Riding a motorcycle poses a great risk not only to the rider but to those traveling around them. Motorcycles can be extremely dangerous to ride–– especially if a rider does not have adequate experience and training. Riders who choose to operate their motorcycles carelessly put themselves and everyone else around them in danger.
Is a negligent motorcycle rider to blame for the recent accident you were involved in? If you were badly injured as a result of an accident and suffered financial losses, contact Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers at (954) 476-1000. A Fort Lauderdale negligent motorcycle rider accident lawyer can determine whether you have the basis of a viable insurance claim or lawsuit. Our team of attorneys has a firm understanding of personal injury law. We are ready to help you recover compensation for your damages.
Causes of Negligent Motorcycle Rider Accidents
In 2019, 8,880 motorcycle crashes occurred in the state of Florida, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). As a result of these crashes, there were 535 fatalities and 7,722 injuries. Although some of these accidents may be attributed to a driver’s negligent behavior, others may have been caused by the motorcyclist themselves.
Collisions caused by negligent motorcyclists can be caused by one or more of the following factors:
The Motorcyclist Was Not Licensed
In your situation, the negligent motorcyclist may not have been properly licensed. New motorcyclists are required to take and pass an exam before they are able to add a motorcycle endorsement to their license.
The Motorcyclist Was Carrying Loose Cargo
According to Florida Statutes §316.2085(4), motorcyclists are prohibited from riding while carrying a “package, bundle, or another article which prevents the person from keeping both hands on the handlebars.” Additionally, Florida Statutes §316.2085(5) states that motorcycle operators must not carry any person or ride with a person “in a position that will interfere with the operation or control of the motorcycle.”
The Motorcyclist Made an Improper Lane Change
Florida Statutes §316.209(2) states that a motorcyclist “shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.” Motorcycles are much smaller than your average vehicle and are not easily seen. In the event a motorcyclist passes a large vehicle, such as a semi-truck or 18-wheeler, the trucker may not see the motorcyclist pass them, which could lead to a collision. Poor visibility contributes to thousands of collisions each year.
The Motorcyclist Traveled In-Between Lanes
Florida Statutes §316.209(3) says that motorcyclists are not permitted to operate their vehicle “between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles,” which is sometimes referred to as lane-splitting. Lane-splitting is extremely dangerous and illegal. When a motorcyclist rides between lanes of traffic, they could interfere with another motorist’s ability to safely change lanes or pass another vehicle.
The Motorcyclist Operated Their Vehicle in an Unsafe or Careless Manner
Some motorcyclists operate their vehicles without regard to others’ safety. Reckless driving is a crime, per Florida Statutes §316.192.
Some forms of reckless driving include:
- Speeding
- Engaging in drag racing
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Engaging in road rage
- Texting and driving
- Impaired driving
If a motorcyclist violates one or more of Florida’s traffic laws and causes an accident, they can be held accountable for their actions. If the actions of a negligent motorcyclist caused your accident and injuries in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers at (954) 476-1000.
We offer a free initial case review during which you can ask us any questions that you may have regarding your situation. We encourage you to ask us how a Fort Lauderdale negligent motorcycle rider accident lawyer can assist you.
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(954) 476-1000Identifying the Cause of a Negligent Motorcycle Rider Accident
To recover compensation following a negligent motorcycle rider accident, the injured party will need to prove the cause of the crash. You will need to present evidence that shows that because a negligent motorcyclist caused the crash, they should be financially responsible for your damages.
You can do this by presenting various forms of evidence, including:
- The police report
- Eyewitness testimony
- Statements from your doctor
- The motorcyclist’s driving record
- Invoices, billing statements, and receipts regarding the cost of your damages
- Traffic camera footage
- Photos of the accident scene and your injuries
Identifying the cause of your accident may seem overwhelming, especially if you suffered serious or disabling injuries. A Fort Lauderdale negligent motorcycle rider accident lawyer can investigate the cause of your collision and gather relevant pieces of evidence. You do not have to handle the financial recovery process on your own. You can call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers for legal assistance.
Chalik & Chalik Negligent Motorcycle Rider Accidents Lawyer Near Me
(954) 476-1000Compensable Losses in a Fort Lauderdale Negligent Motorcycle Rider Accident
A lawyer from Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can determine what damages you may be able to recover through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Following your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability
- Medical bills, both present and future
If you need to file a lawsuit to recover compensation, you must do so within Florida’s statute of limitations. Per Florida Statutes §95.11, you typically have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. A member of our legal team can explain this law’s significance for your case when you call us today.
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At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we understand the devastating effects that an accident can have on a victim and their family. Our law firm is dedicated to helping members of our community obtain the justice and compensation they are due. A Fort Lauderdale negligent motorcycle rider accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your various out-of-pocket damages.
To find out if you are able to hold a negligent motorcyclist liable for the expenses you have incurred from an accident, contact Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers at (954) 476-1000.
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