Motorcycle accidents result in an unusually high number of fatalities because motorcycles simply do not offer the same kind of protection that vehicles offer. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the incidence of motorcycle fatalities represent approximately 11 percent of all highway fatalities each year, while motorcycles only represent 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States.
This high fatality rate can be attributed to the fact that motorcycles are less bulky and therefore less visible than automobiles, and lack basic safety features like a roof, airbags, and seat belts.
Injuries associated with motorcycle accidents tend to be serious and they include brain injuries, disfigurement, fractured bones, spinal injuries, and oftentimes paralysis.
A wide variety of different factors can lead to motorcycle accidents. Bad weather, such as sleet, hail, snow, and rain, can cause motorcyclists to lose control of their vehicle. In addition, car drivers frequently fail to see motorcyclists, either due to a visual interference or simply because they are not looking out for motorcycles. Potholes, road debris, uneven pavement, and oil slicks are some of the common road hazards that are especially dangerous to motorcyclists. Also, motorcycle product defects, such as fuel tank leaks or fuel systems leaks, present an increased risk of a post-accident fire.
In Florida, those injured in any type of vehicle accident, including motorcycle accidents, may be able to recover medical costs from their own insurance carrier. Personal Injury Protection, also known as PIP, allows injured parties to recover reasonable and necessary medical costs, regardless of who caused the accident. Thus, even if you were to blame for a motorcycle accident, your own motorcycle insurance policy may be able to cover a limited amount of your medical costs.
The Law offices of Jorge L. Flores, P.A., can be of tremendous assistance, even if you just choose to make a claim against your own PIP insurance. Negotiating alone with your insurance company can be a costly and time consuming endeavor. Insurance companies are notorious for denying coverage to those who are not well acquainted with every detail of the insurance claims process. A strong advocate who knows Florida insurance law can help you recover the compensation available to you under the law.