Whether you ride for recreation along A1A or it’s your main means of conveyance on 1-95, riders are at risk when traveling Fort Lauderdale’s busy streets and highways, sometimes unfairly so. Motorcycle accidents are dangerous and often deadly because motorcyclists are simply not as well protected as the drivers of cars. Often, the drivers involved in motorcycle crashes claim they never saw the motorcycle. Frequently, drivers fail to look.
Lacking a steel frame, plastic body, and modern automotive safety features, motorcycle accidents can lead to severe injuries for riders, even at low speeds. Victims often suffer such devastating injuries as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, joint injuries, and scarring.
Motorcycle accidents can occur for various reasons, and many are not the fault of the person riding the motorcycle. If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, a Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer with the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can help. We can investigate your accident, build a claim, deal with the insurance companies and their attorneys, and pursue maximum compensation for the injuries caused by another driver’s negligence.
Call us at (844) 643-7200 and speak with a member of our legal team. We provide injury victims with a free case consultation where we can discuss what happened in your accident, the factors that will influence your physical and financial recovery, and how ourFort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers can help.
You don’t have to take on this battle by yourself. Help is available, and you pay nothing up front. Working on a contingency fee agreement, we only get paid if you win. Let us take on the stress of dealing with the insurers so that you can recover in peace. Call our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorney today and get started.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
According to theNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 6,335 motorcycle fatalities in 2023. That represented 15% of all traffic fatalities, and sadly, one of the main contributors was inattentive drivers.
Driver Negligence Takes Multiple Forms
Drivers have an obligation to share the road with motorcyclists. Regretfully, when they fail to check or remain alert to riders, accidents can invariably happen, and it is the motorcyclist who suffers the worst.
Some of the most common causes of driver negligence on the road that lead to motorcycle accidents include the following behaviors:
- Distracted driving due to texting, checking the GPS, or reaching for items in the back seat
- Failure to yield, such as turning left into oncoming traffic or not coming to a complete stop at signs and red lights
- Improper lane changes without signaling or checking for motorcyclists
- Failing to check blind spots for motorcyclists
- Reckless driving, such as speeding or weaving through traffic
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications
- Opening vehicle doors (dooring accidents) in the rider’s path
Drivers should remain vigilant and aware of others on the road, anticipating actions to avoid a motorcycle accident. When they fail to drive safely, they can be held liable for the injuries and losses motorcyclists suffer.
Bike Defects and Mechanical Failures
In addition to driver error leading to a motorcycle accident in Fort Lauderdale, the motorcycle or car itself could be a cause of the wreck. Common mechanical issues include things like:
- Brake failures, either a complete loss or uneven braking
- Tire blowouts or worn tires can cause a loss of traction and control
- Electronic system issues, such as a loss of instrumentation or lights
- Engine problems, from transmission issues or a sticking throttle
- Faulty frame, loose steering, and misaligned axle
These causes could be attributed to any number of parties, which could lead to either aproduct liability claim or a negligent maintenance claim. Our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorney will identify during our investigation.
Weather and Road Conditions Contributing to Motorcycle Accidents
Our legal team will also consider whether the weather influenced your accident. Weather alone does not excuse negligence, but we can examine how it may have limited your visibility or reduced your ability to control your ride.
Road conditions also do not excuse negligence, but they can point to additional liable parties. Road hazards may include:
- Poor drainage for rain
- Poor maintenance, including potholes and uneven pavement
- Poor signage, especially around construction sites
These causes could lead to a third party in your accident claim. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident and don’t know what to do next, contact the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato and learn how our motorcycle accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale can help you and your family recover.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents We Have Handled
The motorcycle accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale with our law firm have helped accident victims following a wide range of accidents. Some of the types of motorcycle accidents we’ve helped clients recover from include the following:
- Head-on collisions: These accidents have a high fatality rate. They often happen when the driver crosses over the median or dividing line and drives into the oncoming motorcycle.
- Left-turn accidents: Like head-on collisions, the driver fails to check for a motorcyclist traveling straight before making their left turn. The driver turns into the rider’s path, causing significant harm and damage.
- Lane splitting accidents: Lane splitting is the act of riding a motorcycle between two lanes of traffic or vehicles. The action is considered dangerous and illegal underFlorida Statutes § 316.209. Drivers may fail to notice the rider and change lanes, striking the motorcyclist.
- Rear-end collisions: When a driver strikes the rear of the vehicle in front of them, the rear driver is often at fault. With motorcycles, this is no different, and it is typically due to following too closely or failing to see the rider. Additionally, these accidents have a high potential for injury.
- Sideswipe accidents: A sideswipe accident occurs when one vehicle fails to check before changing lanes, causing it to impact another vehicle along its side.
- Single-bike crashes: You can seek compensation for your injuries if you crashed your bike without hitting another rider. Often, these types of accidents are due to weather conditions, road hazards, or mechanical issues. A motorcycle accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale, FL, can help identify the cause of your wreck.
