The Impact of Road Conditions on Motorcycle Accidents
There’s nothing like the freedom you experience when riding a motorcycle. In fact, bikers come from all over to enjoy the natural splendor of the Sunshine State. But what happens if you suffer an injury caused by dangerous road conditions in Florida?
You have the right to seek compensation from several parties, including the State and local government officials, for injuries caused by unsafe road conditions. However, there are strict rules, filing deadlines, and other laws that complicate the process. That’s why it’s a good idea to contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer right away.
Hazards That Cause Motorcycle Accidents
There are many benefits to riding a motorcycle–it’s economical, easy to park, and it leaves a much smaller carbon footprint than a car or truck with a combustion engine. But there’s no getting around the fact that motorcycles are more dangerous than cars.
Because they only have two wheels, motorcycles are less stable than regular passenger vehicles, and they lack many of the safety features found in cars, such as seat belts, airbags, and a reinforced cabin. That’s why motorcycle riders and their passengers are much more vulnerable to injuries caused by roadway defects, including:
- Debris
- Uneven pavement
- Potholes
- Obstructions
- Loose sand and gravel
- Slippery surfaces
- Missing and obscured road signs
- Shoulder drop-offs
- Poorly marked lanes
- Inadequate road design
- Missing and broken guardrails
Florida Has Dangerous Roads
Florida has a number of scenic routes that attract local motorcycle owners and enthusiasts from across the country. If you search online, you can find maps and tours that highlight various natural features and cultural attractions. This includes routes that traverse the State from east to west or north to south. There are coastal routes, forest routes, river routes, lakeside loops, and other routes that highlight architectural treasures.
One downside to riding a motorcycle in Florida is that the State has a lot of unsafe and poorly maintained roads and highways. According to a report featured in Forbes Magazine, six of the ten most dangerous roadways in America can be found right here in Florida.
How Your Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you were injured in a Florida Motorcycle Accident, your attorney can file a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim with your insurance company. If your insurance company tries to deny your claim or if they refuse to make a reasonable settlement offer, Justin Morgan Law is always prepared to take them to court.
In addition to your PIP benefits, Justin Morgan Law will explore every possible avenue to find compensation. This may include third parties that contributed to your injuries, such as negligent drivers and private contractors responsible for road repairs and maintaining safe construction zones.
Liable parties may also include careless drivers, private businesses that hire unsafe drivers, and government officials responsible for maintaining safe roads.
Seeking Compensation Against Negligent Public Officials in Florida
If you are injured in a Florida Motorcycle Accident that was caused by poor road conditions, your Personal Injury Attorney will advise you about the best way to get maximum compensation to cover the cost of your injuries. Florida’s Sovereign Immunity Laws partially shield the public from liability even when their negligent actions cause harm. But you have the right to seek damages if your attorney can demonstrate that public officials knew about or should have known about the unsafe road conditions that caused your injuries.
Florida State Law prohibits punitive damages in cases against public officials, and total compensation is capped at $200,000 for claims and lawsuits against one public entity and $300,000 when two or more public entities are found liable.
Damages Available for Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Florida
At Justin Morgan Law, our Weston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers will seek compensation from your PIP coverage, negligent State officials, or other third parties. This may include the following damages:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Medical devices
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement
- Reduced earning potential
- Occupational therapy
- Lost wages
- In-home nursing care
- Wheelchair access for home and vehicle
- Wrongful death