Hawthorne Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Helping You Recover Compensation for Your Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries, extensive medical bills, and long-lasting impacts on a person's life. If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident in Hawthorne, FL, it’s important to know your rights and how to pursue fair compensation for your injuries. At Schackow & Mercadante, our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers are dedicated to helping motorcyclists recover the compensation they deserve, especially in the face of unfair biases and complex legal processes.

Were you or a family member severely injured in a motorcycle crash? Call (352) 261-6767 or submit an online contact form today to find out more about how we can help you.

Florida Motorcycle Laws

In Florida, motorcyclists over the age of 21 are not required to wear a helmet if they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage for motorcycle-related injuries. However, wearing a helmet is highly recommended, as it significantly reduces the risk of traumatic brain injuries in an accident.

Unlike automobile drivers, motorcyclists in Florida are not required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. However, they are required to carry at least $10,000 in bodily injury liability coverage and $30,000 per occurrence if they choose not to wear a helmet. If you’re involved in an accident without adequate insurance, you may face penalties and limitations in recovering compensation.

The state requires motorcyclists to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license. Without this endorsement, a motorcyclist can face penalties, and it may affect their ability to recover compensation after an accident.

Knowing and following these laws can not only keep motorcyclists safe but also strengthen their legal standing in a personal injury claim.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which are due to the negligence of other drivers. Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Hawthorne include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, using their phones, or otherwise distracted are a significant danger to motorcyclists. Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible, distracted drivers may fail to notice them, leading to collisions.
• Failure to Yield: Many motorcycle accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists, particularly at intersections. This can lead to serious side-impact crashes or head-on collisions.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Motorcycles are often struck by drivers who fail to check their blind spots or signal properly before changing lanes.
• Speeding: Speeding drivers have less time to react to motorcycles on the road, increasing the likelihood of a serious crash. Speeding also makes it more difficult for a driver to stop in time to avoid a collision with a motorcyclist.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose a significant risk to all road users, but motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to impaired drivers due to the lack of protection that motorcycles provide.

Bias Motorcyclists Face When Recovering Compensation

One of the greatest challenges motorcyclists face when pursuing compensation after an accident is overcoming bias. There’s a common misconception that motorcyclists are reckless, aggressive, and more prone to causing accidents. This bias can affect the following aspects of your claim:

• Insurance Company Tactics: Insurance companies often use motorcyclist stereotypes to their advantage by arguing that the rider was speeding, riding recklessly, or engaging in other risky behaviors. They may try to reduce or deny your claim based on these unfounded assumptions.
• Jury Perception: If your case goes to trial, there is a chance that jurors may hold preconceived notions about motorcyclists being dangerous or thrill-seeking. This can impact their decision regarding liability and the amount of compensation you should receive.
• Law Enforcement Reports: Police officers responding to the scene of an accident may also be influenced by bias against motorcyclists. If the officer’s report incorrectly assigns fault to you, it can complicate your ability to recover compensation.

How Our Firm Help

At Schackow & Mercadante, we have extensive experience representing motorcycle accident victims in Hawthorne and throughout Florida. Here’s how we can help:

• Comprehensive Investigation: We will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and expert opinions.
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies: We will handle all negotiations with the insurance companies to ensure that they do not take advantage of you or unfairly reduce your settlement.
• Court Representation: If your case goes to trial, we will present a compelling case to the jury, countering any biases and advocating for your right to full compensation.
• Personalized Support: We understand that every motorcycle accident case is unique. We provide personalized legal strategies tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

Free consultations are available for the victims of motorcycle accidents in Hawthorne. Contact us online or call (352) 261-6767 today to find out more.