Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Ormond Beach, FL

Ormond Beach is located on Florida’s Atlantic coast just a few miles north of Daytona Beach. The area attracts millions of tourists each year, many of whom turn out for nationally famous motorcycle events such as Bike Week and Biketoberfest.

Unfortunately, with all the motorcyclists on the road, motorcycle accidents occur frequently in Ormond Beach. Many accidents are caused by other drivers who overlook motorcycles in traffic or fail to yield the right of way when required.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Ormond Beach, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, property damage, and other losses. Contact Chiumento Law, PLLC today for a free consultation with an Ormond Beach motorcycle accident attorney. Find out how we can help you demand the money you’re owed.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Ormond Beach, Florida

The following crash statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) illustrate just how common serious motorcycle accidents are in Ormond Beach and throughout Florida:

• In a single recent year, there were 8,045 reported motorcycle accidents throughout the state of Florida More than 450 of those accidents occurred in Volusia County, which contains Ormond Beach.
• Statewide, motorcycle accidents resulted in 6,920 reported injuries and 552 fatalities, the highest number of motorcycle fatalities in any state that year.
• Of the 6,920 motorcycle injuries to occur statewide, 6 percent happened in Volusia County. And of the 552 reported fatalities to occur in Florida that year, 37 occurred in Volusia County.
• Statewide, approximately half of 517 fatally injured motorcycle riders and a fourth of the 35 fatally injured motorcycle passengers were reportedly wearing appropriate helmets at the time of the crash. In Florida, only motorcyclists under 21 are required to wear helmets in the Sunshine State.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Ormond Beach

If you ride a motorcycle in Ormond Beach, you are significantly more vulnerable to serious and fatal injuries in a collision than occupants of automobiles are. Because of this, it’s important to recognize the common causes of motorcycle accidents and know how to avoid them.

Among the common contributing factors in Ormond Beach motorcycle accidents are:

• Distracted driving – When drivers neglect to keep their full attention on the road, they are more likely to overlook the relatively narrow profile of nearby motorcyclists and drift or merge into them.
• Driving under the influence – Drivers who get behind the wheel intoxicated have impaired focus, reaction time, and depth perception. Intoxicated drivers are more likely to overlook motorcycles or misjudge their speed as they approach.
• Reckless driving – When motorists exceed posted speed limits, drive too fast for conditions, or follow too closely, they have less space and time to react and prevent devastating motorcycle accidents.
• Driver inexperience – Drivers who are inexperienced are more likely to commit errors that contribute to motorcycle accidents, such as failing to yield the right of way.
• Negligent turns – Many motorcycle accidents are the result of unsafe turns, especially left-hand turns. Turning left at an intersection requires a driver to look for vehicles approaching from several directions and cross multiple lanes. Drivers who fail to monitor their surroundings before making left-hand turns risk causing motorcycle accidents.
• Unsafe lane changes – Drivers who fail to check their blind spots or use their turn signals before changing lanes sometimes merge into nearby motorcyclists without warning.
• Defective vehicle parts – Vehicle components or systems that have design defects or manufacturing defects can fail on the road and contribute to motorcycle accidents.
• Poor road conditions – Poor road conditions such as road obstacles, inclement weather, potholed roads, or missing signage can contribute to motorcycle accidents.

How Are Damages Calculated After a Motorcycle Accident?

Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state. Automobile drivers are usually expected to file claims with their own insurance provider after sustaining injuries in an accident, no matter who was at fault. However, Florida’s no-fault insurance laws don’t apply to motorcycles.

Motorcyclists are required to have at least $10,000 in health insurance benefits, either from a dedicated motorcycle insurance policy or through their general health insurance policy. However, that is not likely to be enough to cover medical bills, repair costs, and lost wages from a serious accident.

This means if you are injured in a motorcycle accident in Ormond Beach, you may need to seek compensation from the at-fault driver. The amount of compensation you may seek can vary considerably based on:

• The type and severity of the injuries you sustained
• How long your injuries take to heal
• The amount of money you paid out-of-pocket as a result of your injuries
• Whether you were forced to miss work while you recovered
• Whether you suffered from any pre-existing condition before the wreck
• Whether you were partially liable for the crash
• Whether you will have permanent disabilities
• Whether you represent yourself or retain the services of an injury lawyer

How Much Is Your Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth in Florida?

Depending on the circumstances, you could be entitled to compensation for the following types of losses in a Florida motorcycle accident claim:

• Medical expenses associated with treating your crash-related injuries
• Out-of-pocket costs, such as mileage expenses for doctor’s appointments
• Lost wages from missed work due to your injuries
• Projected losses in your lifetime earning capacity if your injuries are permanent
• The intangible costs of the pain and suffering you endured due to your injuries
• The repair or replacement cost of your damaged motorcycle

What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Ormond Beach

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Ormond Beach, you can protect your legal rights and establish a strong foundation for an injury claim by:

• Seeking prompt medical attention to have your injuries diagnosed, treated, and added to your medical records
• Following your doctor’s care plan and attending all follow-up appointments
• Collecting evidence of the accident, including photos of the scene, contact information, insurance details from the other driver, and statements from witnesses
• Keeping track of medical bills, bank statements, pay stubs, and other accident-related documentation as proof of your financial losses
• Watching what you say to the other driver, the insurance company, or anyone else involved in the accident before your case is resolved
• Contacting a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer for reliable legal advice

Contact Our Ormond Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

Since 1973, the Ormond Beach personal injury attorneys of Chiumento Law, PLLC have advocated for the rights of injured Floridians and helped injured people seek the compensation they need to rebuild their lives after serious accidents that weren’t their fault. Contact us today to discuss your case for free with one of our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in Ormond Beach.