Stuart Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Helping You Determine Fault & Claim Damages

The injuries motorcyclists suffer are serious. That’s because there is less protection between the motorcyclist and the road. Injured motorcyclists also have to fight harder to get compensation from insurance companies. This is because motorcyclists have a bad reputation. If someone injured you while you were on the road, contact motorcycle accident lawyer Lance P. Richard, P.A. He has extensive knowledge of the evidence, procedure, and legal process necessary to determine fault in your motorcycle crash case.

Some of the most common injuries linked to motorcycle accidents include broken bones, TBIs, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and other issues. These can be painful and need extensive treatment. Whether your accident was due to reckless, distracted, drunk, or drowsy driving, you have rights. Lance P. Richard is a Stuart motorcycle accident lawyer who knows the legal battles and challenges motorcyclists face. He is here to help you overcome them. If you do not act fast, you can lose evidence and witnesses can disappear. That means you receive less compensation for your injuries.

Contact Lance P. Richard, P.A. immediately to get started on your motorcycle accident case by calling 772-934-4070 today.

Motorcyclist Laws and Liability

There are several rules and laws that motorcyclists must follow to legally ride, including:

• Safety course and skills test: Motorcyclists must complete a safety course. They also must pass the motorcycle knowledge and skills test.

• Maintaining both wheels on the ground: A motorcycle or moped must have wheels on the ground at all times.

• Wearing a helmet: Motorcyclists must wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet. Otherwise, they must have insurance that pays at least $10,000 in medical benefits in a motorcycle accident.

• Good working condition: All motorcycles must be in good working order. They must have a working horn and brakes that work. They must also have a license plate tightly fitted onto the vehicle horizontally.

• No headset use: Motorcyclists cannot wear earbuds while riding unless one ear is free to hear the road. Bluetooth earbuds are allowed.

Like car accidents, Florida’s “comparative negligence” rules handle motorcycle accidents. This means the individual liable for the accident is the one who caused the crash. If you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. If so, the percentage of your liability reduces the damage awarded.

Damages you may be eligible to recover from the liable party include monetary and non-monetary damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and mental distress.

Four Things to Do Following a Motorcycle Accident

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, here are four tips for navigating the aftermath:

1. Never leave the scene of the accident: Even a minor fender bender can cause damage and injury. It’s best to stay at the scene of the motorcycle accident and follow these next steps.

2. Call the police: A police officer will gather all the necessary information from the parties involved to properly document the facts of the motorcycle accident. The police create an official record of what happened to determine fault. It is also important to provide the necessary information to the police. Refrain from making any additional statements until you consult with your lawyer.

3. Gather all the relevant personal information: While the police will gather information from all the parties involved, you should work on gathering the following personal information: a) names and contact information of all the parties involved in the accident (e.g. telephone numbers, addresses, email addresses); b) driver’s license and license plate numbers of all the parties involved; c) names and contact information of any witnesses to the motorcycle accident; and d) pictures, with the date and time, of the vehicles and motorcycles involved in the accident.

4. See a doctor: If you are hurt, go to the hospital immediately. Consult a licensed medical professional to document any injuries from the accident. Relatively minor accidents can still result in severe injuries requiring hospitalization, doctor’s visits, physical therapy, and surgery. That can leave you significant medical costs that you may be able to claim from the liable party.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can severely injure a rider due to their lack of protection and the vulnerability while on the road. By knowing the common causes of accidents riders can keep an eye out for the signs that can cause an accident. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents are:

• Distracted driving: Texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting music while operating a vehicle can all distract a driver and contribute to an accident.

• Speeding: Motorcycles are very maneuverable and can reach high speeds, but this also increases the risk of losing control, especially around curves or when road conditions are less than optimal.

• Alcohol and drug impairment: Riding while under the influence significantly impairs a rider’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination.

• Unsafe lane changes: Sudden and unsafe lane changes can result in collisions or force motorcyclists to take evasive maneuvers that can lead to accidents.

• Road hazards: Uneven pavement, potholes, gravel, debris, tar patches, or oil spills can cause a motorcycle to lose traction and result in a loss of control or a collision.

• Inexperienced riders: Inexperience and lack of skill can contribute to accidents. New riders who are not yet familiar with their motorcycles may make errors in judgment, braking, or cornering.

As an injured victim, you should not have to pay the price for another person’s negligent behavior. Do not wait to get the help you need regarding your legal claim following a Stuart motorcycle accident.

Contact Lance P. Richard, P.A. immediately to determine if you have a case for damages following your motorcycle
crash. Call 772-934-4070 today!

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