Motorcycles are often seen as symbols of freedom and independence. Some people ride them simply for fun and while others ride them as a reliable and relatively inexpensive mode of transportation. However, motorcycles could be quite dangerous when sharing the road with other drivers.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were an estimated 88,000 motorcyclists injured and nearly 5,000 killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2015. Of all traffic injuries, motorcyclists accounted for about four percent of all injuries and about 14 percent of all deaths.
If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may benefit from speaking with a skilled Clearwater motorcycle accident lawyer. With a hardworking personal injury attorney by your side, you could effectively seek financial restitution for all the injuries and losses you sustain after an accident someone else causes.
Common Injuries
Injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident may range from a simple road rash to broken bones or even a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury. Several different factors such as speed and weather conditions could determine how severe these injuries are.
The most common types of injuries are:
- Lower extremity injuries (30 percent)
- Head and neck (22 percent)
- Thorax/abdomen
Compensation for Damages
The types of injuries a motorcycle rider sustains in an accident typically determine their ability to return to work, the final amount of their medical bills, and even their future quality of life. In a motorcycle accident case, all these factors may be taken into account by the court to determine a fair settlement amount or judgment award.
The purpose of any civil lawsuit is to make the plaintiff whole again. While this may not always be possible, the goal of a dedicated Clearwater motorcycle accident attorney should be to make the plaintiff as close to whole again as possible. Other factors that may be considered when determining what compensation is necessary to achieve this goal may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Legal and travel expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
Comparative Fault
There may be times when both the plaintiff and the other party play a role in causing a motorcycle accident or the injuries to the plaintiff. When a court finds that a plaintiff could have done something to mitigate their own injuries, such as wearing a helmet or other protective gear, the legal premise of comparative fault may come into play.
As detailed in Florida Statutes §768.81, the jury could assign the plaintiff a percentage of fault for their actions. This same percentage would be deducted from the award that they would have received if they had no part in their own injuries. Individuals who have questions about how this law may impact their case should speak with an experienced Clearwater motorcycle accident lawyer.
Consulting a Clearwater Motorcycle Accident Attorney
After a motorcycle accident, your life may be quite different. You might be unable to work or participate in the activities you once loved, and you may worry about how your medical bills or living expenses will be paid for. Depending on the circumstances, you may not even be able to get out and socialize like you used to.
A Clearwater motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to offer you hope after such an accident. Your attorney could stand by your side and work to get you the compensation you deserve for your expenses and your pain and suffering. If you are ready to seek justice after a motorcycle accident, call today to schedule a consultation.