No one wants to be involved in a fatal motorcycle crash. Frequently, Florida intersections are clogged with impatient drivers in a rush to get somewhere. Occasionally, they will run stop signs or speed through yellow lights to gain time. While this type of behavior puts everyone at risk, motorcyclists are significantly more likely to sustain severe injuries in the event of an accident.
Our Brandon intersection motorcycle accident lawyer at Golden Injury Attorneys represents clients in various motorcycle accident cases. These cases can be extremely difficult to prove, particularly when a four-way stop is involved. We will do everything possible to present the strongest case possible on your behalf.
We are familiar with the types of injuries that can result from intersection accidents, as well as the most effective strategy for securing compensation on your behalf. Please contact our Brandon personal injury law firm for legal advice through our free consultation regarding your intersection accident claim.
What Do I Need an Intersection Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Florida?
Brandon is a densely populated city, which is a gross understatement. We are all aware of how congested the roads can become, whether or not it is rush hour. Among all the dangers on the roads, intersections are frequently the most dangerous. People do not intentionally cause intersection accidents.
Accidents at intersections occur when a driver fails to observe another vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian. Finding out what occurred and who had the right of way can be difficult. Our personal injury attorney at Golden Injury Attorneys has handled these intricate cases for many years.
We’ve been recognized for assisting accident victims throughout the city to obtain full and fair compensation for their injuries. When you choose us, we will do everything possible to meet your needs. Our skilled Brandon intersection accident attorney will:
- Offer legal advice throughout the entirety of the legal process
- Conduct a thorough inquiry into the accident
- Collect and assess all evidence, such as police reports, surveillance footage, dash cams, and traffic cameras
- Interview witnesses
- Protect you when the insurance company attempts to coerce you into accepting a lowball settlement
- Negotiate with the insurance company to obtain the best possible settlement offer
- Consult with specialists to determine the value of your injury claim
- If the insurance company refuses to play fair, assert your legal rights before a judge and jury
In dealing with insurance companies, accident victims frequently face an uphill battle. The insurance company employs teams of experienced defense attorneys. You deserve the same caliber of legal counsel. Schedule a free consultation with our Brandon intersection motorcycle accident attorney to learn more about the benefits of an attorney-client relationship.
Why Are Intersections Dangerous?
Intersections are intrinsically hazardous. Here are several reasons why this is true, especially in Florida:
It’s Where Motor Vehicles, Pedestrians, and Motorcyclists Cross Paths
It is possible to spot a pedestrian or cyclist elsewhere on the road. However, motor vehicles and other commuters tend to meet at intersections. Moreover, it is where cyclists and pedestrians are most likely to be struck by a motorcycle. This may be the case since
- Drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians are not always aware of the rules of the road.
- Occasionally, pedestrians and motorcyclists enter intersections when it is unsafe, creating a hazard.
- Distracted pedestrians and motorcyclists enter an intersection and jump into traffic without realizing it.
Whenever different commuters collide, the likelihood of an accident increases, this is especially true when commuters are unaware of their legal obligations or are not paying attention.
The Majority of Turns Occur at Intersections
In Florida, driving in a straight line for the duration of your trip is uncommon. Eventually, you will likely have to change course. This would most likely require a left- or right-hand turn. The majority of individuals make these turns at intersections. Not everyone, however, executes turns safely.
Some riders disregard “No Turn on Red” signs. Others do not check the intersection for pedestrians or cyclists before applying the brakes. Numerous riders cause collisions at intersections by miscalculating the time they have to turn in front of oncoming traffic.
Not Everyone is Familiar With Local Traffic Regulations
Stop signs or traffic lights are typically used to regulate traffic at intersections. Commuters, including riders, pedestrians, and bicyclists, must understand the road rules for these measures to be effective. Which party has the right of way? What do the various traffic signals signify? When are specific maneuvers or turns prohibited?
When travelers disregard or don’t know the answers to these (and other) questions, the likelihood of an accident increases significantly.
Riders Get Aggressive at Intersections
When approaching an intersection with a yellow light, riders should begin to reduce their speed and prepare to stop. It is safe to proceed through the intersection only if the driver lacks the time or space to come to a complete stop. However, many Florida riders are in a hurry. They already spend enough time in traffic.
