Florida roads can be dangerous – thousands of accidents happen on them every week. But among the most deadly of all accidents are motorcycle accidents. The reason is obvious – there's very little protecting a motorcycle driver from harm in the event of a crash. Because of this, it's vital that motorcyclists do all they can to remain diligent and safe on our roads.
That fact is even more apparent when you review recent studies and what they suggest. According to recent data, the majority of fatal motorcycle accidents involve one thing: left turns at intersections.
This applies not only to a cyclist taking a left turn at an intersection, but also to other motorists taking a left turn at one. The common outcome here is that one of the drivers pulls out in front of the other, leading to a head-on or side impact collision. For the motorcyclist, this can be deadly no matter who is making the turn.
There are several specific causes for making a fatal mistake at an intersection. These include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Poor visibility
- And more
No matter the specific cause, it's important to understand that you might not be at fault. And if it can be proved that you aren't, you might have the grounds to seek financial compensation for your injuries.
The key is determining what led to the accident and whether or not the other party is to blame for their reckless, negligent actions. To do this, you'll need a professional motorcycle attorney who has the resources needed to determine the specifics of an accident. Every aspect of an accident might play a role in whether or not you have the right to seek compensation, and a good attorney will review each of them carefully to determine what your rights are. There are a number of different things that can be used to determine fault including:
- Eyewitness testimony
- Police accident reports
- Tickets
- Surveillance camera footage
- And more
Additionally, a good lawyer could work with accident reconstructionists, former law enforcement officers, and other professionals to help determine exactly what happened during an accident. The goal is to show that the other party drove in an unsafe manner.
For instance, if phone records show that the driver who pulled into oncoming traffic at an intersection was texting at the time, there's a good chance that they'll be held liable for damages. The same goes for a driver who speeds through a traffic light because they're drunk or driving too fast, hitting your motorcycle as you try to cross.
It's not always easy to prove fault, however. You'll need to make sure that you find a good attorney who can help you with the process. It begins with a review of your case to see exactly what happened and whether or not you have the grounds to pursue compensation. From there, an attorney could offer to represent you and work to get you financial restitution based on things like lost wages, medical bills, funerary costs if wrongful deaths occurred, and more.
Motorcycle accidents can be incredibly dangerous, and Florida's intersections are the most hazardous places for bikers. It's important to be wary as you approach any intersection in order to maintain your safety. But if the unthinkable happens, be sure to find a professional to help you recover.
