Known for its bustling roadways and high levels of tourist traffic, Orlando presents unique challenges for motorcyclists navigating its busy streets and highways. Whether it's a collision on I-4, an accident at a busy intersection like Colonial Drive, or a crash along one of Orlando's scenic routes, the aftermath can be overwhelming.
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable in accidents due to the lack of protection that a car provides. These often result in severe injuries that require extensive medical care and recovery time. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Orlando, understanding your rights and the steps to take after the incident can make a critical difference.
At Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys, we have helped countless individuals in situations just like yours navigate the legal process and seek the compensation they deserve. We are here to listen to your story, provide guidance, and fight for your rights. Don't face this difficult time alone. Contact Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys today, and let us help you get back on the road to recovery.
Why Choose Miller and Jacobs Accident Attorneys
When it comes to finding a lawyer to represent you in your motorcycle accident case, it's important to choose a firm with extensive experience, trust, dedication, and a track record of delivering results. At Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys, we have over 50 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients and have established a reputation for our commitment to excellence, integrity, and client satisfaction.
What sets us apart is our focus on making our clients feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire case process. We understand that dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. That's why we take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you through each step of the legal process. With our compassion and personalized approach, you can trust that we will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
For your convenience, our Orlando office is located west of the Florida Turnpike and north of Vineland Road.
What is Your Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
Determining the value of a motorcycle accident case requires a comprehensive analysis of numerous factors, as every case is unique. While the severity of your injuries, their long-term impact, and the degree of negligence by the other party play pivotal roles, there are additional considerations that can significantly influence the value of your claim. This is where the invovlement of an Orlando motorcycle accident attorney becomes invaluable.
Economic damages are typically straightforward to calculate. These include the cost of past and future medical care, lost income due to your inability to work, and property damage to your motorcycle and other belongings. However, many victims underestimate the potential for ongoing medical expenses, such as physical therapy, surgeries, or assistive devices, which can accumulate over time.
Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and the loss of enjoyment of life, are more challenging to quantify. These damages reflect the profound personal toll the accident has taken on your life. For example, if your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, enjoying time with family, or pursuing career goals, these losses deserve compensation.
In some cases, punitive damages may also apply if the at-fault party's behavior was particularly reckless or malicious, such as driving under the influence. Consulting with a skilled attorney ensures all these factors are accounted for, maximizing the compensation you deserve and helping you move forward after the accident.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Orlando
Motorcycle accidents in Orlando occur due to various factors, often involving a combination of human error, environmental conditions, and mechanical issues. Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Orlando:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents in Orlando. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, adjusting their GPS, or engaging in other distractions often fail to notice motorcyclists on the road. Due to their smaller size, motorcycles are more difficult to spot, and a momentary lapse in attention can have devastating consequences.
Failure to Yield
Many accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists, particularly at intersections. Whether due to misjudgment of the motorcycle's speed or outright negligence, failing to yield often results in serious collisions.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, or road rage incidents can lead to accidents involving motorcyclists. These behaviors often escalate quickly and leave little room for error, increasing the chances of severe collisions.
Speeding
Excessive speed significantly increases the likelihood and severity of accidents. High speeds reduce reaction times and make it difficult for motorcyclists and drivers to avoid collisions. Speeding is particularly dangerous in areas with heavy traffic or frequent intersections, which are common in Orlando.
Left-Turn Collisions
Left-turn accidents are among the most frequent types of motorcycle accidents. These occur when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, often because the driver did not see the motorcyclist or miscalculated their speed.
Driving Under the Influence
Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs is a significant contributor to motorcycle accidents. Drivers under the influence have reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and difficulty maintaining proper lane discipline, making the roads more dangerous for motorcyclists.
Road Hazards
Orlando's roadways, including areas near tourist destinations like International Drive or Lake Buena Vista, often present hazards such as potholes, uneven pavement, debris, and poor signage. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to these hazards due to the smaller size and less stable nature of their vehicles.
Weather Conditions
Florida's unpredictable weather, including sudden rainstorms, creates slippery roads and reduces visibility, increasing the risk of accidents. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to wet or slick conditions, which can lead to loss of control.
When you hire our team of Orlando motorcycle accident lawyers, we will investigate exactly how your accident occurred and who is responsible for your injuries.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe and life-altering injuries. Due to the lack of protection that motorcycles provide compared to other vehicles, riders are more vulnerable to serious injuries. Some common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries can range from concussions to debilitating brain damage, depending on the impact and severity of the accident.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Motorcycle accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, leading to partial or complete paralysis and a lifetime of medical treatments and rehabilitation.
