Melbourne Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, you need a Melbourne motorcycle accident lawyer to fight for your rights. The committed team at Platt Cole Russell & Simpson, PLLC serves clients in Melbourne and the surrounding areas. Allow our attorneys to help you seek the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Motorcycle accident victims can sustain serious injuries that require significant medical care. Our Melbourne personal injury lawyers will advocate on your behalf to hold responsible parties accountable. We take action to prove negligence, recover compensation, and help you rebuild your life.
Don’t wait to speak with our experienced team regarding your motorcycle accident case. Contact us today at (321) 725-3425 to schedule your free case evaluation.
Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Brevard County
Motorcycle accidents can happen due to a wide range of causes, including driver error, poor road conditions, and more. Whatever the cause of your accident, the skilled attorneys at Platt Cole Russell & Simpson, PLLC are ready to help.
Intersection and Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident
Crashes at intersections often occur when other drivers turn left in front of a motorcycle. Because motorcycles are smaller and harder to see, drivers may misjudge their distance. Additionally, drivers at intersections may fail to yield when motorcyclists have the right of way.
Head-On Motorcycle Crash
Head-on motorcycle crashes are particularly dangerous, especially if the other driver is speeding. Due to limited protection and the force of impact, motorcyclists are left vulnerable to various severe injuries. Common injuries suffered during head-on motorcycle crashes include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), skull fractures, broken bones, and facial injuries. If you’ve suffered a life-altering injury after a head-on motorcycle crash, our Melbourne, FL, catastrophic injury attorneys can help you recover the compensation you need for medical treatments and more.
Distracted and Drunk Driver Motorcycle Accident Cases
Alcohol and other substances severely affect a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle. For this reason, Florida law forbids driving impaired or under the influence. Additionally, distractions can lead to reckless driving that endangers others. Eating while driving, texting, or engaging in any activity that distracts from the road can result in a car accident.
Distracted and drunk drivers are one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. When an at-fault driver engages in distracted driving or drives drunk, call Platt Cole Russell & Simpson. Our distracted and drunk driving accident lawyers in Melbourne will stand by you.
Motorcycle Rear-End Collision
While rear-end collisions between most vehicles might only result in a minor fender bender, the risk increases when a motorcycle is involved. These crashes account for a large number of serious injuries to motorcyclists. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle rear-end collision, call our law office today. Our attorneys can explain your options to pursue compensation during a free case review.
Blind Spot Motorcycle Accident
Due to the size differences between vehicles, a motorcyclist can easily disappear into a driver’s blind spot. If the driver doesn’t take care to check their blind spot before changing lanes, they can crash into the motorcycle. A trusted personal injury attorney from Platt Cole Russell & Simpson can help you explore your legal options and recover damages after a blind spot accident.
Motorcycle Road Defect Cases
Motorcycles are smaller and less stable than other passenger vehicles, making them more susceptible to crashing due to road defects. Potholes, gravel, uneven pavement, and other road defects that wouldn’t affect a larger vehicle may cause motorcycle crashes. In such cases, our attorneys can help you file a lawsuit against those responsible for maintaining the roads.
Motorcycle Tire Failure and Auto Defects
Tire failure and auto defects are another common cause for motorcycle crashes. The Federal Highway Administration found that issues such as underinflated tires and wheel condition contribute heavily to single-vehicle motorcycle crashes. If you sustained injury due to an auto defect, our legal team can help you pursue fair compensation from manufacturers, auto repair shops, or other responsible parties.
Dangerous Areas for Melbourne Motorcyclists
Motorists often don’t pay attention to motorcycle drivers, so driving anywhere on a motorcycle can be dangerous. However, danger is higher in certain Melbourne areas. Over the last several years, multiple motorcycle crashes have occurred on US Highway 1, Interstate 95 Corridor, A1A Coastal Route, Wickham Road, and Palm Bay Road. US Highway 1 and Wickham Road are areas with a history of high crash rates.
Florida Motorcycle Insurance Laws
In Florida, you do not need insurance to register your bike. However, Florida law states that if you are involved in a crash, you will be financially responsible for property damage and injury to others. If a rider does not have liability coverage following a collision, they must pay for damage and injuries incurred out of pocket. Additionally, their license and registration may be suspended for up to 3 years. For this reason, it is highly recommended to have some motorcycle insurance coverage.
Florida Helmet Law
According to Florida Statutes § 316.211, all motorcycle riders under 21 must wear helmets while riding. Those above 21 are not required to wear a helmet as long as they have an insurance policy covering up to $10,000 in medical expenses. Drivers and riders must fasten their helmets appropriately according to DOT standards. Helmets are key in preventing serious and catastrophic injuries, including severe head and brain trauma. Even if you are old enough to opt out of wearing a helmet, it is always wiser to wear one.
Is Lane Splitting Legal In Florida?
Under Florida law, motorcyclists cannot ride between lanes while passing through slow or stopped traffic, also known as lane splitting.
Motorcycle Endorsement: Florida Law
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, drivers must hold a valid driver’s license to operate any vehicle, unless the law provides otherwise. If you have a standard driver’s license, you will also need a motorcycle endorsement to drive your motorcycle on public roads. A motorcycle endorsement gives special permission to operate a two or three-wheeled vehicle. If you do not have a standard license, you can instead apply for a motorcycle-only driver’s license.
