Were you or a loved one seriously injured in a motorcycle-related collision? Was the incident caused by a careless driver or hazardous road conditions? The aftermath of a crash like this can be painful, confusing, and overwhelming, but we can help.
At Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, we have 40 years of combined legal experience. As your personal injury lawyer in Orlando, we know what it takes to advocate for your rights, fight for a favorable outcome in your case, and pursue justice on your behalf.
We’re home to Orlando’s most well-known Personal Injury Lawyer, and we’re here to represent you as your motorcycle accident lawyer in Orlando. With us by your side, you can rest assured that you have someone in your corner every step of the way.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida
Several factors contribute to motorcycle accidents in Orlando, many of which involve negligence on the part of other drivers. Due to their smaller profile and lack of protective barriers, motorcycles are more vulnerable to dangerous road conditions and driver errors.
Let’s take a look at common causes of these incidents.
Left-Turn Accidents
A very frequent cause of motorcycle crashes is a motorist turning left at an intersection and failing to see an oncoming motorcycle. These collisions are often caused by not paying enough attention or misjudging the motorcyclist’s speed and distance.
Lane Changes
Motorcycles are often overlooked in blind spots. A car or truck merging into another lane without properly checking mirrors or using turn signals can easily strike a motorcycle traveling in that lane.
Rear-End Collisions
Due to their lightweight structure, motorcycles can be violently impacted in even low-speed rear-end accidents. Drivers distracting themselves with their phones or following too closely might not be able to stop in time. As a result, they tend to hit stopped or slowed motorcyclists.
Dooring Incidents
In urban areas like downtown Orlando or Winter Park, a parked vehicle occupant might decide to open their door into the path of a moving motorcycle. These sudden obstructions leave little time for the rider to react.
Road Hazards
Potholes, loose gravel, uneven pavement, and poorly marked construction zones pose a much higher risk to motorcyclists than to drivers of larger vehicles. The city and county may be held accountable for accidents resulting from poorly maintained or hazardous road conditions.
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Types of Injuries Common in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists face a disproportionately high risk of serious injuries due to their exposure and lack of structural protection. Even with helmets and protective gear, the impact from a crash can result in life-altering consequences.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Despite Florida law requiring riders under the age of 21 to wear helmets, many motorcyclists ride without them. This increases the likelihood of sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can lead to permanent cognitive impairment and loss of motor function, if not death.
Spinal Cord Injuries
In high-speed or high-impact accidents, the spinal cord can be damaged, potentially resulting in paralysis. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, the victim may suffer paraplegia or quadriplegia.
Fractures and Orthopedic Trauma
Broken bones are common in motorcycle crashes, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Compound fractures may require multiple surgeries, metal implants, or long-term rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma from a crash can cause internal bleeding or organ damage, ranging from ruptured spleens and collapsed lungs to kidney injuries and more. These injuries are not always immediately visible, and they can become life-threatening if not promptly treated.
Severe Road Rash and Burns
Skidding along the pavement during a crash can lead to deep abrasions known as road rash. In more serious cases, motorcyclists may suffer third-degree burns if their bike catches fire or if they come into contact with heated surfaces and spilled chemicals.
Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims resulting from a motorcycle accident is two years from the date of the accident, as updated by HB 837 in 2023. This shortened timeline means that injured riders must act quickly to protect their legal rights.
If the accident results in a fatality, the decedent’s family may file a wrongful death claim within two years of the date of death. Meanwhile, in cases involving a government entity, special notice requirements apply, and the timeframe to file may be even more limited.
When you work with an Orlando motorcycle accident lawyer at Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ll make sure you file on time.
Reach Out to Our Orlando Motorcycle Accident Attorneys as Soon as Possible for More Information About Your Case
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle-related crash, you understand how fast everything can change. You’re already living this reality, but we want you to remember that you don’t have to go through this experience all by yourself.
From expensive bills to time away from work and a long path of recovery ahead of you, the aftermath can take a serious toll on every part of your life. But the Orlando motorcycle accident attorneys at Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers are here for you.
We are ready to fight for your rights and pursue the justice that you rightfully deserve. We focus on holding negligent drivers accountable and working toward a favorable outcome in your case. Call now for more information.
