Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Orlando, FL

Devastating accidents happen every day on Interstate 4 and surrounding busy highways in Orlando. Some of the most catastrophic accidents are motorcycle accidents. According to crash data from 2019, motorcyclists were four times more likely to be injured and about 29 times more likely to die in a wreck than passenger car occupants. If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle wreck due to negligence, Burnetti, P.A.’s motorcycle accident lawyers in Orlando may be able to help you fight for maximum recovery from the insurance companies.

Injured? Dial (407) 258-1181 today to discuss your motorcycle accident claim with a member of our team.

Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are incredibly dangerous and potentially deadly. Unlike automobiles drivers, there is not a protective barrier of steel around a motorcycle rider. Because of the increased risks associated with riding a motorcycle, understanding the main causes of motorcycle accidents can help you avoid serious injuries or even death. If you have been injured on a motorcycle due to someone else’s negligence, our Orlando motorcycle lawyers at Burnetti, P.A. may be able to help with your accident claim.

Motorcycle accidents can happen to anyone at any time. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle wrecks caused by negligence are:

• Failure to Yield Right of Way: One of the most common causes is when motor vehicle drivers fail to yield the right of way to motorcycles. This often occurs at intersections or when changing lanes.
• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio, can lead to collisions with motorcycles. Motorcyclists are more difficult to spot than larger vehicles, making distractions even more dangerous.
• Blind Spots: Motor vehicle drivers may not see motorcycles in their blind spots, leading to lane-changing accidents or collisions when turning.
• Speeding: Excessive speed, both by motorcyclists and motor vehicle drivers, can reduce reaction time and increase the severity of collisions.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment significantly impairs a driver's judgment and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of accidents with motorcycles.
• Aggressive Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, road rage, and reckless maneuvering, can pose a danger to motorcyclists who may be more vulnerable in such situations.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Violating traffic laws, such as running red lights or stop signs, can lead to accidents involving motorcycles.
• Inadequate Training: Inexperienced motorcyclists may lack the skills and knowledge to safely navigate traffic and respond to various road conditions, increasing their risk of accidents.
• Left-Turning Vehicles: Many motorcycle accidents occur when a motor vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. This often happens because the driver misjudges the motorcycle's speed or fails to see it.
• Sudden Stops: Motorcycles have shorter stopping distances than cars, so if a motor vehicle suddenly stops or slows down, a motorcyclist may not have enough time to react and could rear-end the vehicle.
• Dooring: When a motor vehicle occupant opens their door without checking for approaching motorcycles, it can lead to a collision known as "dooring."

What Do I Do After A Motorcycle Wreck?

Many victims of motorcycle accidents are unsure of what to do after suffering injuries. After a motorcycle accident it is important to follow these steps:

1. Seek medical attention for your injuries. Injuries, such as back pain, neck pain, soreness, etc. could even show up days after the accident
2. If possible, obtain witness information and take photographs of the accident scene, including your damaged motorcycle. Make notes of the direction the motorcycle and other drivers were traveling at the time of the accident, the weather at the time of the accident, the condition of the road and any additional details that may help explain how the accident happened.
3. Contact an Orlando motorcycle attorney to help you file a motorcycle accident claim against the negligent party’s insurance
4. Keep all your receipts from the accident, including your medical bills, pharmacy bills, and rental car fees
5. Keep track of hours missed at work to calculate lost wages
6. Make sure to talk to your lawyer before making recording statements to the insurance company

Motorcycle Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can suddenly and may forever alter the victim’s life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the top non-fatal motorcyclist injuries include:

• 30% leg and foot injuries
• 22% head and neck injuries
• 20% upper chest injuries
• 18% arm and hand injuries
• 8% lower trunk injuries
• 3% other injuries

