Destin Motorcycle Accident Attorney

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of motorcyclists killed in collisions has increased almost annually for more than a decade.  While motorcycle riders represent just three percent of vehicles on U.S. roads, they comprise 14 percent of victims killed in collisions.

Motorcyclists throughout the Emerald Coast need to be aware of the risks on the road and should follow best practices for safety. Unfortunately, in many cases, motorcycle riders are harmed not because of their own actions but because drivers do not know how, or neglect, to safely share the road with bikers.  If a driver causes you or someone you love to be harmed or killed in a crash, a Destin motorcycle accident attorney can provide you with the help you need to recover compensation.

Safe Roads are a Shared Responsibility

Both motorcycle riders and drivers have an obligation to follow safety rules in order for bikers to stay safe on two wheels.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises motorcycle riders:

  • Avoid riding while distracted or intoxicated
  • Obey all traffic laws and wear proper helmets
  • Wear bright colors when riding to improve visibility
  • Limit or avoid riding in bad weather conditions
  • Use turn signals and hand signals to draw drivers’ attention to your actions

Drivers are advised to:

  • Avoid distracted driving, including cell phone use, eating, and applying make-up
  • Allow motorcycle riders to have the full width of the lane
  • Signal their intentions to motorcycle riders before changing lanes
  • Check blind spots before changing lanes or making a turn, since motorcycle riders are smaller and harder to see than passenger cars
  • Leave a longer following distance between their vehicle and the motorcycle

When a driver is wholly or partly responsible for causing a collision, he or she can be required to compensate the motorcycle accident victim for injuries and losses. Under Florida laws on comparative fault, a motorcyclist can pursue legal action against a driver even if the rider was partly to blame for his or her own injuries. The driver is responsible for paying a percentage of damages based on how blameworthy he is. For example, a driver who was 60 percent responsible for causing a motorcycle crash would pay 60 percent of the motorcyclist’s losses.

It is important to realize that Florida does not require motorcycle helmets for adult riders. While the NHTSA recommends helmets, a motorcycle rider is not obligated to wear one and a driver can still be fully responsible for all injuries a motorcyclist suffers even if the biker does not have a helmet on at the time of the collision.

Getting Help from a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

After a motorcycle collision, it is important to determine the cause of the crash and to understand your legal right to make a damage claim. A motorcycle accident attorney at Powell, Powell & Powell can assist you in proving that a driver was to blame so you can be compensated for your losses or the death of someone you loved. Call us today at  850-682-2757 to schedule a free consultation and learn more, or contact us online. We serve residents of the Destin area and the entire Emerald Coast, including Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Crestview, Navarre, DeFuniak Springs, and Freeport.