Orlando Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Suffered an Injury Caused by a Negligent Driver While Riding Your Motorcycle?

Devastating accidents happen every day on Interstate 4 and the surrounding busy highways in Orlando. Some of the most catastrophic accidents are motorcycle accidents. According to crash data from 2019, motorcyclists were four times more likely to be injured and about 29 times more likely to die in a wreck than passenger car occupants. If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle wreck due to negligence, our Orlando motorcycle accident lawyers at Burnetti, P.A. may be able to help you fight for maximum recovery from the insurance companies.

Injured? Dial (407) 258-1181 today to discuss your motorcycle accident claim with a member of our team.

Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are incredibly dangerous and potentially deadly. Unlike automobile drivers, there is no protective barrier of steel around a motorcycle rider. Because of the increased risks associated with riding a motorcycle, understanding the main causes of motorcycle accidents can help you avoid serious injuries or even death. If you have been injured on a motorcycle due to someone else’s negligence, our Orlando motorcycle lawyers at Burnetti, P.A. may be able to help with your accident claim.

Motorcycle accidents can happen to anyone at any time. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle wrecks caused by negligence are:

• Failure to yield the right of way
• Distracted driving
• Blind spots
• Speeding
• Impaired driving
• Aggressive driving
• Failure to obey traffic Laws
• Inadequate training
• Left-turning vehicles
• Sudden stops
• Dooring

What Do I Do After A Motorcycle Wreck?

Many victims of motorcycle accidents are unsure of what to do after suffering injuries. After a motorcycle accident it is important to follow these steps:

1. Seek medical attention for your injuries. Injuries, such as back pain, neck pain, soreness, etc. could even show up days after the accident
2. If possible, obtain witness information and take photographs of the accident scene, including your damaged motorcycle. Make notes of the direction the motorcycle and other drivers were traveling at the time of the accident, the weather at the time of the accident, the condition of the road and any additional details that may help explain how the accident happened.
3. Contact an Orlando motorcycle attorney to help you file a motorcycle accident claim against the negligent party’s insurance
4. Keep all your receipts from the accident, including your medical bills, pharmacy bills, and rental car fees
5. Keep track of hours missed at work to calculate lost wages
6. Make sure to talk to your lawyer before making recording statements to the insurance company

Motorcycle Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can suddenly and may forever alter the victim’s life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the top non-fatal motorcyclist injuries include:

• 30% leg and foot injuries
• 22% head and neck injuries
• 20% upper chest injuries
• 18% arm and hand injuries
• 8% lower trunk injuries
• 3% other injuries

Common types of motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Road rash
• Fractures and broken bones
• Head injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Burn injuries
• Facial injuries
• Abrasions and contusions
• Psychological trauma

Recoverable Damages for Injured Motorcyclists

Insurance companies sometimes deny legitimate claims or underpay when they do pay out for claims. Hiring a motorcycle wreck lawyer in Orlando can help protect your rights to maximize your recovery to help cover bills associated with the accident, including:

• Ambulance and emergency room bills
• Hospital bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Future medical expenses
• Continued treatment for physical and/or mental impairment

Motorcycle Events In Orlando

Some of the biggest motorcycle events occur in the surrounding Orlando areas, including Bike Week, Biketoberfest, and Bikefest. Daytona Bike Week hosts about 600,000 bikers annually during its multi-day famous event. Biketoberfest hosts around 125,000 bikers and Leesburg’s Bikefest has more than 300,000 attendees. The large gatherings of bikers can be a fun atmosphere, but it can also be dangerous with the high number of attendees on motorcycles driving down some of the busiest city roads. In 2013, there were 46 motorcycle fatalities during Bike Week. Here are some tips for staying safe during large motorcycle events:

• Wear a helmet
• Do not drive if you are impaired by alcohol
• Follow posted speed limits
• Avoid tailgating
• Do not weave through traffic
• Use turn signals
• Be aware of vehicle blind spots

Helmet Use In Florida

In the state of Florida, riders over the age of 21 can elect to not wear a motorcycle helmet while riding. However, riders who do choose to wear motorcycle helmets dramatically decrease the risk of suffering head injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, and helmet use could even save their lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle helmets were shown to be 37 percent effective in stopping fatal injuries and 41 percent effective in saving the life of a motorcycle passenger.

How To Ride Safely With A Passenger

When riding a motorcycle with a passenger it is important to make sure the bike is equipped to carry two people. The following safety tips can help keep your guest safe while on your bike:

1. Make sure the passenger can reach the footrests
2. Make sure the passenger keeps feet away from the hot mufflers
3. Make sure the passenger has a protective helmet
4. Make sure the passenger knows not to make any sudden movements that could impede the driver’s ability to control the bike
5. Make sure the passenger can hold onto the driver’s waist or handholds

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lawyer For A Motorcycle Accident?

Burnetti, P.A. attorneys handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that initial consultations are free, and clients do not pay any money up front or in advance. A contingent fee is based on the amount of compensation obtained, so clients do not pay any costs if they do not recover damages from the negligent party.

Motorcycle Accident Claim FAQs

How is fault determined in a Florida motorcycle accident?

Florida follows a fault-based system, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident is typically liable. Fault is determined through police reports, witness statements, photographs, and sometimes accident reconstruction. Under modified comparative negligence, you can still recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What types of compensation can I recover?

• Economic damages: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and future medical expenses.
• Non-economic damages: pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive damages: This may be awarded in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

What is the time limit to file a claim or lawsuit?

• You generally have 4 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or property damage lawsuit in Florida.
• For wrongful death cases, the time limit is 2 years from the date of death.
• Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.

Do motorcyclists need to report the accident to authorities?

Yes. Florida law requires you to report an accident if there was an injury, a death, or property damage over $500. Having an official police report can be an important piece of evidence for your claim.

I wasn’t wearing a helmet—can I still recover damages?

If you are 21 or older and carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage, you can legally ride without a helmet in Florida.

Not wearing a helmet does not automatically prevent you from recovering damages, but the insurance company may argue that it contributed to the severity of your injuries, which could reduce your compensation.

Should I hire a motorcycle accident attorney?

Yes. An attorney can:

• Protect your rights during insurance negotiations.
• Gather and preserve crucial evidence.
• Calculate the full value of your damages.
• Represent you in court if necessary.

Most work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover money for you.

What if the insurance company denies or undervalues my claim?

• Review the denial letter carefully to understand the reason.
• Gather additional evidence such as medical records, expert opinions, or witness statements.
• Appeal the decision or consider filing a lawsuit with the help of an attorney.

Can I sue the at-fault driver personally?

Yes. This is often necessary in motorcycle accidents since riders are not covered by Florida’s no-fault PIP benefits. You can pursue the at-fault driver’s liability insurance and, if needed, sue them directly.

Get Our Orlando Motorcycle Lawyers On Your Side

Burnetti, P.A.’s team of trial-experienced lawyers is educated on Florida law and personal injury claims. In order to help protect your rights to file a claim and seek financial help from the insurance company, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after a motorcycle wreck.

Call (407) 258-1181for a free case evaluation to see if our motorcycle accident lawyers in Orlandomay be able to help you.