Motorcycle riding offers freedom that few other forms of transportation can match, but riders face serious risks on the road. Even careful motorcyclists can be injured when drivers fail to see them, follow too closely, or make unsafe turns in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
If you were hurt in a crash, a Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer at Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal options. Contact us at (954) 361-3997 for a free consultation. Our attorneys have 22 years of combined experience and have won more than $40 million for past clients.
How Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Can Assist You After a Motorcycle Accident in Fort Lauderdale
A motorcycle crash in Fort Lauderdale, FL, can leave you facing painful injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and pressure from insurance companies. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer from Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers can handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery.
Our firm can help support your case by:
- Investigating the accident and determining how it happened
- Gathering police reports, photographs, video footage, and witness statements
- Identifying all potentially responsible parties
- Reviewing medical records and other evidence of your losses
- Handling communications with insurance companies
- Calculating the value of your damages
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Preparing your case for court if necessary
Contact our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.
Wear a Proper Motorcycle Helmet
A helmet is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment a motorcyclist can wear. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends using a helmet that complies with U.S. Department of Transportation safety standards. Riders should look for the DOT symbol on the back of the helmet.
Florida law generally requires motorcycle riders to wear approved protective headgear. However, riders over age 21 may ride without a helmet if they carry at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage for injuries suffered in a motorcycle crash. Florida also requires approved eye protection for motorcycle operators.
Even when a rider qualifies for the helmet exception, wearing a properly fitted helmet can reduce the risk of serious head injuries.
Make Yourself Visible to Other Drivers
Motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles and can be difficult for drivers to notice, especially in heavy traffic or at intersections. NHTSA recommends that riders increase their visibility by using headlights and wearing brightly colored or reflective clothing.
Riders should also avoid remaining in a vehicle’s blind spot for longer than necessary. When possible, position your motorcycle where surrounding drivers can see you in their mirrors.
Before changing lanes, signal clearly and check your mirrors and blind spots. Never assume another driver has seen you simply because you can see their vehicle.
Leave Enough Space Between Vehicles
Following another vehicle too closely reduces the time available to react to sudden stops, debris, or changes in traffic. Riders should leave enough distance to brake or maneuver safely if something unexpected happens.
Extra space may be especially important during rain or other poor road conditions. Wet pavement, loose gravel, potholes, and road debris can affect a motorcycle more severely than they affect a passenger vehicle.
Florida transportation officials also advise motorists to leave additional space around motorcycles because motorcycles may slow by downshifting without immediately activating a brake light.
Use Extra Caution at Intersections
Intersections can be dangerous for motorcyclists because drivers may misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or fail to notice it at all. Riders should watch closely for vehicles preparing to turn across their path or enter the roadway.
Slow down when approaching busy intersections and be prepared for another driver to make an unexpected move. Avoid assuming that a driver will yield simply because you have the right of way.
Defensive riding does not mean a motorcyclist is responsible for another driver’s negligence. It means giving yourself more time to react when another road user makes a mistake.
Inspect Your Motorcycle Before Riding
A quick inspection can help identify mechanical problems before they create a hazard on the road. NHTSA recommends checking the motorcycle’s tires, brakes, headlights, turn signals, and fluid levels before riding.
Make sure your tires have proper pressure and adequate tread. Check that your brakes respond correctly and that your headlights and signals are working.
If you are carrying a passenger or cargo, make sure the load is secure and the motorcycle is properly balanced before entering traffic.
Avoid Riding While Distracted or Impaired
Motorcyclists need their full attention to maintain balance, monitor traffic, and react to hazards. Avoid using devices or engaging in other activities that take your attention away from the road.
Never ride after drinking alcohol or using drugs that impair your ability to operate the motorcycle safely. Fatigue can also slow your reaction time, so consider stopping when you become too tired to ride safely.
Staying alert is especially important when riding through congested areas, construction zones, or unfamiliar roads.
Anticipate Other Drivers’ Mistakes
Motorcyclists cannot control what other drivers do. However, riders can watch for warning signs of unsafe behavior and prepare to react.
For example, look for vehicles drifting within their lanes, drivers waiting to turn left across traffic, or cars beginning to merge without enough space. Leave yourself a safe path whenever possible, rather than being boxed in by surrounding vehicles.
Being prepared for another driver’s mistake may give you valuable time to brake, change position, or avoid a collision.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
Following safe riding practices can reduce the risk of a motorcycle crash, but even experienced riders cannot prevent every accident. A negligent driver can cause a serious collision in a matter of seconds.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers can investigate what happened and pursue compensation from the responsible parties. With over two decades of combined legal experience, our team is prepared to help.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorney today to schedule a free consultation.