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Have you or someone you know been in a motorcycle accident in Tampa? Busciglio and Sheridan Law Group has ears of experience representing motorcycle accident victims throughout Hillsborough County. Our attorneys can provide the legal representation you need if you or a loved one have suffered a personal injury in a motorcycle crash.
Motorcycle accidents in Tampa can be so dangerous because the motorcyclist does not have the added protection of a steel frame airbags for other safety features that you would find in a car. To make matters worse, insurance companies tend to stereotype bikers as being more reckless due to the higher risk involved. Unfortunately, even the motorcyclist that obey traffic laws and drive carefully and still be involved in a serious accident.
Get the Best Legal Representation After a Motorcycle Accident in Tampa
If you’re doing your research, then you probably already know that there are many personal injury attorneys to choose from in Tampa. Finding the right legal representation for your personal injury case can be daunting. Our legal team isn’t here to market ourselves as fellow bikers or anything like that. The simple truth is that we are a passionate team of attorneys that will bring all our available resources to bear in order to win your case.
In today’s world, it’s important to know that attorney has the experience, knowledge and ability to effectively handle your case. We don’t recommend that you choose to hire a personal injury attorney simply because one of their partners happens to own a motorcycle as well. Personal injury cases like these aren’t won overnight, so go with a serious legal team that has a proven track record of getting results for their clients.
Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Tampa
If you’ve been a motorcyclist for extended. Of time, you already know that there are circumstances which can create extremely unsafe conditions on the roads in Florida. You already know it as a motorcyclist you need to be extremely alert about what other drivers are doing around you. Inattentiveness by other drivers is probably one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida.
Having a firm understanding of what to look out for is one of the best ways that you can mitigate your own risks while you’re on your motorcycle. Based on our research, the following are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Tampa.
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Drivers failing to check their blind spots
Unfortunately, is all too common for drivers to make a lane shift without properly checking their blind spots. This poses a significant risk for people on motorcycles.
Unsafe road conditions
While snow and ice are not likely to impede any motorcyclists here in Florida, rain and storms are a serious risk that need to be accounted for when heading out for a drive. Additionally, our personal injury attorneys Recommend that you watch out for road debris. If you notice work being done along any of your typical routes, this could be a risk so be careful.
Drunk drivers on the road
If you’re on your motorcycle and you what is a car that is swerving or driving erratically, then you need to stick clear. We mentioned that inattentiveness is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents, well things are obviously that much more dangerous if the driver is under the influence of alcohol.
Drivers opening their doors without checking first
If a driver chooses to open a door without checking for oncoming traffic, this could cause a motorcycle crash.
Cutting between slower vehicles in traffic
With the inherent freedom driving a motorcycle, it can be tempting to cut between slower vehicles when traffic starts to build up. This is an extremely dangerous practice and one that often results in serious motorcycle accidents. As tempting as it may be, especially if you’re running late, we urge you to never do this.
Overdoing it with the front brake of the motorcycle
If a motorcyclist needs to stop quickly and they overcompensate with the front brake, the rider’s momentum could take them over the top of the handlebars.
Important Laws and Safety Tips for Motorcyclists in Florida
If you own a motorcycle in Tampa, then you should have a firm understanding of the Florida Statutes governing motorcycle operation. Motorcyclists who obey the traffic laws are taking a firm step in preventing auto accidents from happening.
If you are unsure about the traffic laws governing the use of motorcycles on the roads in Florida, then here are some safety tips that should be helpful:
- Every motorcyclist should wear a helmet that is approved by the US Department of Transportation. We’re talking about helmets that have been tested for the harsh conditions that a motorcyclist may encounter on the road. When purchasing a new motorcycle helmet, be sure to thoroughly check the product description and labeling. This will show you if the helmet you’re looking to purchase is correctly rated. Never purchase a helmet that doesn’t have any sort of labeling on it.
- Be wary of the blind spots for other drivers on the road. never take for granted that other drivers are going to be aware of your presence on a motorcycle, especially if the weather conditions are not optimal. If it’s going to come to a situation where it is a car versus your motorcycle, you are going to lose. This means that motorcyclists must be the most vigilant on the roads.
- Our legal team recommends investing in reflective motorcycle safety gear in order to make yourself more visible to other drivers. It might not be the most fashionable, but it could end up saving your life. There are a lot of really good options available for motorcyclist in Tampa.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Tampa
Due to immense trauma from a motorcycle accident, victims often suffer from several types of injuries. This is also why motorcycle accidents can quickly become deadly. From our experiences in Tampa, these are the most common motorcycle accident injuries:
- Broken bones – When a motorcycle accident occurs, the body can be flung from the bike at high speed. That momentum often results in broken bones when the inevitable collision occurs. Other vehicles, railings and especially the road are unforgiving in these instances.
- Road rash – That momentum that can result in broken bones also carries the victim across the ground after initially making contact. Whether gravel or pavement, these surfaces act like sandpaper and cause abrasions, cuts and bruises.
- Spinal cord injury – High speed motorcycle accidents in Tampa can easily result in serious spinal cord injuries. These injuries can lead to permanent paralysis or even death.
- Amputation – Some motorcycle injuries are serious enough that compromised limbs will need to be amputated in order to save the victim. Many personal injury claims following a motorcycle accident are for amputations.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – A motorcyclist who gets into an accident without a helmet on is most likely going to suffer from serious head trauma and traumatic brain injury. These can be very serious and may significantly impact the victim’s quality of life moving forward.
- Death – Sadly, far too many motorcycle accidents in Tampa are fatal. If you have a family member that died in a motorcycle accident as a result of a negligent driver, please contact us.
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The Long Term Impact of a Motorcycle Accident
If you have been in a motorcycle accident, then you should seek legal representation immediately after you have received the appropriate medical attention. If you are able to after the accident, it can be helpful to obtain statements from viable witnesses.
Pursuing a personal injury claim for a motorcycle accident can be a complex process, so you’ll only be doing yourself justice by hiring a skilled attorney. Victims may have to deal with the following circumstances after their accident:
- Significant medical bills
- Loss wages due to inability to work
- Chronic pain as a result of their injuries
- Significantly impaired quality of life
- Depression, stress or other forms of mental impairment
- Financial burden of replacing your motorcycle
Now consider the challenge of pursuing your case in court on top of all that. Insurance companies don’t have any compassion for your situation and will do everything they can to discredit your position in order to avoid paying you the compensation that you deserve. At Busciglio & Sheridan Law Group, we will work tirelessly to get you the best settlement possible. We can also negotiate on your behalf to lower your medical bills.