Motorcycle Accident

Jacksonville Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,579 motorcyclists died in 2020.   According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, of the 484 motorcycle crashes in Duval County, 32 of them resulted in fatalities. In 2020, comparing miles driven in a car to miles ridden on a motorcycle, motorcyclists were about 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a car crash and 4 times more likely to be injured. If you or a loved one has been injured, consider consulting with one of our Jacksonville motorcycle accident attorneys.

While many Jacksonville personal injury attorneys handle car accidents, motorcycle accidents have their own unique characteristics.  Driving a motorcycle is more physical than driving a car.  It requires more strength, coordination, and knowledge of how a motorcycle handles differently at high speeds versus lower speeds.  Motorcycles are not as visible on the road as a car or SUVs.  As a result, people can misjudge how fast a motorcycle is traveling and pull out into traffic thinking they have enough time to clear the motorcycle’s lane of travel.  With limited protection surrounding the driver, motorcyclists are much more susceptible to injury if there is a collision compared to the occupant of a car.  

Motorcycle claims come with their own set of challenges.  Everyone has been stuck in traffic only to see a motorcycle zipping down the shoulder cutting the line or weaving in and out of traffic.  There is a stigma with motorcycles that people who choose to ride motorcycles are a bit reckless, willing to break the law, and in some ways, responsible for taking on the risk of injury the moment they get on a motorcycle.

Another unique aspect of representing motorcycle accident victims is that there is no personal injury protection (PIP) coverage required for motorcycles.  PIP is required for cars in Florida and it pays 80% of your medical bills and 60% of your lost wages.  Without PIP, an injured motorcycle rider has limited options for treatment if he does not have health insurance.  That is why it is important that a Jacksonville motorcycle accident lawyer can work with local doctors, specialists, and therapists in order to ensure their client receives timely and proper care.  

As mentioned at the outset, motorcyclists are more likely to be seriously injured in a collision.  We have helped our clients through injuries involving fractures of the person’s facial bones, arms/wrists, pelvis, and legs/ankles.  In some cases, the bones are so badly fractured, orthopedic surgeons have to use external fixators, intramedullary rods, plates, and screws to hold the bones together.  These injuries can require multiple surgeries, extensive physical therapy, and result in significant medical bills.

Some ways for motorcyclists to stay safe on the road:

• Always wear an approved helmet.  Look for the DOT symbol on the outside back of the helmet.
• Wear protective gear covering your arms and legs along with boots high enough to cover your ankles.  
• Wear brightly colored clothing or a vest to increase your visibility.
• Leave plenty of room between your motorcycle and other vehicles.
• Keep your headlight on at all times.
• Drive defensively and plan on other drivers not being able to see you.

At Rosenberg & Calvin, P.A., we feel it is important to speak with a Jacksonville motorcycle accident attorney to identify and protect your rights and to ensure you are compensated to the full extent of the law.  Contact us today for a free consultation.