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Motorcycle Accidents vs. Car Accidents in Miami, Florida

Motorcycle Accidents vs. Car Accidents in Miami, Florida

The lack of protection is one of the most significant differences between motorcycle accidents vs. car accidents in Miami, Florida. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are highly likely to sustain traumatic and permanent injuries in an accident. 

A motorcycle rider is 28 times more likely to die in a traffic accident than a passenger vehicle occupant. In 2020, motorcyclist deaths represented 14% of all traffic deaths. It was the highest number of motorcycle fatalities since 1975. 

Other differences between motorcycle accidents and car accidents include the following:

  • Riders often sustain injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care
  • A motorcyclist does not have the protection of airbags and seatbelts during a crash
  • Motorcyclists are often unjustly blamed for causing a crash because they are viewed as reckless or dangerous
  • Many riders cannot return to work because of the severity of their injuries and require compensation for future lost wages
  • Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury, and broken bones are common motorcycle accident injuries
  • Motorcycle accidents have a high injury and death rate compared to car accidents because their bodies absorb the impact of a collision 
  • Florida no-fault insurance laws do not apply to motorcyclists 
  • Motorcyclists who do not wear a helmet must have a minimum of $10,000 in medical insurance coverage

Motorcycle accident claims can be more challenging to win than car accident cases. Not all Miami car accident lawyers have experience handling motorcycle claims. It is best to work with a personal injury lawyer with substantial experience fighting for the rights of riders after a motorcycle accident.

Common Motorcycle and Car Accident Injuries in Miami 

Both motorcyclists and passenger car occupants can sustain life-threatening and severe injuries in a crash. Common car accidents and motorcycle injuries include:

In addition to the above injuries, motorcyclists often sustain severe abrasions and lacerations or “road rash” in an accident. Road rash might not seem as traumatic as some of the abovementioned injuries. 

However, road rash can result in significant scarring and disfigurement. A rider can also develop complications from road rash, including infections.

How Can Motorcyclists Reduce Their Risk of Serious Injury in a Miami Motorcycle Accident?

Many of the same safety tips apply to motorcyclists and drivers of passenger vehicles. For example, riders should avoid distracted driving and operating a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Motorcyclists should also watch the weather and ride at a safe speed.

Additional safety tips for motorcyclists in Florida include:

  • Wear a motorcycle helmet each time you ride. Wearing motorcycle helmets reduces the risk of severe injury and death in an accident.
  • Riders should wear brightly colored clothing to increase visibility to other motorists.
  • Wearing armored or specialized motorcycle clothing can also reduce the risk of severe injuries in an accident. Motorcycle boots, gloves, and leather clothing protect your body during a collision.
  • Leave sufficient space between you and other vehicles to avoid rear-end accidents.
  • Ride within your skill level and on a motorcycle you can handle.
  • Always look twice before pulling out into traffic.

Even the safest motorcyclist can be involved in a traffic accident. Knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident can help you recover the compensation you deserve. 

Steps To Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Miami, FL

If you are involved in a motorcycle crash, your actions after the accident could significantly impact your recovery for a personal injury claim. Steps to take after a motorcycle crash include:

  • Call 911 to report the crash to the police and request emergency medical services 
  • If possible, take photographs and make a video of the accident scene or ask a bystander to do that for you
  • Do not admit fault for the motorcycle accident
  • Ask eyewitnesses for their names and contact information 
  • Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries 
  • Document your damages by keeping track of all monetary losses and expenses 
  • Avoid talking to the insurance adjuster or another representative for the insurance company before meeting with an attorney
  • Do not agree to provide a statement or answer questions on a recorded telephone call

You could be entitled to substantial compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. In addition, if you sustained permanent impairments, you could also receive compensation for future damages, including decreases in earning capacity and quality of life.

As soon as possible, contact a Miami motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney helps protect you against unjust allegations of contributory fault and failure to mitigate damages. 

An experienced motorcycle accident attorney knows insurance company tactics and how they treat riders. Therefore, they know how to protect your rights, including arguing your case in court if necessary. 

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Miami, FL

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami personal injury lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.

Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers
20900 NE 30th Ave Suite 715
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191