Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Protecting the Rights of Injured Motorcycle Riders

There are few places in America better than the Gulf Coast to own a motorcycle. With warm summers and mild winters, motorcyclists from across the country travel to Florida and the Panhandle each year. Yet, sadly, motorcycle crashes are not uncommon. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you will most likely suffer serious injuries and significant damages.

The Florida motorcycle accident attorneys at Michles & Booth understand the unique challenges of motorcycle cases. In fact, our senior partner, Marcus Michles, has been an avid motorcycle enthusiast for over 30 years and has represented countless motorcycle accident victims across the state. If you have been injured, you can count on us to fight for you.

If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, we can help. Contact us online or call 850-438-4848 today for a free consultation.

Do No-Fault Insurance Laws Apply to Motorcycle Accidents in Florida?

Motorcycle cases are not the same as car accident cases in Florida for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that Florida insurance no-fault laws do not apply to motorcycle accidents. In most instances, this simple difference in insurance laws significantly changes the way medical bills are handled, as well as the ultimate case value.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents tend to cause devastating injuries due to riders' lack of protection. Riders are exposed to physical contact with other vehicles, pavement, guardrails, trees, or even stationary objects like poles. This exposure creates an increased risk for serious injury or death, as there is nothing between a rider and the force of an impact.

As such, it is important that injured riders seek legal counsel from an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Florida – like those at Michles & Booth, P.A. – who can help them recover the compensation they need for their losses.

Common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries - This can include concussions, contusions, and other serious head injuries that can result from a motorcycle accident.
• Spinal Cord Injuries - Motorcycle accidents in Florida can cause severe damage to the spinal cord which can lead to paralysis or even death in some cases.
• Broken Bones - Broken arms, legs, ribs, collarbones, and other bones are common motorcycle accident injuries due to the rider being thrown off their bike during an impact with another object or vehicle.
• Lacerations and Abrasions – Riders may suffer scrapes, burns, cuts, and road rash as they slide along the pavement after being ejected from their bikes during an accident collision on Florida roadways.
• Internal Organ Damage - The force of a motorcycle crash can cause internal organ damage such as ruptured spleens or livers as well as bruising of certain organs. Kidney failure or lung collapse due to trauma can also occur due to the impact forces experienced by riders involved in these types of accidents.

Common Causes of Florida Motorcycle Accidents

Following Too Closely

One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is when negligent drivers fail to leave enough space between their vehicle and a motorcycle. Motorcycles require more room to maneuver than cars, and if a driver follows too closely, they may not have enough time to react if the motorcyclist has to suddenly brake or swerve.

Failing to Yield at Intersections

Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is when drivers fail to yield at intersections. When two vehicles approach an intersection, it is important that both vehicles stop and wait for the other vehicle to pass before proceeding. If a driver fails to yield, they may collide with a motorcyclist who has the right of way, leading to serious injury or death.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Unsafe lane changes are another common cause of motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles on the road and can be difficult for drivers to see in their blind spots. If a driver fails to check their blind spot before changing lanes, they may collide with a motorcyclist that was in their blind spot, leading to serious injury or death.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of all types of traffic accidents, including those involving motorcycles. When drivers are distracted by texting, talking on the phone, eating, or engaging in other activities while behind the wheel, they are not able to pay full attention to the road and may not be able to react in time if a motorcyclist needs them too.

Speeding

When drivers exceed posted speed limits or drive too fast for conditions, they have less time available to react if something unexpected happens on the road ahead of them such as a motorcyclist entering their lane or making an unexpected turn at an intersection ahead of them. This can lead to serious collisions that can result in injury or death for those involved.

Intoxication

Driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous behaviors on our roads. When someone chooses to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, drugs, or any other substance that impairs their ability drive safely, they put everyone else on our roads at risk. Impaired driving leads directly to many deadly collisions each year, including those involving motorcycles.

How Can a Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Crash Victims?

Motorcycle accident attorneys provide a variety of services to those injured in Florida motorcycle accidents. These services include helping clients understand applicable insurance policies, negotiating with insurance companies on their behalf, and representing them in any personal injury lawsuits that may arise from the crash.

In addition to handling the legal aspects of a case, attorneys can also help victims recover financially. They can assist with filing insurance claims, gathering evidence regarding the accident, obtaining necessary medical records and bills, and determining how much financial compensation is appropriate for their losses. They can also take steps to ensure that victims are receiving fair compensation for any pain and suffering they endured due to the accident.

Furthermore, an experienced Florida motorcycle accident attorney will be able to answer questions about legal rights in Florida before or during a lawsuit. Your motorcycle accident attorney will be able to discuss potential strategies for seeking justice. In many cases, an experienced attorney's support throughout the damages seeking process can make all the difference in ensuring justice is served and victims receive proper compensation for their losses.

Seeking Full & Fair Compensation for Your Injuries

At Michles & Booth, our Florida motorcycle accident attorneys understand how to navigate these complex laws and help you fight to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.

Our Florida motorcycle accident lawyers can advocate for your full recovery, including compensation for:

• Immediate emergency medical treatment
• Ongoing treatment and rehabilitative care
• Lost income/wages from time taken off work
• Lost future earnings if you become disabled
• Lost/reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

In the event that your family member was killed in a motorcycle crash, our legal team can help you pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the liable party. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

A Proven Track Record of Success

When local attorney and motorcycle enthusiast Terry Boutwell was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident, the accident report placed the responsibility on Mr. Boutwell. This is not unusual. Mr. Boutwell’s family hired Michles & Booth to represent them and determine if Mr. Boutwell had caused the accident.

Our personal injury lawyers, with assistance from our investigation department, know motorcyclists often get blamed for accidents for a variety of reasons, such as eyewitnesses over-estimating the motorcycle’s speed as the sounds and RPMs of motorcycles are often misleading to even the most fair-minded witness.

In the end, Michles & Booth successfully litigated the case to the benefit of Mr. Boutwell’s surviving son.

Don't Be a Victim Twice – Let Michles & Booth Fight for You

Because motorcycle crashes almost always result in severe injuries, it is important that you contact an experienced Florida motorcycle accident lawyer immediately after the accident. Don’t be a victim twice—first of the accident and second of the insurance company. Let Michles & Booth fight for you.

Call us at 850-438-4848 today to request a free consultation. We have offices in Pensacola, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Tampa.