Motorcycle Crash Injury Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, FL Fight for Injured Clients in Broward County and Throughout Florida
Motorcycles are an economical and practical mode of transportation in South Florida, where the weather is frequently ideal for those who enjoy open air transportation. But the popularity of motorcycling in Florida means that the state typically has more motorcycle accidents than any other state in the country in any given year. And the odds that a motorcycle accident will result in severe or fatal injuries are substantially higher than a car accident or a truck accident. Even a relatively minor motorcycle wreck can result in severe injuries and death, and even the most cautious and capable riders can become a crash victim. At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers understand that some police officers and insurance companies may be more likely than not to place blame for a motorcycle accident upon the motorcyclist, even though it is just as likely that an automobile driver’s negligence led to the incident.
If you or a loved one have sustained injuries in a motorcycle crash, we encourage you to contact our motorcycle crash injury attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, FL like the ones at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., If you decide to retain our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers following our free consultation, we will put all of our skills and energy to work for you to develop the strongest personal injury or wrongful death case possible.
Common Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents in Fort Lauderdale, FL
South Florida drivers owe a duty of care to motorcycle riders; specifically, a duty to act reasonably and responsibly under the circumstances. In plain English that means a duty to drive safely.
If an automobile driver causes an accident, the individuals injured as a result of that accident have the right to hold the negligent driver responsible for damages. And as noted above, motorcyclists are likely to sustain much more serious—or even catastrophic or fatal injuries—when they are involved in a motorcycle wreck, which can mean correspondingly higher claims for financial compensation.
At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we have represented clients who have suffered the following injuries, among others:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Fractured limbs
- A fractured skull
- Fractured ribs
- Injuries that involve permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Damage to internal organs and internal bleeding
- Lost limbs
- Death
The severe and oftentimes permanent nature of motorcycle accident injuries makes it worthwhile for you to consult with a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer, one who can advise you as to your legal options and ultimately secure full and fair compensation on your behalf.
Attorneys Gonzalez & Cartwright Fight to Secure Financial Compensation for Riders Injured in Motorcycle Accidents
Florida insurance law is complex, especially as it pertains to motorcycle riders. One thing you should remember is that Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in Florida—that is, Florida’s no-fault auto insurance coverage—will not cover you if you are in a motorcycle accident.
Some insurance companies do offer motorcycle Personal Injury Protection policies that are reminiscent of the auto insurance versions, but exactly what is covered by these (unregulated) policies is different from company to company. So if you choose to buy such coverage, you really need to understand what is and isn’t covered.
The bottom line, though, is that for many motorcycle riders who are involved in accidents, their only real recourse is to pursue a lawsuit against the negligent party (or parties) that caused the accident in question.
The good news is that at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we have over 35 years of combined experience representing motorcycle accident victims. If you’re a member of our local Hispanic community you should also know that our law firm has been serving the Hispanic community of South Florida for over a decade, and that we have motorcycle crash injury attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, FL and support staff who are bilingual.
So if you or a family member or loved one has been injured in a motorcycle wreck, we encourage you to contact us, as we have Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers on staff who can determine who is liable for your injuries and help you get full and fair financial compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, or if a family member was killed in a fatal motorcycle accident, reach out to the Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. today to learn about your legal options. During the course of the free, no obligation consultation, we will help you understand whether you may be entitled to damages. You can reach our office via phone or this online contact form.
About Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The southeast coast of Florida’s Fort Lauderdale city is widely renowned for its boating canals and beaches. The Strip, often referred to as Promenade A1A, is situated near to the water. Because of its enormous system of canals, Fort Lauderdale has been dubbed “Venice of America.” Throughout its whole length, opulent hotels, shops, restaurants with outdoor seating, and pubs may be found. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park also offers paths and a lagoon in addition to the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Museum, which has pools and a museum dedicated to the history of the sport. Since 1986, the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival has taken place every year.
The third busiest cruise port in the nation, Port Everglades, is located in Fort Lauderdale. It is crucial for Florida’s oil imports because it is the state’s deepest harbor. Frequent international passenger ferries are run by Baleària Bahamas Express between Fort Lauderdale and Freeport on Great Bahama Island in the Bahamas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accidents
Every case is different. In some instances we may be able to reach an out of court settlement with the defendant’s insurance company. In other cases the insurer may not be willing to settle for an amount that is fair and reasonable, in which case you may want to take your case to trial. We understand how emotionally challenging it can be to proceed to trial—especially in the wake of a serious motorcycle accident—but sometimes it is a plaintiff’s best course of action. The decision is yours, of course, but we can provide you expert advice informed by decades of experience that helps to determine your best course of action.
Section 316.211 of the Florida Statutes addresses the required equipment for motorcycle (and moped) riders. In a nutshell, the law tells us that a Florida motorcyclist must wear protective headgear (and eye protection) that complies with federal safety standards.
There is a significant exception, though, which is that a person over 21 years of age may ride a motorcycle without protective headgear if covered by an insurance policy that provides at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
If you weren’t wearing a helmet and were required to do so, that doesn’t necessarily foreclose your claim. Instead your compensation aware may be reduced by the percentage of fault that is attributed to your actions, which is referred to as comparative negligence. So, for example, if you were awarded a million dollars and deemed to be 10 percent at fault for the accident, your award would be reduced to $900,000.