- Multi-vehicle pile-ups: Your wreck could also be a part of a larger accident between multiple parties. In these complex liability scenarios, determining fault requires a thorough investigation of the accident and robust evidence.
- Hit-and-run motorcycle accidents: If you were hit by a negligent driver who then fled the accident scene, we understand the frustration you are facing. There are unique challenges in identifying the at-fault driver, but you may have other options for compensation.
These accidents often result in injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries, resulting in partial or full paralysis
- Injuries to the head, neck, and back
- Facial injuries, including fractures, lacerations, and dental damage
- Road rash
- Fractures in arms, legs, and ribs
- Internal injuries, such as organ damage and internal bleeding
- Burns caused by friction, fuel fires, or hot surfaces
- Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, torn ligaments)
- Dislocations of the shoulders, hips, or other joints
- Amputations
Many of these catastrophic injuries would require medical attention from a level 1 trauma center. Thankfully, Broward Health Medical Center is located in Fort Lauderdale and provides emergency and long-term healthcare needs.
If you suffered injuries in an accident like one of the ones listed above, or in something else, we can help. The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato has the resources and staff necessary to investigate your accident, determine fault, and demand fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Motorcycle Accident Compensation You May Receive
You might qualify for several types of damages following your motorcycle accident. You could seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Your non-economic damages, the impact on your quality of life, could include:
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship or consortium
Economic damages, your financial losses, could include such things as:
- Medical bills, including ambulance, hospitalization, and doctor visits
- Ongoing treatment
- Motorcycle repair or replacement
- Reimbursement for alternative transportation
- Lost wages
- Temporary or permanent loss of earning ability
We understand the methods used tocalculate personal injury and will seek compensation that makes you as whole as possible. Call our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer today for help with injury calculations.
Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Statistics You Should Know
As the NHTSA points out, motorcycle riders represent a large number of fatalities on America’s roads. According toFlorda Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were 44 fatalities in Broward County in 2023. Compared to the total of 219 fatalities the same year, motorcycle accident fatalities represent 20% of all vehicle-related fatalities, a 5% increase over the national average.
According to the2023 Motorcycle Traffic Safety Facts from the NHTSA, 37% of motorcycle accidents occur at intersections. Viewing the data collected by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, we also found the following intersections to be the most dangerous:
- North Federal Highway (US1) and NE 17 Way
- NW 9 Avenue and West Sunrise Boulevard
- East Oakland Park Boulevard and North Federal Highway (US1)
- NW 9 Avenue and NW 62 Street (Cypress Creek Road)
Age also plays a significant role in motorcycle accidents. At the national level, NHTSA found that fatalities for riders between the ages of 15 through 24 increased in 2023, some by drastic percentages, from 2022. Plus, a surprising 96.4% of fatalities are male riders.
Finally, when looking at seasonal trends and events, we find the highest percentage of fatal accidents occurring in March. This trend continued through Spring. And events like Bike Week and Biketoberfest have also shown a higher number of motorcycle crashes.
Why You Should Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato
A motorcycle accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale, with our legal team, can help you get the results you need to recover from your injuries. Founded over two decades ago and with 75 years of combined legal experience in personal injury law, we have secured over$200 million in settlements and verdicts for over 5,000 clients.
Winning is not an accident. We understand how Florida law will affect your case and how to effectively build a claim that seeks maximum compensation. When you hire us, you can count on us to provide:
- Client-focused approach with personalized case strategies
- Responsive and prompt communication throughout the legal process
- Sincere, compassionate staff willing to explain legal jargon and options
- Investigative services that will collect evidence of negligence
- Complete assessment of your full range of damages
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
Plus, we are willing to take on the complex cases that other firms turn down. With strong ties to Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, Attorney Richard Pravato is Board Certified in Civil Litigation and a lifelong member on the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a place reserved for law firms recognized by our peers for obtaining the highest awards.
Retaining a 5 Star Google Review, clients have left such glowing testimonials as the following:
“I would highly recommend Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato. The whole team was highly professional and helpful. They kept me informed ever step of the way. That actually make you realize you are not just a number but a member of their family that they care what happens with your case. Thank You Richard Pravato and Betsy for all you have done to make this as painless as possible.”— Dawn Thomas
We are the law firm that gives attorneys a good name.
Determining Liability in Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accidents
In some cases, it is a straightforward process to assign liability in a motorcycle accident. For example, a truck driver loses control and veers into a motorcycle rider’s lane, forcing him or her to crash. Other times, it is more challenging to figure out who is at fault. To determine liability in a motorcycle accident, we must prove negligence.
Proving Negligence for Your Fort Lauderdale Accident Claim
It is important to find out who and what caused your motorcycle accident. Determining these things is necessary if you want to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
The four parts of negligence are typically shown as follows:
- Duty of care: The other driver had a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and take reasonable steps to avoid a collision.
