What are some common injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents?
Fort Walton Beach, FL-Motorcycle riders are far more likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries in the event of an accident due to the lack of protection. Unlike occupants of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists aren’t protected by a vehicle that will absorb some of the impact when involved in a collision. Some of the common injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident include:
- Head and brain injuries. Although helmets are meant to help prevent head injuries in the event of a motorcycle accident, not always are they successful at doing so. When a motorcyclist is struck by a vehicle traveling at a fast rate of speed or is thrown from their vehicle, a helmet sometimes isn’t enough to protect them. As for those who choose not to wear a helmet, they put themselves at a greater risk of sustaining a head or brain injury that is serious or fatal.
- Fractures. It isn’t uncommon for a motorcyclist to suffer one or multiple fractures in the event of a crash. A fracture is not only painful, but if it is severe or doesn’t heal properly, it can lead to a person experiencing a loss in physical abilities.
- Road rash. Road rash is when a motorcyclist’s skin comes in contact with the pavement and causes them to suffer an abrasion. Road rash can range from mild to severe cases and can lead to scarring.
Who pays for a motorcyclist’s medical expenses after a motor vehicle accident in Fort Walton Beach?
The answer depends on who was at fault and what type of insurance coverages are available. If a motorcyclist was liable for causing the accident, then he/she can generally only recover compensation from their own insurance policy give they are insured. If the rider was not at fault but instead, another party caused the accident, then they may be able to recover compensation from the following parties:
- Their insurance carrier. Drivers in the State of Florida are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. If a rider suffered minor injuries, they can file a PIP claim with their insurer and potentially recover up to $10,000 to help pay for medical expenses and possibly even lost wages.
- The other driver’s insurer. In the event a motorcyclist suffered serious injuries and their insurance coverage isn’t enough to pay for their medical expenses, they can file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer.
- File a civil lawsuit against the driver. When a driver causes an accident in Florida and they don’t have enough insurance coverage available to pay for the damage they caused, they can sometimes be sued for damages. A motorcycle accident should consult with a Fort Walton Beach, FL accident attorney to find out if they have the grounds to sue and for how much.
If a motorcyclist suffered serious injuries in a motor vehicle accident that wasn’t their fault and they would like help with recovering compensation for pain and suffering, medical costs, lost wages, and more, they are encouraged to contact Browning Law Firm to speak with a Fort Walton Beach accident lawyer. Motorcycle accident victims who contact an accident attorney after a wreck generally have a better understanding of their legal rights and how to properly exercise them.
To speak with a Fort Walton Beach, FL accident lawyer now, call 850-344-1736.
Browning Law Firm can be reached at:
418 Racetrack Rd. NE, Ste B
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Phone: 850-344-1736
Website: www.browninglawfirm.com
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!