Hialeah Gardens, FL — Crash Sends Motorcyclist to Trauma Center

Hialeah Gardens, FL (November 19th, 2024) – A motorcycle accident near the intersection of Okeechobee Road and Northwest 116th Way left one person with traumatic injuries on Tuesday morning. 

The motorcyclist was airlifted to a local trauma center; however, no further details have been reported regarding their injuries or condition. The motorcycle accident was reported just before 6 a.m.

What Rights Do Florida Motorcycle Accident Victims Have?

Motorcycle accident victims have the right to seek compensation from negligent parties to cover their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will ensure the victim’s rights are protected, and guide injured parties through the claims process to hold the other driver, the motorcycle manufacturer, or road maintenance crews financially responsible for the losses their negligent actions caused.

Proving Negligence in Florida Motorcycle Accident Cases

Proving negligence is key to securing compensation in motorcycle accident cases. To this end, victims and their legal representatives must establish the four elements of negligence – duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.

Duty of Care

Known as a duty of care, all drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles responsibly to avoid harming others. To this end, they are expected to obey all traffic signals and laws, and to avoid distractions.

Breach of Duty

A breach of duty occurs when a driver fails to act responsibly while behind the wheel. For example, speeding, texting, or driving under the influence may be considered breaches of their duty of care. As such, drivers who behave in such manners may be liable for accidents and the resulting injuries.

Causation

A breach of their duty of care alone is not enough to entitle motorcycle accident victims to damages from another driver or at-fault party. The at-fault party’s breach must have directly caused their injuries. Victims may prove causation by presenting evidence such as video footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction reports.

Damages

To recover compensation in a motorcycle accident case, those injured must also show they suffered damages as a result of the crash. They may submit medical bills, employment earnings statements, and other such documentation to help establish their resulting economic and non-economic losses.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

On the roads in Florida and elsewhere, motorcyclists face unique hazards on the road that can lead to serious accidents. While some collisions are unavoidable, many result from specific circumstances that, with awareness and proper precautions, could be prevented. Some of the most common of these include:

Driver Error

One of the most significant factors contributing to motorcycle accidents is driver error. Such negligence may include distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, or failing to yield. 

Using cell phones, adjusting the radio, or simply not paying attention to the road can lead to accident. So too can alcohol or drug use, as they may cause impaired judgment, slowed reaction times, or reduced coordination, among other impairments. 

Visibility Issues

Visibility issues play a role in many motorcycle accidents. Due to their smaller size, motorcycles can be easily overlooked by car drivers. 

Vehicle Malfunction

Mechanical issues can also contribute to motorcycle accidents. A Clearwater defective products lawyer may help those injured in such collisions determine if factors such as tire or brake failure might have played a part in causing their wrecks.

Road Hazards

Some motorcycle accidents occur due to adverse road conditions. Poor road conditions, including potholes, debris, or uneven surfaces, can cause motorcycle instability. Reduced visibility, lane shifts, unexpected obstacles, and other hazards that motorcyclists may encounter in construction zones can increase the risk of collisions.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can result in devastating injuries due to the inherent vulnerability of riders on the road. Unlike passengers enclosed in vehicles, motorcyclists lack protective barriers, making them significantly more susceptible to serious harm. Some of the most common injuries resulting from crashes involving motorcycles include:

Head Trauma

Traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures are common injuries for motorcyclists who are involved in accidents on the road. Riders may incur such injuries even if they are wearing helmets. Head trauma may cause temporary or permanent effects, such as cognitive impairments, emotional disturbances, and physical disabilities.

Spinal Cord Damage

Contact with the other involved vehicles or getting thrown from their vehicles can result in spinal cord damage. Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired body functions. 

Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries

Bone fractures and orthopedic injuries commonly result from motorcycle accidents in Florida, and elsewhere. Broken bones, especially in the limbs, can require surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery time. Muscle, ligament, and other orthopedic injuries can limit mobility and cause chronic pain.

How Do Motorcycle Accidents Impact Victims?

Those injured in motorcycle accidents may face various short- and long-term effects. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of such injuries can be significant, and may include:

Lost Wages

Extended recovery periods, medical treatments, and physical limitations can prevent people from working after motorcycle accidents. For many, this result in lost income, causing undue financial hardships.

Medical Expenses

Depending on the type and severity of their injuries, those involved in motorcycle crashes may need emergent and ongoing medical treatment. The costs of such care can be substantial.

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain, emotional, distress, and psychological trauma are common effects of motorcycle accidents, and their injuries. Pain and suffering can significantly impact the lives and relationships of those who have been injured in motorcycle collisions. 

Reduced Quality of Life

Injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents are often serious, and many can lead to permanent disabilities. Limitations on their ability to engage in daily activities, hobbies, and social interactions can substantially reduce motorcycle accident victims’ quality of life.

With more than 30 years of legal experience, our attorney at Magazine & Light Law Group, Jim Magazine, understands the physical, emotional, and financial burden that motorcycle accidents can have on victims and their families. We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients like you. To discuss your options for pursuing the compensation you deserve, contact us today at 727-499-9900.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association