Indian River County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents are devastating, and they’re far from rare here in the Sunshine State. In fact, in 2024 alone, there were 589 motorcycle fatalities in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. That said, most motorcycle accidents are preventable, and if you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Continue reading and contact a seasoned Indian River County motorcycle accident lawyer from Ullian Trial Law to learn more about these accidents and how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida

Motorcycle accidents often result from another driver’s negligence, not the rider’s actions. In these cases, motorcyclists typically are eligible to receive compensation in a personal injury claim. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida are as follows:

• Failure to yield at intersections: Many drivers misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or overlook it entirely when making a left turn.
• Distracted driving: Cell phone use, GPS adjustments, or eating while driving can cause a motorist to drift into a rider’s lane.
• Unsafe lane changes: Drivers may fail to check blind spots, particularly because motorcycles are smaller and harder to spot.
• Following too closely: Tailgating gives a driver less time to react, increasing the likelihood of a rear-end collision.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use slows reaction times and impairs judgment, leading to catastrophic outcomes.
• Opening car doors without looking: In urban or downtown areas, a driver may swing open a door into the path of an oncoming rider.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time and worsens the impact of a collision.
• Poor road maintenance: Potholes, loose gravel, and debris can destabilize motorcycles, especially at higher speeds.
• Inclement weather: Rain can reduce visibility and traction, increasing the likelihood of driver errors.

When any of these actions cause an accident, the responsible driver, or in some cases, a government entity tasked with road maintenance, may be liable for your losses.

Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists have far less protection than drivers in enclosed vehicles. Even with proper safety gear, the force of impact can cause severe and lasting injuries. Some of the most common injuries we see are as follows:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Florida law does not require all riders over 21 to wear helmets if they carry certain insurance coverage, but helmets significantly reduce the risk of fatal head injuries. Even if not required, wearing one is always the safest choice.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and quality of life.
• Broken bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are particularly vulnerable during a crash.
• Road rash: Serious abrasions from sliding across pavement can lead to infection, nerve damage, or permanent scarring.
• Internal injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
• Amputations: Severe crush injuries sometimes require surgical amputation of a limb.
• Facial injuries: Broken jaws, dental damage, and severe lacerations can result from being thrown from the bike.

What Constitutes a Valid Motorcycle Injury Claim?

To have a valid motorcycle accident claim in Florida, certain elements must be present. First, you must establish that another party owed you a duty of care—meaning they were responsible for operating their vehicle safely and following traffic laws. Second, you must show that the other party breached that duty through negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing. Finally, there must be a direct link between that breach and your injuries, along with measurable damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Proving these elements typically involves collecting and presenting strong evidence, which may include the following:

• Police accident reports
• Eyewitness statements
• Photographs or video footage of the scene
• Medical records and expert testimony
• Accident reconstruction reports

Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover damages, though your compensation could be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.

It’s also important to remember that Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to recover any compensation. The sooner you consult with an attorney, the more time your legal team will have to investigate your case, gather evidence, and file the necessary paperwork before the deadline.

Contact a Vero Beach, Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Don’t try to file a motorcycle accident claim on your own. Let a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm do the legal heavy-lifting while you focus on what matters most: healing. Contact Ullian Trial Law for a free initial consultation today so we can begin building an effective strategy on your behalf.