Florida Headlight Law
Florida’s motorcycle headlight law attempts to address the challenges that arise due to the low visibility of motorcycles. Florida Statutes § 316.405 states that individuals operating a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle on public streets or highways must drive with their headlight or headlights on at all times, even during the day. This makes them more visible to other drivers.
Florida Motorcycle Eye Protection Law
Approved eye protection is a requirement for operating a motorcycle under Florida Statutes § 316.211.
Florida Statute of Limitations
In the State of Florida, you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit following a crash for wrongful death, injury, or bike damage. Wrongful death cases are subject to a two-year statute of limitations starting from the date of the death. Recent changes may affect the applicable statute of limitations to your personal injury or property damage claims. For all crashes that occurred on or after March 24, 2023, drivers have two years to seek compensation for personal injuries and property damage. If you were involved in an accident before this date, the prior limitation of 4 years may still apply to your case.
It is important to abide by the correct deadline because once it expires, you can no longer file a civil lawsuit. To learn more about how Florida’s statutes of limitations apply to your case, speak with a skilled attorney from Platt Cole Russell & Simpson, PLLC. We help clients through every step of the civil litigation process and can ensure your wrongful death, property damage, or personal injury claim is filed on time.
When Do You Need Legal Assistance For a Melbourne Motorcycle Accident Case?
It is always wise to seek professional support for legal matters. We recommend contacting a Melbourne auto accident attorney as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident. Florida law can be confusing, and it is the job of our attorneys to help you navigate the legal process. Local attorneys understand the stress that auto accident victims experience. We seek to mitigate that stress by providing the support you need.
If it is unclear who is at fault, if your insurance company is shifting blame to avoid payment, or if you experience any other complications following your accident, call Platt Cole Russell & Simpson. We’ll study the details of your accident and work hard to build a strong case. Our knowledge and expertise allow us to obtain favorable outcomes and fair settlements for wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits.
How a Melbourne Motorcycle Injury Lawyer Can Help Secure Maximum Compensation
Since motorcycle accidents more often result in serious injuries, it is important to seek the help of a professional motorcycle accident lawyer to ensure you receive the full compensation you’re owed. Fair compensation includes costs for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate for losses that have a quantifiable value, such as lost income or the cost of past and future medical treatments. Non-economic damages compensate for losses that do not have a set monetary value, such as pain and suffering.
Our attorneys use their legal knowledge and experience to negotiate with other lawyers, seeking fair settlements when possible. When a settlement can not be reached, we’ll gather the necessary evidence to determine responsibility and prove fault. We’ll consider evidence from the accident scene, medical documentation, witness testimonies, and other factors. Our legal team can also find weaknesses in the defense’s case and argue that they do not have sufficient evidence to deny fault.
How a Fatal Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Melbourne, FL, Can Help
If a family member has been killed in a fatal motorcycle accident, speak with a wrongful death lawyer in Melbourne, FL. Our legal team can help you sue for your loss. Proving wrongful death in a motorcycle accident involves determining fault. Once we can establish that your loved one suffered injury during the crash and that those injuries were caused by the other party’s negligence, we will then demonstrate how those injuries led to their death.
Resources for Injured Motorcycle Riders in Brevard County
Motorcyclists who have been injured in Brevard County have access to resources for care and recovery, including non-profit organizations and local hospitals. After a motorcycle accident, you can seek emergency care at Holmes Regional Medical Center, Health First Palm Bay Hospital, and Rockledge Regional Medical Center.
Bikers can also turn to BikerDown, a national non-profit that helps motorcyclists and their families after an accident. BikerDown connects injured riders with resources for medical equipment, rehab services, and community fundraising. Additionally, a personal injury lawyer can help you and advocate on your behalf.
Melbourne Motorcycle Rider FAQs
Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance in Florida?
In Florida, motorcycle drivers are not required to purchase motorcycle coverage from insurance companies to operate and register their motorcycles with the state. However, if you are involved in an auto accident and do not have insurance coverage, you may be required to pay for damages out of pocket.
Can Motorcycles Split Lanes in Florida?
No, Florida law does not permit motorcyclists to split lanes.
Does Florida Have a No Chase Law For Motorcycles?
No. Unlike other states, Florida law does not include a no chase law for motorcycles. As long as it is safe to do so, law enforcement may chase motorcycles for reasonable causes.
Does Health Insurance Cover Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Florida?
Health insurance can cover some medical costs following a motorcycle accident. However, your policy may have limitations.
Contact a Melbourne Motorcycle Accident Attorney For a Free Consultation
If you have been in a Melbourne motorcycle crash, don’t hesitate to contact Platt Cole Russell & Simpson, PLLC. Our attorneys have earned a positive reputation in the local community for high-quality services and compassionate support. We handle a wide range of personal injury claims in central Florida. We’ll approach your case with the care necessary to ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
Our team understands that motorcycle accident cases can have very high stakes. The stress of recovering can be made all the worse by accumulating medical and legal costs. To make seeking legal support easier in central Florida, we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis for personal injury cases. This means that you do not have to pay attorney’s fees unless we recover damages. Our law firm also offers a free consultation to discuss your case.
Call us at (321) 725-3425 or complete the online contact form on our website to request a consultation with our experienced, dedicated team.