Motorcycle accidents can be devastating to bikers and their passengers, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Thanks to the lack of protective barriers and external vehicle structure, motorcyclists are more likely to experience serious harm when compared to drivers of standard passenger vehicles. If you or a loved one are facing injuries and recovery after a motorcycle accident, understanding your legal rights is crucial.
Many factors go into building and winning a motorcycle accident case. The cause of the accident, injuries, and the legal options in your state must be considered.
What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents?
Motorcycle accidents are, sadly, commonplace on Polk County’s roads. Some of the most common culprits behind these crashes are:
Distracted or Reckless Driving
Unfortunately, distracted and reckless driving are common reasons for motorcycle accidents, but not on the part of the motorcyclist. Other drivers choosing to text, change their music, look up directions, drive over the posted speed limit, or even converse with others in the vehicle put bikers at risk. They often fail to see bikers when turning into traffic or changing lanes. This frequently results in them striking motorcyclists.
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol and drug use are major contributing factors in motorcycle accidents. Again, this is frequently on the part of other drivers, not on the motorcyclist.
Dangerous Roads and Conditions
Wet and windy weather is common in Florida, specifically during our summer storm season. When paired with poor road conditions (like potholes!) or dangerous intersections, accidents become a major threat. Some of the most notorious danger zones in Lakeland are:
- The intersection of US-92 (Memorial Blvd.) and US-98 (Florida Ave.)
- The intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave and US-92 (Memorial Blvd.)
- The intersection of US-92 Memorial Blvd. and Lakeland Hills Blvd.
- The interchanges between FL-33 and Interstate 4 in both directions
As a motorcyclist, you must watch out for these areas when on your bike. Understanding these common causes helps you take preventative measures to protect yourself (and any passengers) when you hit the road.
What are the most common motorcycle crash injuries?
Lower extremity injuries are common in motorcycle accidents.
As mentioned above, the lack of external protection is a major factor in motorcycle accident injuries. We regularly work with clients who have suffered:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are commonplace in motorcycle crashes, even if the biker was wearing a helmet. They can lead to long-term effects like headaches, dizziness, vision/hearing impairment, and even altered cognitive function.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Serious impacts to the head, neck, pelvic area, or back can result in a spinal cord injury. This can leave impacted individuals with paralysis, severe pain, weakness in the extremities, loss of bladder and/or bowel function, and more.
Fractures and Broken Bones
The serious impact and lack of protection mean fractures are a common injury in motorcycle accidents. Broken legs, arms, ribs, and collarbones are some of the fractures we see most regularly. The most severe injuries are (usually) in the lower extremities due to their proximity to the road, bike, and other obstacles struck during the crash.
Internal Injuries
These hidden injuries can be deadly if not caught at the scene or shortly after. That’s why prompt medical care is imperative, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Internal bleeding and organ damage claim the lives of many bikers involved in motorcycle accidents.
Road Rash
While this injury may seem less severe than the others, it can cause lifelong pain and suffering. In addition to infections, those affected can face permanent disfigurement and scarring. This leads to both physical and psychological trauma in the days, weeks, and years after the accident.
Given the severity, injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents require long-term treatment in many cases. Bikers might look ahead at years of care, rehabilitation, and therapies and feel intimidated at the cost. That’s where we come in.
Brooks Law Group ensures Lakeland bikers know their rights after a motorcycle accident.
If you or someone you are facing the aftermath of a motorcycle accident due to another party’s negligence, knowing your legal options and how to protect your rights is of utmost importance. As some of Lakeland’s leading motorcycle accident lawyers, Brooks Law Group specializes in helping you get the justice and compensation you deserve. You have legal options available after your accident, including personal injury claims against the at-fault driver and claims against the insurance companies involved. We help you navigate the legal process effectively so you get the maximum compensation possible in your case. Our #1 priority is helping you receive much-needed assistance to cover medical expenses, lost income, and ongoing care needs. That’s why our contingency fee ensures you don’t pay unless we win your case. Even your first consultation is free!
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, call Lakeland’s trusted team of attorneys at Brooks Law Group. When you need someone to stand up for you and fight for your rights, Look to Brooks!
