Plantation, FL Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle riding can be an exhilarating experience, offering freedom on the open road and a unique way to experience the world. However, it also comes with significant risks because motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on the road. In 2024, Broward County reported 9,442 motorcycle crashes, with 582 fatalities, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. These alarming statistics underscore the risks motorcyclists in Plantation face daily. 

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you don’t have to face the stress of dealing with insurance companies and securing fair compensation alone. Our Plantation motorcycle accident lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Motorcycle Laws in Plantation, FL

Understanding motorcycle laws in Plantation is important to your safety and your rights after an accident. Here are some key points:

Helmet Laws for Riders Below 21 Years

In Florida, riders under the age of 21 must wear a helmet. This law helps ensure that young motorcyclists are protected in the event of an accident, as head injuries are often severe and life-threatening.

Helmet Laws for Riders Over 21 Years

Riders over 21 are not required to wear a helmet unless they meet certain conditions, such as completing a motorcycle safety course or carrying medical insurance that covers motorcycle accident injuries. However, even if you’re not legally required to wear a helmet, wearing one can significantly reduce the severity of head injuries in a crash.

Eye Protection Laws

Motorcyclists in Florida are required to wear eye protection, such as goggles or a face shield, unless their bike is equipped with a windscreen. Eye protection helps prevent debris from injuring the eyes, which can be devastating in a crash.

Lane Splitting and Lane Sharing

Lane splitting, or riding between two lanes of traffic, is illegal in Florida. However, lane sharing (riding side by side in the same lane with another motorcycle) is allowed. 

Licensing and Endorsement Rules

To legally ride a motorcycle in Florida, you must have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. To obtain this endorsement, you need to pass a motorcycle skills test or complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. This ensures that riders are properly trained and equipped to operate a motorcycle safely.

Even if you were not following these laws at the time of an accident, you may still be entitled to compensation if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. Florida’s laws focus on fault and the circumstances of the crash, not just compliance with regulations.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can occur for many reasons, often due to the negligence of other drivers. Common causes include:

• Inattentive Drivers: Drivers who fail to notice motorcyclists on the road, often because they are distracted, can cause accidents by changing lanes or running red lights.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a motorcyclist’s ability to react to hazards, leading to more severe accidents.
• Road Hazards: Motorcycles are more susceptible to road conditions such as potholes, loose gravel or wet roads, making it harder for riders to maintain control.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drugs impair a driver’s ability to make safe decisions, contributing to motorcycle accidents.

A motorcycle accident lawyer will help identify the true cause of the accident. By investigating the details and gathering key evidence, a lawyer will work to hold the right person or entity accountable for the crash.

Common Motorcycle Injuries

Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries due to the lack of protective barriers. Here are some common injuries that occur and why they can be so catastrophic.

Being Pinned

Motorcyclists who are thrown from their bikes may be pinned under their vehicle or another car, leading to crushing injuries. The force of the impact can break bones or cause internal injuries.

Burns

In accidents involving fuel spills or fires, riders can suffer severe burns. These injuries often require long-term treatment and can result in permanent scarring or loss of function.

Going Over the Car

When a motorcyclist is struck from behind or sideswiped, they may be thrown over the vehicle, leading to traumatic injuries from the fall. These can include broken bones, spinal injuries and concussions.

An experienced Plantation motorcycle accident attorney can guide you in taking the right steps after such a devastating event to pursue a fair compensation for your injuries.

Compensation Available After a Motorcycle Crash

After a motorcycle accident, the compensation you can recover depends on the damages you’ve suffered. Here are some of the key damages that may be available to you:

• Medical Expenses: This includes all costs related to your treatment, from hospital bills to ongoing rehabilitation. If your injuries are severe, medical costs can quickly accumulate, and compensation can help cover these expenses.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you can seek compensation for lost income. This includes future wages if you are unable to return to your previous job or work at all.
• Pain and Suffering: This damage compensates for the physical pain, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life caused by your injuries. It is often difficult to quantify but is an important part of the overall compensation package.
• Property Damage: This includes the cost to repair or replace your motorcycle and any other property damaged in the accident.
• Permanent Disability: If your injuries result in permanent disability, you may be entitled to compensation for the lifelong impact the injury has on your ability to work and enjoy life.

Florida’s Comparative Fault Law

Florida follows a modified comparative fault system. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 15% responsible for the crash and the total damages are $50,000, you would receive $42,500. If you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you would not be entitled to any compensation.

A Plantation Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Seek Justice

At Kogan & DiSalvo, we understand that motorcyclists are often unfairly judged after accidents, which is a tactic used by some insurance companies to reduce payouts. We are passionate about fighting these prejudices and presenting a clear, factual narrative of the accident. We will work tirelessly to ensure that your case is handled with the care and attention it requires.

Contact us for a free consultation to see how our Plantation motorcycle accident lawyers can help you get the settlement you deserve.

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