ridden your bike up and down the country more times than you remember or your first bike is still shiny and new, all riders can benefit from a few motorcycle safety tips.

 

The first one should be pretty obvious considering the above information:

 

  • Wear a Helmet – Face shields, glasses, proper boots, gloves, or protective jackets are also recommended.
  • Put Distractions Down – Distracted riding is just as dangerous as distracted driving – if not moreso.
  • Maintain Distance – Try to stay a car length’s distance from any cars that are in front or behind you. One of the most common motorcycle accidents is being hit from behind. Maintaining a safe distance will give drivers more time to break and reduce the risk of hitting you.
  • Stay Alert – Don’t hop on your bike if you’re too tired or drowsy.
  • Avoid Blind Spots and Make Yourself Seen – Reflective strips and bright clothing will help drivers notice you no matter what time you’re riding.
  • Educate Friends and Family on Motorcycle Safety – Motorcycle safety isn’t really covered in driver’s ed. Talk to drivers about how they can make motorcyclists feel safe while out on the road. Tell them about the importance of keeping a safe distance, using turn signals when merging, and so on.
  • Refresh Your Knowledge – Motorcycle safety courses are usually required when you apply for your license, but even seasoned vets can get something out of retaking the course every few years, or before a big trip.

 

Of course, there is only so much that you can do. If a driver behaves in a negligent manner or simply doesn’t see you, it can spell disaster. Hold people accountable for their actions and get the compensation you deserve by working with a knowledgeable Florida motorcycle accident attorney.

 

About the Author:

 

Jeffrey Braxton is a trial lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who has devoted his 22-year career to the practice of personal injury law. As lead trial attorney for The South Florida Injury Law Firm, Jeff has litigated thousands of cases and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an exclusive group of attorneys who have resolved cases in excess of one million dollars.

How to Determine Liability in Motorcycle Accidents

How to Determine Liability in Motorcycle Accidents

by Motorcycle Accidents

How to Determine Liability in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents share a lot of legal similarities to car accidents when it comes to injury law. But there are some notable characteristics unique to motorcycling that you should know when determining liability in a motorcycle accident.

 

Bias against Motorcyclists

 

One of the major challenges of a motorcycle accident injury claim is a persistent and widespread bias against motorcycles and their riders. Due to this long standing prejudice against motorcyclists, juries have a history of ruling less favorably when the plaintiff is a motorcycle rider.

 

It can be difficult—though certainly not impossible—to overcome this bias in the courtroom, and insurance companies are often aware of this. Injured motorcyclists often receive lower settlement offers, since insurance adjusters base their offers on what the plaintiff might win if they go to court.

Because of this, the burden of proof lies on the motorcyclist, which can make many motorcycle injury claims more difficult than their car-related counterparts.

 

Inherent Danger in Motorcycles

 

Furthermore, riding a motorcycle does have an inherent danger that is greater than driving a car. Since they are smaller, lighter, and offer much less protection than a car, injuries from accidents are often severe and more extensive.

 

For this reason, juries may be reluctant to award full compensation for a motorcyclist’s injuries, because they may perceive that the victim bears some of the liability by getting on a motorcycle in the first place. Again, the prejudice against motorcyclists can be difficult to overcome.

 

Still, there are a number of ways that an injured motorcyclist can build a successful case against the driver responsible for his or her accident. To understand how case can be made and won, we’ll first have to look at the anatomy of a motorcycle accident claim.

 

Liability in Motorcycle Accidents Comes Down to Negligence

 

The majority of motorcycle injury cases are a based on the concept of negligence. A claim of negligence in an injury case asserts that the defendant behaved in a way that was irresponsible or thoughtless, and this behavior caused the plaintiff’s injuries.

 

Liability in Motorcycle Accidents Comes Down to Negligence

In many motorcycle accidents, this claim is leveled against the driver of a car or truck. The defendant can be negligent in what they did (for example, running a stop sign) or what they failed to do (such as not using a turn signal before changing lanes).

 

The Elements of a Negligence Claim

 

To successfully bring a negligence claim against another motorist for your injuries, you will have to be able to prove a few key things:

  • The law required the defendant to be careful. In any case involving a vehicle accident, this is already a given, since all motorists are required to exercise caution.
  • The defendant was not careful. When evaluating whether a defendant was careful or not, the law compares their behavior to how a “reasonable person” would have behaved in that situation.
  • The defendant’s carelessness caused the plaintiff’s injuries. It’s not enough to prove that the defendant behaved in a careless manner. To win an award for your injuries, you must prove that the defendant’s carelessness was the reason you were injured.
  • The plaintiff was injured or suffered losses. In the case of a vehicle accident, you will need to furnish proof of the damages you are trying to recover. Among other things, this might include hospital bills (to prove medical costs) or receipt from a repair shop (to prove the cost of fixing damage to your motorcycle).

 

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

 

Of course, medical examination and treatment will be the primary concern after an accident. But the information you record and collect following the incident can mean the difference between winning and losing your case. Here’s how to collect relevant info after an accident.

  • Take notes. As soon as you are able, write down everything you recall from the accident, like the place and time, what happened, the people who witnessed it, the weather, and so on.
  • Keep a record of your injuries and damages. Make sure to keep a detailed record of all costs related to your injuries. Report your injuries to a medical provider, and keep a log of your injuries and their treatment. Write down any pain, loss of sleep, or other complications resulting from the accident.
  • Take photographs. If you can, take photographs of the scene of the accident immediately after it occurs. It may also be wise to return to the scene and look for any evidence you might have missed. Again, remember to take photographs to record what you find.
  • Contact witnesses. You should also attempt to track down witnesses as soon as you can, and record their account of the incident while it is still fresh in their minds.

 

South Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle injury claims can be difficult to win, but they are not impossible. The best way to ensure a favorable ruling is to talk to an experienced injury law firm with a successful track record in these kinds of cases.