The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that, based on 2016 fatal crash data, motorcyclist deaths occurred 28 times more frequently than fatalities in other vehicles. The Sunshine State ranks highest in the number of motorcycle crashes in the state, with 9,535 motorcycle crashes in 2017 as reported by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Accident attorneys at Florida’s Ged Lawyers, LLP, are dedicated to advocating on behalf of those injured in motorcycle crashes, protecting their rights and securing just compensation for their injuries.
Safety measures can reduce number of accidents
The American Automobile Association (AAA) outlines simple safety measures for both drivers and motorcyclists to make the roads safer. Safety tips for motorcyclists include:
- always wear a helmet
- signal when turning
- keep headlights, marker, and taillights on at dusk and in dark or inclement weather
- wear proper clothing and footwear
- check oncoming traffic from the left side of the lane
- when passing, remain three to four seconds behind the vehicle
Safety precautions for drivers include:
- provide sufficient room for motorcyclists to maneuver on the roadways
- maintain a four-second buffer zone
- be extra cautious on weekends
- do not share a lane with a motorcycle
Personal injury law protects those who have been injured due to negligence
Driving recklessly, violating traffic safety laws, or failing to follow safety precautions on the roadway often leads to accidents and injuries. When you have been injured due to negligence on the part of another person or entity, personal injury law provides protection. Victims may file a personal injury claim for compensatory damages, such as medical expenses stemming from the accident, pain and suffering, and lost income due to time away from work. Florida follows what is known as a ‘pure comparative negligence rule’, which considers each party’s level of responsibility for the accident. If you are, for example, 20 percent responsible for the accident, your award will be reduced by 20 percent.
Time limits for filing a personal injury claim in Florida
All states have legal time limits for filing claims in the state’s civil courts. These limits are known as the statute of limitations. In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the time of the accident. Claims that are not filed before this deadline will not be heard by the courts and the claimant will have lost any opportunity to recover compensation for their damages.
We protect the rights of those injured in motorcycle accidents
Motorcycle accidents can be traumatic, and often result in serious injury. In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, the last thing you need to worry about is how to pay your mounting medical bills. Let us help. At Ged Lawyers, LLP, our experienced accident attorneys aggressively fight on behalf of those who have been injured, holding responsible parties accountable and securing just compensation for our client’s injuries. Contact a member of our team today at 844-443-3529 or online to discuss your case. The attorneys at Ged Lawyers, LLP, represent a diverse clientele, with multilingual services available in Arabic, Creole, Greek, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, and other languages.
