Delray Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Florida boasts a large number of motorcyclists for many reasons, mostly to do with the beautiful climate and the long, open roads. However, accidents do happen, and they are more likely to happen to motorcyclists than to any other group on the road. If you are hurt in a motorcycle accident, there is hope; you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The dedicated and experienced Delray Beach motorcycle accident lawyers at Leifer & Ramirez are ready to take on your case.
Statistics Show Grim Trends
2014 statistics put Florida at the top of the list for motorcycle fatalities, with roughly 20 percent of road fatalities being bikers, though the total percentage of motorcyclists on Florida roads is closer to 7 percent. There have been significant drops since then, with 2016 data showing a drop of near 6 percent in motorcycle fatalities, but the numbers are still quite high.
There are multiple reasons for the high fatality rate. Motorcycles simply have less protection for their riders than automobiles and trucks do, and the statistics unfortunately reflect this. Florida also does not require helmets for most riders over age 21, (though many do wear them), which can affect the number of fatalities that might otherwise wind up being mere injuries. It is also true that some bikers do take chances which can lead to accidents, engaging in behavior such as lane-splitting (sharing lanes with automobiles, which is illegal in Florida) and driving over the speed limit – but for every biker who acts irresponsibly, there are multiple others who simply wish to enjoy their hobby and be left alone.
If You Are Injured
If you have been harmed by another driver or another cyclist’s negligence, you may be able to bring suit under a theory of negligence. To establish negligence in Florida you must be able to show three criteria have been met. A duty to show reasonable care to other motorists on the road exists under state law; you must be able to show that (1) the duty has been breached; (2) that the breach was directly due to the conduct of the defendant, and that (3) you, the plaintiff, suffered tangible harm as a result of the defendant’s conduct (not necessarily physical; emotional harm is sometimes compensable).
Be advised that Florida does utilize the rule of pure comparative fault, meaning that if you are found to bear a percentage of the blame for your own injuries, any recovery you gain will be lowered by that amount. Thus, if you are ruled 20 percent at fault for your motorcycle accident, but the defendant is found liable, you will receive 80 percent of the recommended award. This is important to keep in mind, especially if you have sustained significant injury and need medical bills paid.
Ask An Experienced Delray Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycling may be a somewhat dangerous hobby, but everyone should be free to enjoy it without fear of penury due to a sudden accident. If you have been injured, the dedicated Delray Beach motorcycle accident lawyers at Leifer & Ramirez are ready, willing and able to try and help you with your case. We will work hard for you. Call our offices today at 561-660-9421 for a free consultation.
