Motorcycle Crash Injury Attorneys in West Palm Beach, FL Aggressively Fight for Injured Clients in Palm Beach County and Throughout Florida
According to the National Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) Florida often leads the nation in the number of motorcycle deaths and injuries. One reason there are so many motorcycle deaths is that the weather in Florida is frequently ideal for riding, so there are a lot of riders. Another reason is that motorcycle enthusiasts flock to the state for popular events like the annual Biketoberfest motorcycle rally, not to mention Speed Weeks, which inflates the motorcycle riding population that much further. If you were injured at one of these events or elsewhere in Florida, you need skilled West Palm Beach motorcycle accident lawyers on your side.
But even though most motorcycle drivers ride conservatively and defensively, they are still at risk of becoming victims. In fact, a famous motorcycle accident study called the Hurt Report reveals that “the failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcyclists in traffic is the predominant cause of motorcycle accidents.” That same report reveals that “intersections are the most likely place for a motorcycle accident, with the other vehicle violating the motorcycle’s right of way, and often violating traffic controls.”
The message then is that you shouldn’t assume that an automobile driver will detect your presence, and that you should be especially cautious when approaching intersections. Of course, if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash despite your best efforts to stay safe, we encourage you to contact Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., as soon as possible.
A West Palm Beach, FL motorcycle crash attorney will review the circumstances surrounding your accident and assess your legal options. Then, if you choose to retain our firm, we will develop a personal injury or wrongful death claim against the negligent party and begin the process of fighting to get you full and fair compensation for your injuries.
Safety Tips to Avoid Having a Motorcycle Accident
As noted above, the number one risk to South Florida motorcycle riders is the cars and other automobiles on our roads. However, there numerous things you can do to maximize your chance of remaining safe as you enjoy riding throughout our region.
In no particular order:
- Always we a helmet, eye protection, and other protective gear, whether required to or not
- Make sure you have received proper training
- Don’t ride in the blind spots of other vehicles, don’t tailgate, and don’t ride on the shoulder of the road
- Don’t bob and weave through traffic
- Pick a lane and stay in it
- Don’t ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
- Be especially cautious when riding in inclement weather, as your motorcycle will not be as easy to see in bad weather
For more information, we encourage you to consult the Florida motorcycle operator handbook, which has more than its share of valuable information.
What to Do if You Have Been Involved in a Motorcycle Accident
The first priority in the wake of a motorcycle accident is to address any injuries you may have suffered. That means getting to a doctor or hospital to receive treatment. Next, it’s advisable to reach out to an experienced West Palm Beach injury lawyer (before speaking to an insurance claims adjuster).
At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we have over 35 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of our clients, and one of our specialty areas is motorcycle accident cases. We also have had a longstanding relationship with the Hispanic community, with our bilingual attorneys and staff members frequently volunteering their time to support a variety of local causes.
Call to Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you have sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident in South Florida—or if you have a family member that lost his or her life in motorcycle crash—we urge you to contact us today to discuss your rights and legal options.
In addition to having someone to talk to we can help you to better understand whether you may be entitled to damages. The initial consultation is free and there is no obligation. Getting in touch is easy; our office can be reached via phone call. If you prefer, you can fill out our online form and one of our attorneys will call you as soon as possible.
Our main office is conveniently located in downtown Lake Worth across from City Hill. We are also available to travel to your home, your office, or the hospital. Evening and weekend appointments can be arranged as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About West Palm Beach Motorcycle Accidents
The short answer is yes. Of course, every case is different, but generally speaking, if you were in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you should be able to recover for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, as well as economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages, not to mention other potential damages. In fact, one of the benefits of retaining an experienced West Palm Beach injury lawyer is that he or she will have a sense of the costs and expenses you’re likely to incur over the long-term, which may be difficult for you to visualize.
Yes, the motorcycle manufacturer or parts manufacturer could be held responsible if your bike had faulty or malfunctioning parts. If you suspect that a defect in your bike caused the accident it’s advisable to take photographs and store the bike in a secure, safe place. Then contact a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible, one who can assess all relevant liability issues.