With the number of motorcycles on Florida roads increasing each year, it’s inevitable that there are going to be motorcycle accidents. Unfortunately, in some cases the motorcyclist may choose not to seek the compensation they deserve for the injuries sustained in an accident that was the not their fault. Why?
There are a lot of rumors and myths making the rounds concerning motorcyclists, motorcycle accidents in Florida, motorcycle laws in Florida and a motorcyclist’s rights after an accident. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to be able to separate fact from fiction to ensure your rights are protected.
Over the past 20 years, motorcycle accident injury attorney Tania Rivas and the Rivas Law Group have represented many clients injured in motorcycle accidents in Winter Haven, Lutz, Lakeland and other Central Florida communities. We’d like to clear up some of the more common misconceptions our clients have about their rights after being involved in a motorcycle accident:
MYTH: Motorcyclists are always at fault in motorcycle/automobile collisions.
FACT: In the majority of motorcycle/automobile collisions, the driver of the automobile is at fault. These types of accidents usually occur when a motorist changes lanes, pulls into traffic or goes through a stop sign or traffic signal. In most cases, the motorist is simply unaware of the motorcycle.
MYTH: Motorcyclists are always at fault in a single-vehicle accident.
FACT: While a majority of single motorcycle accidents result from two causes — excessive speed and impaired operators — this is not true in all cases. The motorcyclist may not be responsible for an accident resulting from unsafe road conditions or poorly manufactured parts, for example.
These two myths demonstrate the importance of seeking experienced legal representation. The Rivas Law Group has the personnel and resources to fully investigate an accident scene and gather the necessary evidence to establish who was at fault in the accident.
MYTH: You can’t recover damages if you weren’t wearing a helmet.
FACT: Even though it’s legal in Florida for motorcyclists over the age of 21 to ride without a helmet, it’s still the smart thing to do. Studies have repeatedly shown that wearing a helmet significantly reduces the severity of head and neck injuries after a crash. However, if you are injured in a motorcycle accident while not wearing a helmet, you may still be able to seek damages from the liable parties.
Remember, if you ride without a helmet, Florida law requires that you carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance for injuries incurred as a result of a crash.
MYTH: Motorcyclists are usually breaking the law while riding and so aren’t fairly compensated for accidents.
FACT: Riding a motorcycle doesn’t make you an outlaw. Motorcyclists have the same rights as anyone else on the road. You are fully protected by the law, even after an accident. This means that if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was somebody else’s fault, you are entitled to seek full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The outlaw myth shouldn’t stop you from protecting your legal rights.
MYTH: I don’t need an attorney after a motorcycle accident.
FACT: Retaining the services of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney is the best way to ensure your rights are protected after a motorcycle accident. At the Rivas Law Group, we’re interested in helping anyone who has been hurt in an accident, whether on a motorcycle accident or in a car, truck or SUV. Motorcycle claims aren’t any more difficult to pursue than other types of claims if you have the right experience and resources. The fact that you were on a motorcycle won’t affect our ability to aggressively negotiate with the insurance companies to obtain the full cash settlement you are entitled to or fight them in court if a reasonable settlement can’t be reached.
MYTH: Hiring a Florida motorcycle accident lawyer is too expensive.
FACT: If you are laid up in a hospital after a motorcycle accident and unable to work, the last thing you need is another bill to pay, right? We agree. That’s why motorcycle accident attorney Tania Rivas and the Rivas Law Group represent clients on a contingency basis. That means there are no up-front charges for our representation and we only get paid after we’ve recovered your compensation.
Get the Facts from a Florida Motorcycle Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Lutz, Lakeland, Winter Haven or other central Florida community, don’t let a bunch of rumors, hearsay and myths about motorcycle accidents prevent you from seeking the compensation you are entitled to. Contact the Rivas Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. We will discuss the details in your case and provide you with the legal facts you need to know about your rights as well as the best way to proceed with your claim.
Don’t wait too long – it’s no myth that the statute of limitations for filing a claim for your motorcycle accident injuries is only two years from the date of the accident.
