How Can a Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney Assist Victims?
Even in the sunshine state of Florida, it rains. If you’ve ever ridden your motorcycle in the rain, you must be much more cautious. Heavy rain causes dangerous road conditions. Even after the rain stops falling, the road is sometimes still wet enough to cause road accidents.
If you’re a motorcyclist who was in a rainy road accident, you can still seek compensation. Contact a Florida motorcycle accident attorney to learn about your options.
How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Assists Victims of Rainy Road Accidents
While any type of accident is devastating, motorcycle accidents can end in more severe injuries. This is because you have much less protection on the road than someone driving a car. They have a vehicle to absorb some of the impact, while you only have protective gear.
A lawyer can help you pursue compensation for these injuries. By contacting a Florida motorcycle accident attorney, you’ll have someone to help you:
- Collect evidence
- Assess your case to determine recoverable damages
- Communicate and negotiate with insurance companies
- Seek compensation through a personal injury claim
- Pursue economic and non-economic damages
- File a wrongful death claim if a loved one died in the accident
Every motorcycle accident case is different. When you’re in a rainy road accident, you need an attorney who can account for bad weather as a factor in your accident without deeming it the sole cause.
How Bad Weather Leads to Accidents
Rainy weather doesn’t stop people from needing to reach their destinations. Rainy roads lead to more accidents, traffic, and general danger on the road. When it’s raining heavily, it impedes your vision as well as the vision of other motorcyclists and drivers of motor vehicles. You should always make yourself as visible as possible, especially when it’s raining.
Rain also causes road hazards like deep puddles and slippery roads that lead to vehicles hydroplaning. If a car hydroplanes, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle, it may hit you in the process. Similarly, if you lose control of your motorcycle, it can end in a motorcycle crash.
When you’re driving your motorcycle in the rain, be especially careful around cars making left turns. This is the most common maneuver that causes them to lose control of their car.
How to Determine Liability in Rainy Road Accidents
If you’re in a rainy road motorcycle accident, you might think that the weather alone is to blame and that you couldn’t qualify for compensation. This isn’t true. Plenty of people drive in the rain without being in an accident.
Often, the weather is just a factor in the accident. The other party could also be negligent. Additionally, the car or motorcycle manufacturer could be liable if either vehicle’s brakes fail in the rain. Another possible liable party could be the local municipality for failing to repair potholes or maintain safe road conditions.
To prove negligence in motorcycle accident cases, you must prove:
- That the party owed you a duty of care
- The party breached that duty of care
- That breach directly caused your accident
- You experienced injuries due to the accident
For example, if a driver was speeding in the rain and lost control of their car, you could argue their negligence led to the accident.
Are You a Victim of a Rainy Road Motorcycle Accident? Contact a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident that took place in the rain, you can pursue compensation for your injuries. A Florida motorcycle accident attorney from The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. will help you. We are passionate advocates for our clients. Contact us today at 239-500-5000.