Intersection collisions can involve T-bone (broadside) accidents or head-on crashes. They are far more serious when a motorcycle is involved because a motorcyclist has none of the same structural protections that passenger cars and other large vehicles have. A motorcyclist who gets into an intersection collision may suffer traumatic brain injury, blunt trauma, internal bleeding, broken ribs and other bones, and other serious physical injuries. The experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at the Dean Law Firm have helped many Ocala residents and other individuals assert their right to compensation from negligent drivers.
Many drivers do not notice motorcyclists or fail to properly respect their right to the road when they do notice them. At an intersection, the risks may be magnified because drivers who are distracted or in a hurry may fail to yield the right of way to a motorcyclist or speed through the intersection, crashing into the rider. Broadside collisions are more likely to happen at intersections, and when a motorcyclist is involved, they may cause catastrophic injuries or even death.
As a matter of prevention, a rider should stay alert to the possibility that a driver will not see him or her. However, in spite of a motorcyclist’s best efforts, he or she may wind up in a crash with a larger vehicle. If another driver fails to see you at an intersection and hits your motorcycle and you, causing serious injuries and damage, you can sue for compensation. You would have to show the at-fault driver’s liability by proving his or her duty to use reasonable care, a breach of that duty, actual and proximate causation, and actual damages.
Florida has a four-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims and a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits. However, after a serious motorcycle accident involving traumatic injuries, you may not remember exactly what happened. It is important to secure an attorney right away, partly because he or she can contact a reconstruction specialist as necessary to evaluate any skid marks, debris, damage to the vehicle, and witness testimony so that the other driver’s fault can be established.
Sometimes, a driver tries to blame a motorcyclist for an accident. Even if you are partly at fault, you may still be able to recover some of your damages because Florida is a comparative negligence state. Your compensation would be in proportion to the other party’s degree of responsibility. You can seek economic and noneconomic damages for your injuries, including medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. If a loved one is killed in a motorcycle accident, you can sue for wrongful death, pursuing not only medical and funeral costs but also loss of companionship.
If you are riding your motorcycle and get into a motor vehicle collision in the area around Ocala, you should consult the experienced attorneys at the Dean Law Firm. Motorcycle accident injuries can be devastating and even fatal. Our Florida lawyers can help victims or family members of those who tragically lose their lives seek compensation for their losses. Contact us at 352-387-8700 or via our online form for a free consultation. We proudly serve individuals from throughout Marion, Lake, Sumter, Levy, and Citrus Counties, including Crystal River and The Villages.