- Broken Bones: Fractures and broken bones are common in motorcycle accidents, often requiring surgeries and lengthy recovery periods.
- Road Rash: When a rider is ejected from their motorcycle, their skin can be severely scraped against the pavement, resulting in painful road rash injuries.
- Internal Injuries: The force of impact in a motorcycle accident can cause serious internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding.
Be sure to seek immediate medical attention after a motorcycle accident, even if you don't think you have any visible injuries. Some injuries may not manifest immediately and can worsen over time if left untreated. Prompt medical care protects your health and strengthens your personal injury claim.
Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur in Orlando?
Motorcycle accidents can occur throughout Orlando, but certain areas pose a higher risk due to heavy traffic, complex roadways, and driver behavior. Busy intersections like Colonial Drive (State Road 50) at Orange Avenue and Semoran Boulevard (State Road 436) are common accident hotspots where visibility and driver attentiveness are critical. Additionally, International Drive, a major tourist corridor, sees frequent collisions due to distracted drivers and heavy pedestrian activity.
Construction zones, particularly along the ever-evolving I-4 Ultimate Project or areas near Kirkman Road, present added hazards for motorcyclists with changing lanes, uneven pavement, and reduced visibility. High-speed roadways such as I-4, the 408 Expressway, and the 417 Greenway also increase the likelihood of severe motorcycle accidents, as higher speeds amplify the impact during collisions.
Orlando's scenic routes, such as those near Lake Underhill or around Lake Eola, may have winding paths or sharp curves that can challenge motorcyclists and leave little room for error. Even parking lots at popular destinations like Mall at Millenia or Orlando International Premium Outlets can be risky, with drivers often failing to spot motorcyclists in their blind spots or while reversing.
No matter where your motorcycle accident occurred, you can count on our Orlando motorcycle accident lawyers to be there for you. We will take care of your claim from beginning to end so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Dealing with the Insurance Company After Sustaining Motorcycle Accident Injuries
After sustaining injuries in a motorcycle accident, you will likely need to deal with the insurance company to seek compensation for your damages. However, it's essential to be aware that insurance companies may employ various tactics to minimize the amount they have to pay out. That's why having an experienced Orlando motorcycle accident attorney from our firm on your side is in your best interest.
Common insurance company tactics include:
- Denying or Delaying Claims: Insurance companies may try to deny or delay your claim in hopes that you will give up or settle for a lower amount.
- Offering Low Settlements: Insurance adjusters may offer low settlement amounts that do not reflect the true value of your injuries and damages.
- Blaming the Victim: Insurance companies may try to shift blame onto the injured party to minimize their liability.
- Using Recorded Statements Against You: Insurance adjusters may attempt to get you to make statements that can be used against you later to undermine your claim.
By hiring a skilled Orland motorcycle accident attorney from our firm, you can level the playing field and ensure that your rights are protected. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, gather evidence to support your claim, and fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Steps to Take After Being Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
If you have suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident in Orlando, there are several essential steps you should take to protect your rights and strengthen your personal injury claim. These steps include:
Seek Medical Care
Your health and well-being should be the top priority. Seek immediate medical attention, even if you don't think your injuries are severe. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delaying medical care can worsen your condition. Continue to follow your doctor's instructions and continue to seek any recommended medical care or treatments. This helps you recover physically and strengthens your claim by documenting your injuries and ongoing treatment.
Preserve Evidence
Take pictures of your injuries and any property damage. Keep detailed records of all medical bills, receipts for expenses related to your injuries, and any other documentation that can support your claim.
Obtain a Copy of the Accident Report
Contact the local law enforcement agency that responded to the accident and request a copy of the accident report. Give this report to your Orlando motorcycle accident attorney, as it will provide valuable evidence for your claim.
Be Aware of the Florida Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
In Florida, there is generally a two-year statute of limitations that applies to personal injury claims. It's important to be aware of the deadline for filing your claim, as failing to do so within the designated time frame can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.
Hire an Orlando Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Consulting with a knowledgeable Orlando motorcycle accident attorney ensures your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you deserve. Your attorney can handle all legal aspects of your case, including filing the necessary paperwork, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing your interests in court if necessary.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact a Seasoned Orlando Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys Today
If you have suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident in Orlando, don't wait another day to seek the legal representation you need. Contact the skilled Orlando motorcycle accident lawyers at Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys today. With our experience, dedication, and commitment to client satisfaction, we will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call us now at (877) 848-5297 for a free and confidential consultation. Let us be your trusted advocate during this difficult time. Remember, with our contingency fee arrangements, we don't get paid unless you do, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by contacting us. Take the first step towards getting back on the road to recovery by contacting Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys today.