Miami Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Motorcycle accidents comprise a lower percentage of Miami traffic incidents, but the devastation is far more significant. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that there are almost 9,000 motorcycle crashes every year, and more than 92% of them lead to at least one casualty.
Another unfortunate figure is that the losses for riders are shockingly high, in turn leading to higher settlements. You can count on a Miami motorcycle accident attorney to aggressively pursue all amounts to make you whole after being injured.
Miami’s Heavy Traffic and Road Hazards
South Florida is one of the most congested regions in the US, and motorcyclists must manage multiple threats from every direction, every day. Examples include:
- Stop-and-go traffic
- Aggressive lane changes
- Potholes, wet pavement, and road debris
These conditions are especially dangerous for two-wheeled vehicles, significantly raising the risk of a serious crash that leaves riders with life-altering injuries.
Miami Motorcyclists are Vulnerable to Catastrophic Injuries
These vehicles offer no protective frame surrounding the rider. When a collision occurs, the rider’s body absorbs the full force of impact. Plus, the motorcyclist will almost always be thrown from the vehicle, causing a secondary impact. These vulnerabilities are key reasons motorcycle accident claims in Miami tend to be more serious, cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and road rash.
High-Speed Roadways Increase Crash Severity in Miami
Miami’s major highways see some of the fastest traffic, so crashes frequently occur at high speeds, resulting in injuries that are far more severe. When a motorcyclist is struck at highway speeds, the resulting trauma can be fatal or permanently disabling. Higher impact forces translate directly into greater medical needs and longer recoveries.
Distracted and Negligent Drivers as a Leading Cause of Serious Motorcycle Accidents
Drivers who run red lights, make improper turns, and fail to check blind spots are more likely to collide with motorcyclists. Another form of negligence that is a top cause of motorcycle crashes is distracted driving, such as:
- Cell phone use
- Adjusting the radio
- Eating or drinking
The Severity of Motorcycle Injuries in Miami Drives Up Settlement Values
Serious motorcycle injuries often require emergency surgery, extended hospitalization, and long-term rehabilitation. Victims may face months of physical therapy, permanent disability, and the inability to return to work. These mounting expenses, combined with lost wages and pain and suffering, result in substantial damages. Settlements in motorcycle accident cases aim to reflect the true financial and quality-of-life toll these injuries place on victims and their families.
Trust a Miami Motorcycle Accident Lawyer to Fight for Fair Compensation
Another factor that often leads to higher settlements after a motorcycle crash is retaining effective legal counsel. An experienced attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and provide critical support throughout the process.
At Gerson & Schwartz, PA, our team has been standing up for injured motorcyclists across South Florida for decades. Please call us at (305) 371-6000 to schedule a free consultation at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach.