Instead of slowing down, many drivers accelerate to “beat” the light before it turns red. This can be extremely dangerous, especially if another motorcyclist at the intersection is eager to accelerate as soon as their red light turns green.
What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Florida?
Motorcycle riders are at risk whenever they enter an intersection, regardless of who is driving the other vehicles. Distracted drivers who can barely keep their vehicles on the road must interpret turning lanes, traffic lights, and crossing traffic. It may be sufficient for them to miss an approaching rider and turn directly in front of them.
Four or more directions of intersection traffic mean that a motorcyclist can be struck from any angle, including behind. A defenseless rider may sustain severe injuries, requiring a lengthy hospital stay and months away from the motorcycle. Here are some of the most frequent injuries sustained by riders in Florida intersection accidents:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (severe concussions)
- Wrist fractures
- Broken arms or legs
- Chest compressions
- Internal wounds and bleeding
- Serious road rash
- Wrongful death
What to Do Following an Intersection Motorcycle Accident?
- Get medical treatment
- Observe your surroundings, the intersection, and the area surrounding the intersection carefully
- Take photographs of the accident site and its surroundings
- Collect the information of any eyewitnesses and search for camera
- Follow all legal requirements, such as reporting the incident to the police
- Employ a personal injury attorney to file claims accurately and negotiate on your behalf
As you can see, car accidents at an intersection can be extremely challenging to manage. Many complications can arise when attempting to determine who was at fault. You should seek legal representation if you have been injured in a motorcycle collision at an intersection.
Our versed Brandon intersection motorcycle accident attorney at Golden Injury Attorneys is ready to assist.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Damages If I Was Injured in an Intersection Accident?
In Florida, anyone even partially responsible for an intersection motorcycle accident can be held financially liable. Potentially responsible parties include:
- Careless drivers
- Unobservant pedestrians and cyclists
- Bus drivers
- Employers of careless motorists
- Florida transit officials
- Government agencies responsible for the intersection’s design
The only way to determine who is responsible for the accident is to conduct a thorough investigation. The skilled personal injury attorney at Golden Injury Attorneys is prepared to devote manpower and resources to determine what transpired. Call us today to learn more about how our law firm can assist you.
What Are the Elements of a Negligence Lawsuit for an intersection motorcycle Accident?
In Florida, certain elements must be proven for any case where a driver or rider is accused of negligence. Unlike in a criminal case, these aspects do not need to be proven “beyond a reasonable doubt,” but they must be established as more likely than not to have occurred. These are the four factors:
Duty
The rider must have been required to maintain a certain level of safety while driving. This duty is inherent to every driver.
Breach
The rider must have disregarded this obligation, creating unsafe conditions for others on the road.
Causation
The intersection motorcycle accident in question was responsible for the claimed injuries.
Damages
The collision must have caused damages, and the requested compensation must be appropriate. These may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs incurred directly due to the accident.
What Are the Recoverable Damages Available for Intersection Accident Victims?
Victims of intersection accidents frequently sustain severe injuries and incur expensive medical treatment bills. These are only some of the potential damages they may be experiencing. The following are examples of non-economic and economic damages that intersection accident victims can recover:
Pain and Suffering
Accident victims at an intersection may experience grief, depression, anxiety, and other negative emotions. These compensable non-economic damages will be factored into the settlement calculation by our knowledgeable Brandon motorcycle accident lawyer.
Lost Earnings
You can be compensated for any wages you may have lost due to your accident. You can calculate and include in your settlement the pay you should have received in the past and the future for missed work days.
Damage to Property
Estimates can also include the cost of repairing a motorcycle. If your insurance company does not cover the cost of your repairs, your personal injury settlement may be.
Medical Expenses
Your intersection accident-related medical expenses will be included in your settlement. This may involve surgery, physical therapy, or casts or braces.
What Will I Do If the Insurance Company Blames Me for My Intersection Motorcycle Accident?
Under Florida’s no-fault insurance law, you must first file a claim with your insurer. Regardless of fault, you are entitled to compensation for medical expenses and lost wages up to the policy limits. After your policy has been exhausted, you must demonstrate the negligence of a third party to receive additional compensation.
You could do this even if you contributed to the problem. Florida’s contributory negligence law allows you to hold any negligent party liable for their portion of an accident. Insurance companies often attempt to persuade policyholders to drop their claims by asserting that the accident was your fault.
