Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Zephyrhills

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Pasco County, our attorneys at Kogan & DiSalvo can help. We are one of the premier law firms in South Florida, and our success in motorcycle accident claims includes $1 million for a motorcyclist hit by a car pulling out of a plaza and $500,000 for a motorcyclist hit by an out-of-town driver in a rental car, among many others. Trust that we will leverage our experience, tenacity, and resources to fight for your right to recover compensation for your losses and damages. Schedule a free consultation today. We can answer your questions, assess your case, and advise you of the best options going forward.

An Overview of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida

From coastal highways to country roads, there is a reason motorcyclists love riding in Pasco County. The Music and Motorcycles festival in downtown Zephyrhills draws motorcyclists from all over the state of Florida and beyond. However, according to data from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were 9270 motorcycle accidents on Florida roads in 2022, 631 of which resulted in fatalities. The most telling data point in these statistics is that of the 631 deaths reported, 604 were motorcyclists. In a collision with a car or truck, they almost always take the brunt of the damage.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

A Zephyrhills motorcycle accident lawyer at Kogan & DiSalvo will aggressively pursue the facts and evidence that establish causation and liability. While some motorcycle accidents are due to the weather or are the rider’s fault, many more result from negligence on the part of a car, truck, or other passenger vehicles.

Some of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Failure to yield: Accidents at intersections remain a threat for those who travel by motorcycle. All too often, drivers of larger vehicles fail to yield right of way and turn directly into the motorcycle’s path.
• Distracted driving: Anytime drivers are distracted, they are far less likely to notice potential hazards, especially a vehicle with a small profile, like a motorcycle.
• Abrupt lane changes: Drivers must also check their side mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. A negligent driver can sideswipe a motorcycle and tip it over or push it off the side of the road.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 80% of all motorcycle crashes result in injury or death compared to just 20% in passenger vehicles.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the disparity of size and weight of other vehicles. Common injuries include the following:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): According to The National Safety Council (NSC), motorcycle helmets significantly decrease the chance of fatalities. However, they do not eliminate the risk of severe brain injury. In a high-speed crash, the helmet may break, or the impact is so intense that the rider still suffers a concussion.
• Spinal cord injuries: A spinal cord injury can last a lifetime and may include significant pain, loss of sensation, and paralysis.
• Abrasions: Motorcyclists are vulnerable to painful abrasions, sometimes called “road rash,” when thrown from their vehicles and slide across the pavement.
• Fractures: Broken bones can cause impaired mobility, nerve and tissue damage, and other issues that never entirely heal.
• Amputation injuries: Amputations are consideredcatastrophic injuries and result in the total loss of an arm or leg, leaving the injured motorcyclist with a permanent disability.
• Soft-tissue injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, sprains, strains, and other soft-tissue injuries can cause lasting pain, which may require surgical intervention.

Compensation for Injured Motorcyclists

While the consequences of a motorcycle accident in Zephyrhills may be severe, the law offers a path for financial recovery. You may be eligible for compensation for the following:

• Medical bills
• Wage loss
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Diminished quality of life
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Motorcycle repair or replacement

An experienced Zephyrhills personal injury lawyer will thoroughly assess your damages and losses so we can aggressively pursue compensation. Please note that the statute of limitations for a motorcycle accident in Florida is generally two years, so it is essential to act quickly to protect your rights.

Florida Motorcycle Laws

Knowledge of the laws regarding motorcycles can help keep you safe and in good standing with the authorities, which include the following:

• You must have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license to operate a motorcycle on Florida roads legally.
• Helmets are mandatory for riders under the age of 21. If you are over 21, helmets are not mandatory, but you must maintain insurance that covers at least $10,000 in medical care.
• Eye protection is mandatory for all riders.
• Lane splitting, or driving a motorcycle between two occupied lanes of traffic, is illegal in Florida.
• Passengers are allowed on a motorcycle only if the bike is outfitted with a dedicated passenger seat.

Finally, riders must always turn their headlights on to increase their visibility.

How an Experienced Attorney Can Help

A skilled Zephyrhills motorcycle accident attorney can handle all aspects of your injury claim, including investigating the cause of the accident, assessing your injuries, negotiating with the insurance company, and, if necessary, representing you in court.

If an insurance adjuster has contacted you and offered you a settlement offer, do not sign anything without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies often offer settlements far below what your case is worth. Our team will know a fair and reasonable damages award based on the severity of your injuries and how they have impacted your life.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

It’s essential to be equipped with the right information and know your rights after you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident. Learn more about how the experienced lawyers at Kogan & DiSalvo will ensure that your case is given the attention it deserves and that you recover financial compensation for any damages, injuries, and losses you have suffered. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation.