Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Daytona Beach, Florida
Florida is a proper destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, with our beautiful weather throughout the year and scenic views up and down the coasts. However, motorcyclists account for almost one-fifth of the state’s traffic fatalities. Bikers run a higher risk of injuries in accidents owing to them being exposed. If the unthinkable happens and you or a loved one is involved in an accident on a motorcycle, call the team at Eberst Law in Daytona Beach. Our experienced team can help you seek damages for the accident and put you on the path to getting your life back in order.
Damages from a Motorcycle Accident
“Damages” refers to the losses that you experience as a result of the accident. Your damages can be associated with a specific monetary value, or they can be more abstract.
Motorcycle Repairs and Total Loss
After an accident, you can recover compensation equal to the cost of the repairs for your motorcycle. If the bike is deemed to be a “total loss,” you can recoup the market value of the bike. Bike shops can often provide estimates for both of these values.
Medical Bills
Both present and future medical expenses can be claimed in your case, either the bills that result directly from your injuries in the accident (cuts, broken bones, etc.) or long-term costs of care (physical therapy, painkillers, and other medications).
Loss of Earning Capacity
This can go beyond wages lost from having to take time off work. Loss of earning potential from disability, or an inability to do the job you did before the accident, can be claimed in your lawsuit.
Pain, Suffering, and Mental Anguish
Severe accidents can result in severe mental trauma from dealing with injuries or being unable to participate in activities you once enjoyed. These types of damages are calculated in different ways by different attorneys, but for the most part, they’re calculated by looking at how much your quality of life has changed. If you’ve experienced a large change to your quality of life, you’ll receive more compensation for these damages.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are a special case. They are monetary damages awarded to defenders in claim cases more as a punishment for conduct to a degree that merits more than just recovering damages caused in the accident. A typical example of this is when a crash results from a driver being intoxicated, intentionally disregarding the safety of others on the road.
Wrongful Death
The worst-case scenario is when a motorcycle accident results in the death of a driver or passenger. Compensation can be sought from all negligent parties involved. This compensation can be claimed by a relative. All of the above damages can be claimed, as well as damages for burial, funerals, and other costs associated with post-life care.
Common Injuries from a Motorcycle Accident
Owing to riders being fully exposed on the road, motorcycle accidents tend to be catastrophic, and any part of the body can be injured to varying extents.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – heavy trauma to the head that causes bleeding in the brain
- Spinal cord injuries – fractured vertebrae can lead to long-term chronic pain or paralysis
- Lower-extremity injuries – leg injuries are some of the most common due to motorcycle accidents, such as broken bones and soft-tissue injuries
- Internal injuries – damage to internal organs resulting from the blunt force of the accident or debris puncturing the body
- Fractures – from bikes falling on the rider’s leg or trying to stop a fall using the arms
- Road rash – a serious skin abrasion resulting from the rider’s skin dragging along the pavement, can be mild or severe enough to scar permanently
- Crushing injuries – crushing injuries occur when the rider is pinned between their bike and another object, often a structure or another vehicle. These types of injuries can cause severe damage and can result in amputation.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents
While motorcycle accidents happen less than automobile accidents, they have a higher chance of serious injury or death due to the exposure of the rider. Below are the types of accidents bikers can find themselves in.
- Head-On Collision – when the front of a car strikes a motorcyclist
- Left-Hand Turn Accidents – these result from other vehicles striking motorcyclists as they pass or travel through an intersection. This is owing to motorcycles having a smaller profile, making them less visible to drivers.
- Lane Splitting – bikers can be hurt in accidents when they drive between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped vehicles, typically in traffic jams. This narrow distance makes it harder for motorcycles to maneuver and puts them close to other vehicles, increasing the potential of an accident.
- Excessive Speed & Alcohol Use – almost half of all motorcycle accidents involve alcohol use, leading to significant injuries.
- Hitting Fixed Objects – impacts with fixed roadside objects often throw riders off bikes.
- Road Hazards – slick pavement, potholes, and uneven lanes can lead to high-impact accidents.
- High-Performance Motorcycles – some supersport motorcycles have the ability to travel at excessive speeds and have four times the fatality rate of conventional motorcycles.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
- Unsafe lane changes: Drivers risk colliding with motorcyclists when they fail to take the time to signal when changing lanes or check their blind spot when turning.
- Car doors: Sometimes, a driver may not realize a motorcyclist is coming and open their door directly into the path of an oncoming bike.
- Speeding: Speeding is a leading cause of all types of road accidents, not just ones involving motorcycles. Traveling past posted speed limits reduces the chances of seeing and reacting to other vehicles in time.
- Driving under the influence.
- Lane splitting: Lane splitting is driving between two lanes of traffic. It is illegal in Florida.
- Sudden stops: Rear-end accidents can be much more dangerous for motorcyclists than car drivers, as riders are exposed on their bikes and not strapped in.
- Dangerous road conditions: Riders run the risk of losing control of their vehicles due to uneven pavement, potholes, and road debris.
- Motorcycle defects: Any manufacturer that makes a poorly designed part, such as a brake or throttle, that contributes to an accident may be held liable for said accident.
Getting Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident
The process of getting compensation for an accident is a long one and can be made all the more arduous and complicated by injuries and disabilities resulting from those accidents. Proving liability is an essential component of recovering the damages to cover everything, and it can be difficult to do without help. That’s where we come in.
Speak with an Experienced Daytona Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The experienced team at Eberst Law is here to help you get the compensation you deserve. You can contact our team online or call us at 772-225-4900. Our experienced Daytona Beach motorcycle accident attorneys can assist you in building your case and taking the parties liable for your accident to court.