This is nothing but a scare tactic. If you are partially responsible for the collision, your damages may be reduced proportionally. You do not lose the right to hold negligent parties accountable.
How Will Comparative Negligence Impact My Florida intersection motorcycle Accident Claim?
In Florida personal injury claims, comparative negligence determines the degree of fault for each party. If you are found partially responsible for the accident in which you were injured, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
For instance, you are broadsided at an intersection by another motor vehicle, but the courts determine that you were 10% at fault for the collision. If you are awarded $100,000 in damages, 10% of that amount will be deducted based on your percentage of fault.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Intersection Accident Injury Claim?
Numerous variables, including the severity of the collision and the number of parties involved, affect the length of an intersection motorcycle accident case. Some cases may be resolved in a matter of weeks, whereas others may take a year or more and proceed to trial.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Florida Intersection Accident Injury Claim?
The term “statute of limitations” refers to laws that restrict the amount of time an individual has to file a lawsuit. These regulations vary by state and type of lawsuit filed. You have four years from the date of the intersection accident to file a personal injury claim in civil court in Florida. When the time limit expires, your ability to seek compensation expires.
If you’ve suffered an injury from the negligence of a motorcycle rider, be sure to act as soon as possible. Call our Brandon law office to talk about your personal injury claim.
How to Avoid Intersection Accidents in Florida?
- Do Not Change Lanes as You Approach an Intersection. If a rider changes lanes while driving through an intersection, they may not have enough time to do so safely, particularly if the light changes. This type of error can result in a sideswipe collision.
- Do Not Assume That You Have the Right of Way. Even if a driver has a green light and it is their turn to proceed, they should verify that no pedestrians are crossing or other vehicles are turning on a red light. Some riders disobey traffic signals, and some pedestrians insist on crossing on red.
- Avoid Distracted Driving. At intersections, riders should remain vigilant to detect any unexpected movement. Keep cell phones and other distractions at a distance. A driver only needs a fraction of a second to cause a fatal accident.
- Approach Intersections With No Lights With Extreme Caution. Riders should treat this intersection as a four-way stop in the absence of functional lights. Not all drivers comprehend how four-way stops work. Be vigilant for other drivers who may dart into the intersection unexpectedly.
- Keep an Eye Out for Children and Other Drivers. These road users may exhibit unexpected behavior. In addition, young children may become confused by traffic signals and dart into the road without warning. Before you make a turn or continue, check that the path is clear.
- Always Be Prepared for the Unexpected. Other motorists may speed, wander into intersections, or abruptly change lanes. Always be vigilant.
How Can Our Experienced North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help?
Intersection collisions are among the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents. If you were injured by a negligent driver or rider, you are entitled to fair and just compensation for your injuries and damages.
However, Florida law requires you to demonstrate that the other driver caused the accident before you can recover damages. In addition, you must demonstrate “serious injuries” to sue the other driver.
Our Brandon intersection accident attorney at Golden Injury Attorneys can assist you in obtaining the necessary compensation following an accident. We know how to win cases involving intersection accidents. When you retain our legal services, you can anticipate our competent Brandon motorcycle accident attorney to:
- Investigate the accident at the intersection to establish that the other driver or rider was at fault
- Collaborate with your doctors to document your injuries
- Deal with the insurance company, including filing insurance claims and negotiating a settlement offer on your behalf
- Keep you updated on the status of your case.
- Use all legal means to obtain the money you are owed.
Please contact our law office to schedule a free consultation with our skilled personal injury lawyer. The statute of limitations in Florida restricts your ability to file a claim. If you wait too long to contact us, you may forfeit your right to compensation for an intersection collision.
Contact Our Experienced Brandon Intersection Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
You may be recovering from a life-altering motorcycle accident and pondering whether the driver who caused it will escape punishment. At Golden Injury Attorneys, we specialize in defending riders while they recover.
We want to ensure that the negligent driver and his or her insurance pay for the best possible medical care to get you back on your bike as quickly as possible. We also want to ensure that you are fully compensated for any time missed at work and any emotional trauma you have endured.
After sustaining a severe injury in a Brandon car accident, contact our highly regarded Brandon intersection motorcycle accident attorney. In contrast to the large firms with dozens of attorneys handling different aspects of your case, we are personally involved in every case we handle. We care deeply about our clients, and you will not be treated as another case or file.