- Breach of duty: The other driver did not uphold this duty, violating a traffic law or acting irresponsibly behind the wheel.
- Causation: Their actions or inactions led to the accident and your injuries.
- Damages: These injuries have caused you physical harm, mental trauma, and financial hardship.
We establish these four elements with evidence.
Key Evidence in Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Cases
A Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer will collect evidence and facts that might include:
- First responder and police reports
- Medical records on your injuries and prognosis
- Witness statements
- Photographs of the vehicles and your injuries
- Physical evidence from the accident scene, such as skid marks
- Video from traffic cameras and dash cams
- Expert testimonies from accident reconstruction specialists and financial advisors
We also recommend that you write a detailed account of the accident as soon as possible. Plus, keep a journal of your progress. This information can be useful when we file a claim.
Seeking Recovery in a No-fault Insurance State
It is very important to understand that Florida is a no-fault insurance state. Typically, car accident victims would initially seek compensation through their personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.However, motorcycle riders are exempt from PIP and would instead file a claim against the at-fault driver.
Riders are highly encouraged, instead, to carry MedPay and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
How insurance and personal injury laws apply to motorcycle accident cases can be confusing for most people. To understand your rights, don’t hesitate to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL, for information on your claim.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near You Today
Contact the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today. You can reach us by phone at (844) 643-7200 or use our online contact form. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can get started. The initial consultation is always free, and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.
Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident FAQs
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Fort Lauderdale?
We recommend accident victims do the following:
- Call 911 and have the Fort Lauderdale Police Department generate a report
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the driver
- Collect evidence, such as photographs and witnesses’ contact information
- See a doctor as soon as possible and follow their treatment plan
And before speaking with any insurers, call our office.
Who can be held liable for my motorcycle accident injuries?
Depending on the circumstances in your case, the liable party could be:
- Driver of a car, truck, or bus
- Company or employer
- Manufacturer of the motorcycle or defective part
- Mechanic
- Municipality
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Florida?
UnderFlorida Statutes § 95.11, you must file a personal injury lawsuit at the Broward County Courthouse within two years of the date of the accident. However, an exception may apply that could extend or shorten your deadline. Your attorney can explain which affects your case.
Do I need a lawyer if the other driver admitted fault?
Technically, you do not need a lawyer. However, given the complexity of personal injury and insurance law with regards to motorcycle accidents, and the fact that most motorcycle accidents result in severe injuries, we would advise at the very least speaking with an attorney.
Just because the other driver admitted fault, you will still need to convince their insurer of your claim.
How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?
Your motorcycle case is worth the damages you have suffered. It will be influenced by such factors as:
- Severity of injuries
- Time to recover
- Coverage available
Will not wearing a helmet affect my claim?
It could. UnderFlorida Statutes § 316.211, anyone under 21 must wear a helmet. If you are over 21 and carry $10,000 in medical insurance, you are not required to wear a helmet.
However, insurers can still use the absence of a helmet as an excuse to devalue or deny your claim, especially if you suffer a head injury.
What if the driver who hit me was uninsured or fled the scene?
Florida has a high volume of uninsured drivers, which is why we recommend that all motorcyclists carry an uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy. If the driver is uninsured or fled the scene, you can file a claim with your UM/UIM policy.
Can I recover compensation for pain and suffering?
As a no-fault state, pain and suffering is not a part of PIP coverage. To seek pain and suffering, you must meet a serious injury threshold. However, motorcyclists are not covered by PIP/no-fault rules. You can pursue pain and suffering damages directly against the at-fault party without meeting the threshold.
How long will it take to settle my motorcycle accident case?
It could take several months to years to settle your motorcycle accident case. It depends on such things as:
- Severity of injuries
- Time to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)
- Questions regarding fault and liability
- Multiple parties involved
- Insurance companies’ willingness to negotiate
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under the state’scomparative negligence statutes, you can still recover compensation if you were partially at fault. However, there are conditions.
- First, your degree of fault will reduce the compensation you can receive.
- Second, if you are greater than 50% at fault, you are barred from any compensation.
Insurance companies will try to place a greater degree of fault on your actions to devalue or even deny your claim. A lawyer can protect from these tactics.
How much will it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
A motorcycle accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale with our firm works on a contingency basis. Contingency means you only pay attorney’s fees if they secure compensation for your losses through a settlement or court award. If they do not win, you pay nothing.
Is it worth hiring a motor vehicle accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale?
Depending on the type of accident and the severity of your injuries, it could be worth it to hire a lawyer. As a motorcycle accident victim, injuries are often severe, so hiring a lawyer to manage your claim while you recover would be worth considering.
Motorcycle Accident Locations Served:
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- Boynton Beach Motorcycle Accident
- Miami Motorcycle Accident
- Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident
- Lakeland Motorcycle Accident
- Tampa Motorcycle Accident
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