What Happens if You Hit a Motorcycle?

More and more people are choosing motorcycles as a way of traveling. Although riding a motorcycle might give you a rush of adrenaline, these types of vehicles tend to be unsafe for the riders. They are less visible and less stable than a car. As a consequence, motorcyclists sustain extensive injuries that imply a painful recovery.

A motorcycle accident lawyer knows that being hit by a four-wheeled vehicle can create a problematic legal situation. Motorcycle drivers do not have the necessary protection in case an accident occurs. They can sustain significant property damage and extensive injuries, and you might be responsible for their compensation. 

If you collide with a motorcycle, you must contact the authorities immediately. The driver might be in urgent need of medical attention. Leaving an accident victim attended is a criminal offense punished by law with fines and jail time. The following points will help you understand the legal implications of hitting a motorcycle.

Common Motorcycle Injuries

Motorcycles do not offer the same protection a car does. In case of a collision with a car, the motorcyclist can suffer extensive injuries that need emergency care. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most common injuries affect the lower extremities. While head trauma and chest injuries tend to be more severe, most motorcyclists sustain bone fractures in their legs.

If you hit a motorcycle driver, they might sue you for compensation. You might need to cover treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal injuries, whiplash, broken ribs, internal bleeding, or organ damage. These are just a few possible injuries that frequently occur during motorcycle accidents. You need solid legal representation to help you minimize your liability for the damages. 

Insurance Policy and Potential Lawsuits

As a no-fault state, in Florida, all vehicle drivers must have personal injury protection coverage and seek compensation through their insurance company. An insurance company will cover medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain point. Despite this coverage, insurers cap the amount you can receive as compensation. 

Suppose the motorcyclist wants compensation for pain and suffering or additional medical costs. In that case, they might choose to file a lawsuit against you. To protect yourself, you need to hire a qualified lawyer to guide you through this process. You must not provide any recorded or written statements admitting liability. 

Hire an Attorney to Represent Your Case

If you are responsible for hitting a motorcyclist, you must contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You might receive calls from the other’s party insurance company which tries to obtain incriminatory statements. If you receive such calls, provide them with your lawyer’s contact information and do not give any statements. 

Having an attorney dealing with all communications with the insurance companies and other parties will ensure they can not use your words against you. A knowledgeable lawyer will investigate the circumstances of the accident to ensure that no other conditions contributed to the accident. For example, the motorcyclist might have been driving recklessly. 

Road hazards and weather conditions can be essential factors in your case. Poor visibility or unmaintained roads can lead to unfortunate accidents. On the other hand, your car might have sustained an unpredictable mechanical failure that leads to the crash. Seeking legal advice from an attorney will help you go through this challenging situation.

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