Suwannee County Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Suwannee County is the perfect place to ride a motorcycle and take in the beautiful scenery. Motorcyclists, though, know the risks they face when they are out on the road and so, they usually take great care to keep themselves safe. Unfortunately, insurance companies, judges, and juries often view bikers as being reckless and dangerous even though that is not typically true. If you have been hurt while on your bike, you need sound legal advice. Our Suwannee County motorcycle accident attorney can provide it.
Motorcycle Accidents are More Fatal than Car Accidents
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (FLHSMV) department, motorcycle accidents are much more likely to be fatal than other crashes on the road. In 2020 alone, seven percent of all motorcycle accidents ended in fatality compared to fewer than one percent of all other types of crashes. The same report also shows that even when bikers survive the crash, 86 percent of them become injured during an accident.
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No-Fault Law Does Not Cover Motorcycle Accidents in Suwannee County
The majority of motor vehicle accidents in Suwannee County are governed by Florida’s no-fault auto insurance laws. Under these laws, accident victims can recover their reasonable medical expenses by filing a claim with their own insurance company. Personal injury protection benefits are generally available faster than the damages obtained through a personal injury lawsuit.
Unfortunately, motorcycles are not covered under Florida’s no-fault laws because the law only applies to vehicles with four wheels. This also makes it harder for bikers to obtain the compensation they need for their medical bills, lost income, and more. The only option motorcyclists have after a crash is to file a personal injury claim against the negligent, or careless, party.
Comparative Negligence Complicates Motorcycle Accident Cases in Suwannee
Another complicating factor in motorcycle accidents is the comparative negligence law that governs these crashes in Suwannee County. This law recognizes that multiple people can be at fault for a crash, even when an accident victim holds part of the blame.
Under the pure comparative negligence model used in Live Oak, accident victims can still claim compensation from the at-fault parties even if they were 99 percent at fault for the crash. However, any damages awarded are then reduced by the accident victim’s same percentage of fault.
For example, a biker may be found to be 20 percent at fault for a crash. They are awarded $100,000 in damages for their injuries but only receive $80,000 because the damages are subtracted by the victim’s same degree of fault. Other parties will almost always try to blame the biker to shield themselves from liability. It is important to work with a Suwannee County motorcycle accident attorney who can fight back against this defense.
Our Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Suwannee County Can Help with Your Case
If you have been hurt while on your bike, our Suwannee County motorcycle accident attorney at Meldon Law can advise on every aspect of your case. Call us now at 800-373-8000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
