Destin Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Florida is a popular state for motorcyclists and many people ride for pleasure or when commuting. Unfortunately, motorcycle riding can be very dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that a motorcycle rider is 30 times as likely to die in a motor vehicle accident compared with someone who is in a car at the time a crash occurs. A motorcyclist is also five times as likely to be injured in a collision.
Motorcyclists face high risks in crashes because they are often thrown from their bikes. Also contributing to accidents is the fact that motorcycles provide no protection from the force and impact of a crash. Riders can suffer road burns, head injuries, broken bones, amputations, spinal cord damage, and other very serious physical injuries as a result.
If you are one of the many victims who have suffered from an injury or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, it is important to understand your legal rights. A Destin motorcycle injury attorney at Powell, Powell & Powell can investigate the cause of your crash, evaluate your case and help you pursue compensation from anyone responsible for harming you.
Your Rights After the Crash
Motorcycle riders and family members of motorcyclists may pursue a damage claim against any person or company who was responsible for injuries they sustained in an accident. In many cases, the driver of another vehicle is the one responsible for causing the crash and injuring the rider. Sometimes, however, a defective or malfunctioning bike or a road that has been poorly designed and maintained may also cause or contribute to an accident. When this happens, the bike manufacturer or government agency responsible for maintaining the road can be held accountable.
In any motorcycle accident case, your Destin motorcycle accident attorney must prove the defendant was negligent, careless, or violated a legal obligation in order for the rider to recover compensation. When a driver is to blame for the accident, the motorcyclist would need to show that the driver broke a safety rule or was more careless than any reasonable motorist should have been. The driver’s behavior must have been the direct cause of the collision.
If you can prove a driver was to blame for your crash, you should be compensated for:
- Medical costs arising from your treatment
- Loss of wages or income if you must take time off from work or cannot return to your job immediately
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress for permanent injuries, including any anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder
- Wrongful death damages, including loss of companionship
Because the injuries are so often serious in motorcycle collisions, victims may be entitled to significant compensation. The motorcycle accident attorneys at our firm can help you to negotiate with the insurer or present evidence to a jury so you can recover the compensation you are entitled to under Florida law.
Getting Help From a Destin Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The legal team at Powell, Powell & Powell will represent you every step of the way after your motorcycle accident, from dealing with the insurer and investigating the accident to every stage of trial. Call 850-682-2757 today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Destin motorcycle accident attorney to learn more. Our legal team serves residents of Destin, as well as Fort Walton, Crestview, Niceville, Freeport, DeFuniak Springs, and the entire Emerald Coast.