Common types of motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Road Rash: Road rash occurs when a rider's skin comes into contact with the road surface during a slide or fall. It can range from minor abrasions to deep, severe wounds, depending on the speed of the crash and the level of protection worn by the rider.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Motorcyclists often suffer fractures and broken bones in accidents. Commonly affected areas include the arms, legs, wrists, and collarbones. These injuries can vary in severity, from minor fractures to compound fractures that require surgery.
• Head Injuries: Head injuries are a significant concern in motorcycle accidents, especially if riders are not wearing helmets or if the helmets do not meet safety standards. Head injuries can range from concussions and contusions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can have long-lasting effects on cognitive and physical functioning.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Motorcycle accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, which may result in partial or complete paralysis. The severity of these injuries depends on the location and extent of spinal cord damage.
• Internal Injuries: The force of impact in motorcycle accidents can cause internal injuries, such as internal bleeding, damage to organs, or injuries to the chest and abdomen. These injuries may not always be immediately apparent and may require prompt medical attention.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, such as strains, sprains, and ligament damage, are common in motorcycle accidents. These injuries can cause pain and limit mobility.
• Burn Injuries: If a motorcycle catches fire or if there is contact with hot engine parts or exhaust pipes, riders can suffer burn injuries. Burns can vary in severity and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Facial Injuries: Facial injuries, including fractures, lacerations, and dental damage, can occur when a rider's face comes into contact with the ground, other vehicles, or debris.
• Abrasions and Contusions: In addition to road rash, motorcyclists may experience various abrasions, contusions (bruises), and lacerations on different parts of their bodies due to contact with the road or other objects.
• Psychological Trauma: Motorcycle accidents can have a lasting psychological impact on riders, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

Recoverable Damages for Injured Motorcyclists

Insurance companies sometimes deny legitimate claims or underpay when they do pay out for claims. Hiring a motorcycle wreck lawyer in Orlando can help protect your rights to maximize your recovery to help cover bills associated with the accident including:

• Ambulance and emergency room bills
• Hospital bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Future medical expenses
• Continued treatment for physical and/or mental impairment

Motorcycle Events In Orlando

Some of the biggest motorcycle events occur in the surrounding Orlando areas, including Bike Week, Biketoberfest, and Bikefest. Daytona Bike Week hosts about 600,000 bikers annually during its multi-day famous event. Biketoberfest hosts around 125,000 bikers and Leesburg’s Bikefest has more than 300,000 attendees. The large gatherings of bikers can be a fun atmosphere, but it can also be dangerous with the high number of attendees on motorcycles driving down some of the busiest city roads. In 2013, there were 46 motorcycle fatalities during Bike Week. Here are some tips for staying safe during large motorcycle events:

• Wear a helmet
• Do not drive if you are impaired by alcohol
• Follow posted speed limits
• Avoid tailgating
• Do not weave through traffic
• Use turn signals
• Be aware of vehicle blind spots

Helmet Use In Florida

In the state of Florida, riders over the age of 21 can elect to not wear a motorcycle helmet while riding. However, riders who do choose to wear motorcycle helmets dramatically decrease the risk of suffering head injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, and helmet use could even save their lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle helmets were shown to be 37 percent effective in stopping fatal injuries and 41 percent effective in saving the life of a motorcycle passenger.

How To Ride Safely With A Passenger

When riding a motorcycle with a passenger it is important to make sure the bike is equipped to carry two people. The following safety tips can help keep your guest safe while on your bike:

1. Make sure the passenger can reach the footrests
2. Make sure the passenger keeps feet away from the hot mufflers
3. Make sure the passenger has a protective helmet
4. Make sure the passenger knows not to make any sudden movements that could impede the driver’s ability to control the bike
5. Make sure the passenger can hold onto the driver’s waist or handholds

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lawyer For A Motorcycle Accident?

Burnetti, P.A. attorneys handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that initial consultations are free, and clients do not pay any money up front or in advance. A contingent fee is based on the amount of compensation obtained, so clients do not pay any costs if they do not recover damages from the negligent party.

Burnetti, P.A. Motorcycle Lawyers Are On Your Side

Burnetti, P.A.’s team of trial experienced lawyers are educated on Florida law and personal injury claims. In order to help protect your rights to file a claim and seek financial help from the insurance company, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after a motorcycle wreck.

Call (407) 258-1181 for a free case evaluation to see if our motorcycle accident lawyers in Orlando may be able to help you.