Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Feeling the wind and sun on the open road, maneuvering through traffic, parking with ease - there are many perks to riding a motorcycle. However, as every biker knows, a motorcycle is less visible and leaves the driver and passenger exposed and unprotected in the case of an accident. Compared to the occupants of a car, motorcycle riders are 32 times more likely to die in a crash, and devastating injuries are much more common. Motorcycle accidents are often caused by the negligence of other drivers. The personal injury attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau have represented numerous motorcyclists and families, and can help you pursue compensation if you or a loved one has been involved in a crash. Collisions between motorcycles and larger vehicles are all too frequent, along with other types of motorcycle accidents. To learn more about beginning your recovery, contact our Daytona Beach-area office today for a free consultation.
Sigfried's Auto Accident Story
Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Multiple-Vehicle Accidents
According to statistics, the majority of motorcycle accidents involve collisions with other vehicles, and most often, the motorcycle is struck by the car or truck. Many drivers do not adequately look for motorcycles and fail to detect their presence. Collisions occur most often at intersections, where a driver may make a left-hand turn in front of a motorcycle or otherwise fail to yield to the right of way. A car or truck driver might also change lanes and accidentally sideswipe a motorcycle, or a near miss can cause a bike to run off the road or crash into another vehicle. Head-on collisions or strikes from the rear can be devastating when a cyclist is ejected from his or her vehicle.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
Some accidents occur when a driver loses control and runs into a stationary object such as a tree or wall. Inexperienced motorcyclists may use excessive speed around a sharp turn or have trouble maintaining control in severe weather or rough road conditions. A tire blowout is a concern for any motorcyclist, as is other equipment failure. Sometimes accidents result from a faulty component on the bike, and product liability may be involved.
Commercial Vehicles
Large vehicles such as semi-trucks and 18-wheelers are a concern for anyone on the road, but a motorcyclist is especially vulnerable. A truck's blind spot is sizable, and the driver is likely to be unaware that a motorcycle is near. The commercial trucking industry is strictly regulated, and if a driver violates laws and causes an accident, he or she is likely negligent.
Florida's Motorcycle Scene
With plenty of sunshine and retirees, Florida is a state that attracts motorcycle riders year-round. In fact, Florida has the second highest number of registered motorcycles in the nation. Daytona Bike Week is an annual national event that adds more than 500,000 bikes to the normal springtime traffic in the area. Each year, many accidents are reported, including collisions between motorcycles.
Our attorneys have extensive experience with personal injury cases involving motorcycles, and we are committed to representation for plaintiffs only. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning the case will cost you nothing if we fail to attain compensation for you through a settlement or jury verdict.
Damages and Compensation
Though money can never undo the effects of a catastrophic event, it can help to secure your future after devastating losses. Compensation for a motorcycle accident can be pursued in areas including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
In the case of a fatal injury, a wrongful death action may also include damages for:
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship and other benefits
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can help. Contact Chanfrau & Chanfrau today to schedule a free consultation.