Miami Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Nationwide Representation. Hundreds of Millions Won. 150+ Years' Combined Experience.

Motorcycles are thrilling. Unfortunately, as our Miami motorcycle accident attorneys know all too well, the freedom comes at a steep cost. Per the Insurance Information Institute, 92,000 motorcyclists were injured and 4,500 killed in accidents in 2014. In general, motorcyclists are 2600% more likely to die in a crash than someone in a passenger vehicle. 

In one motorcycle safety study, researchers found that passenger vehicles caused motorcycle accidents in two-thirds of multi-vehicle collisions. Often, a passenger vehicle will violate a motorcyclist's right of way and cause them to crash or swerve into another obstacle. Even helmeted, the exposure of a motorcycle rider causes much higher rates of fatality. Drivers are legally and ethically obligated to respect the rights of motorcyclists. If you or a loved one was severely harmed in a motorcycle accident, call the Miami personal injury lawyers at our firm. We represent clients throughout the country.

Call (305) 770-6335 for a free consultation. There is no fee unless you win your case, so don't hesitate to call. Our firm represents clients in Florida, across the U.S., and throughout the globe.

The Long-Term Impact of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and multiple fractures can have a profound impact on a victim’s quality of life. These injuries may lead to permanent disabilities, affecting a person's ability to work, engage in daily activities, and enjoy life as they once did. Our Miami motorcycle accident attorneys understand the full scope of these challenges and are dedicated to securing the maximum compensation to cover not only immediate medical expenses but also the ongoing costs of rehabilitation, assistive devices, and any necessary home modifications.

The Truth Behind Accidents Involving Motorcyclists

The fact that motorcyclists face so many accidents is a cause for alarm. As previously mentioned, 2/3 of accidents are caused by passenger vehicles. This number means other motorists cause at least 66% of all motorcycle accidents.

Why is there such a significant discrepancy between motorcycle accidents and the fault being found? The only answer is that passenger vehicles are not conscientious of motorcyclists.

Motorcyclists must obtain a specialized license. They must attend classes and pass tests. These are all in addition to obtaining standard license training where they will learn how other motorists operate under ordinary traffic laws. With all of these extra tests and classes, a motorcyclist will be well aware of the risks and rights that motorcyclists face.

However, other motorists do not have to take such tests. They are allowed to drive without having any knowledge of how a motorcycle works, how a motorcyclist typically rides their bike, and what traffic laws apply to a motorcyclist. While motorists have no obligation to obtain this knowledge, the statistics prove that the ignorance that operators’ of passenger vehicles have toward motorcycles and motorcyclist’s rights does impact the number of motorcycle accidents.

Some motorists will argue that motorcyclists create dangerous situations.

They claim that motorcyclists do not follow the rules of the streets and that the free use of motorcycles is a detriment to passenger vehicles. In reality, the fact that 66% of accidents involving motorcyclists are caused by passenger vehicles reveals that the shoe is on the other foot. Passenger vehicles are a detriment to motorcyclists using the roads correctly.

Examples of Passenger Vehicles Failing to Yield

The reality is that motorists do not follow traffic rules as strictly as they should, which is the primary cause of motorcycle accidents. For example, many drivers fail to indicate lane switches using proper turn signals. Motorcyclists often pass cars; however, they are at risk of getting hit when a driver randomly changes lanes without using a turn signal.

A motorcyclist may pass a car next to its rear tire. If the motorist puts their signal on, a motorcyclist would be alerted to the motorist’s intention of trying to move. However, if a driver decides to move without flipping on their turn signal, they could end up catching a motorcyclist off-guard. This will result in a motorcyclist getting sideswiped by the vehicle.

Another common mistake is when a motorist fails to look over their shoulder to check for traffic in the lane they want to change to. When a motorist approaches a lane switch, they will often only turn on their signal and check mirrors. While these actions help make a safe lane change, they are not all-inclusive in what a motorist must do to switch lanes safely.

The crucial step, which every motorist must take in ensuring a safe lane change, is looking over the shoulder to check their blind spot. Blind spots are areas where the rear-view and side mirrors cannot see. If a driver relies wholly on their side mirrors to make lane changes, it is only a matter of time until the driver runs into another vehicle. Checking blind spots is the number one priority in switching lanes, but many drivers fail to check those spots consistently. While checking blind spots is always important, this action is vital when a motorcyclist is involved. Motorcycles are smaller than the average vehicle.

When a motorist is driving down a highway, changing lanes, motorcyclists can quickly end up in another vehicle’s blind spot. If a motorist fails to look over their shoulder before changing lanes, a motorcyclist is bound to go unseen if he or she is in the motorist’s blind spot. This will result in a high-speed accident that can endanger the life of a motorcyclist.

Understanding Comparative Negligence in Florida Motorcycle Accidents

In Florida, the concept of comparative negligence plays a significant role in determining the outcome of motorcycle accident claims. Under this rule, the compensation you receive may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For instance, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. Insurance companies often use this to their advantage, attempting to assign more blame to the motorcyclist to minimize payouts. Our experienced attorneys are well-versed in countering these tactics and will fight to ensure that fault is accurately assessed, so you receive the compensation you deserve.

Hands-On Experience with Miami, Florida Motorcycle Accident Claims

In one of our most notable cases, we held a hotel accountable for sending their employee home drunk, despite having a policy compelling them to do the opposite. The employee, who rode a motorcycle, was in a severe accident on the way home and was rendered quadriplegic. The hotel knew he was drunk and that he was riding a motorcycle; as a result, we were able to compel them to settle for $11 million, paying for rehabilitation, medical care, and lost wages for his family.

We have been nationally recognized for our legal skill:

• Rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell
• Selected to U.S. News Best Lawyers® and Best Law Firms®
• Invited to the Inner Circle of Advocates - the top 100 U.S. plaintiff's lawyers
• Recognized as board-certified experts by the Florida State Bar

Since 1984, we have represented those severely injured in motorcycle accidents, as well as the families of those who have been wrongfully killed. Our Miami motorcycle accident lawyers have won hundreds of millions for clients nationwide, helping them move forward with their lives. Our thorough approach helps make your case as strong and compelling as possible.

Schedule a free consultation. Call our legal team at (305) 770-6335.