Motorcycles are an exciting and liberating form of transportation, but riding them comes with risks. While motorcyclists cannot always avoid accidents caused by the negligence of other drivers, they can take certain steps related to motorcycle safety to reduce the risks. Motorcyclists who are harmed in an accident despite their efforts to remain safe often incur significant injuries and property damage. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to recover damages from the person or entity that caused your accident. Joseph I. Lipsky is a proficient Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer with ample experience helping injured riders pursue compensation for their harm. Mr. Lipsky represents people injured in motorcycle accidents in cities throughout South Florida.
The first and most important step that a person can take to operate a motorcycle safely is to abide by the rules set forth in the Florida motor vehicle code. These include but are not limited to rules regarding turn signals and safe following distances and speeds. Additionally, it is critical for motorcyclists to refrain from consuming alcohol prior to operating a motorcycle. Motorcyclists’ operating skills are easily diminished by alcohol, and motorcyclists have a higher rate of alcohol-related deaths than other drivers.
It is also important for motorcycle riders to wear helmets to protect them from head injuries in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists should wear other protective gear, such as leather jackets and pants, gloves, and boots, to protect them from cuts and abrasions in an accident. Lastly, it is important for anyone operating a motorcycle to routinely inspect and maintain their bike to make sure that it is operating correctly and that the lights, turn signals, and brakes function properly.
If, despite adhering to motorcycle safety practices, you were injured in an accident caused by another driver, you should speak with a seasoned Fort Lauderdale attorney regarding whether you may be owed compensation. Motorcycle accidents are typically caused by some form of negligence, such as drivers following too closely behind a motorcyclist or traveling at too high a rate of speed to stop in time. Drivers may also fail to see motorcyclists and may turn into the lane of travel occupied by a motorcyclist, causing a collision.
To recover compensation following a motorcycle accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you must show that the driver owed you a duty to act in a certain manner to protect you from foreseeable harm and that he or she breached the duty by his or her actions or inactions. You must also show that the breach caused the accident and that you sustained quantifiable damages in the accident. If you successfully prove that a driver is liable for your harm, you may be able to recover compensation for the costs incurred due to the accident, such as medical bills, repair costs, lost wages, and damages for the pain and suffering caused by the accident.
While riding a motorcycle can be thrilling, it is vital for anyone operating a motorcycle to prioritize safety and to take efforts to reduce the risk of harm. If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by an unsafe driver, you should meet with a personal injury attorney to discuss your accident and your available options for seeking damages. Joseph I. Lipsky will zealously pursue any compensation that you may be owed. Mr. Lipsky frequently represents people injured in motorcycle accidents in lawsuits in Fort Lauderdale, as well as in other cities in Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, Orange, and Monroe Counties, including West Palm Beach, Miami, Orlando, and Key West. We have offices located in Miami, Plantation, West Palm Beach, and Delray Beach. You can reach us at 1-888-352-5298 or through our online form to schedule a free and confidential meeting regarding your accident.