Hurt in a Car Accident or
Motorcycle Crash? Lost a Loved
One in a Wrongful Death?
Citrus County Motorcycle Accident Victim
352-726-0078
Crystal River – Inverness Motorcycle Injury and Wrongful Death Lawyers
Riding a motorcycle in Florida is so much more than a mode of transportation; it is a lifestyle. Riders want their freedom on the open road, but sadly this comes with added risks. Bikers have a much higher risk of serious injury or death when compared to other motorists sharing the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) places bikers at a risk of 27 times that of occupants of passenger vehicles for suffering a fatality in an accident. Likewise, motorcyclists are also five times more likely to suffer serious injuries than other drivers.
At Whittel & Melton, we know just how devastating a motorcycle accident can be to victims and their families. While we cannot undo what has already been done, we do pride ourselves on being able to hold the at-fault party responsible for their actions and represent victims in their motorcycle accident personal injury or wrongful death claims. We are here to handle all the important details of your lawsuit so that you and your loved ones can heal or grieve accordingly. Regardless of the situation, you have our guarantee that we will pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Handling Motorcycle Accidents in Crystal River and Inverness
In most motorcycle accidents, the fault lies with the drivers of passenger vehicles. Most commonly, drivers fail to see motorcyclists when traveling through intersections, merging, changing lanes, or turning. Intersection accidents where a driver is executing a left-hand turn and fails to see a biker who has the right-of-way account for nearly two-thirds of all motorcycle accidents. There are numerous other acts of driver negligence that can lead to a serious motorcycle crash, such as drunk or drugged driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and speeding.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Citrus County
Bikers and their passengers can file a personal injury claim to recover damages in a motorcycle collision with another vehicle(s). Due to the fact that motorcycles offer less protection to bikers and passengers than the shell of a vehicle, they are more likely to suffer serious injuries or even death, even if they were wearing a helmet and taking all the correct safety precautions at the time of the accident. Motorcyclists are prone to suffer from broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord trauma, disfigurement and scarring after a motorcycle crash. Victims can pursue financial compensation for the costs of medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident.
Even if you are found to be partially to blame for a motorcycle accident in Inverness or Crystal River, Florida laws do not bar you from seeking financial compensation for your suffering. Florida is a comparative negligence state, which means that the blame for an accident will be distributed among all of the responsible parties. When it comes to partial fault, the court will assess the percentage each party is accountable for, and reduce the total financial award by this amount. For example, if the court determines the total damages for the accident are $100,000, and the driver of a passenger vehicle holds 80% of the fault and the motorcyclist holds 20% of the fault, then the biker would recover $80,000 in damages.
What Happens to My Case If I Was Speeding?
The NHTSA has reported that 32% of deadly motorcycle crashes in 2017 involved a speeding driver. The number of fatal passenger vehicle crashes related to speeding in 2017 was 18%, 14% for light-truck drivers, and 7% for large-truck drivers. With that said, speeding definitely does not help your case, but it does not mean your claim to compensation is barred. As we mentioned previously, the court will determine how much your speed contributed to the accident, which will determine the amount of damages you can recover.
Contact Us in Crystal River or Inverness Today
Motorcyclists often suffer very serious injuries in the event of an accident. The medical bills can quickly pile up and prolonged time off from work to recover can lead to money troubles. Our Citrus County Motorcycle Accident Victim Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can determine the monetary amount of damages for your claim and work to achieve the maximum recovery on your behalf. We are committed to protecting your interests and urge you to contact us today for a free consultation. You can call us 24/7 at or contact us online.
About Crystal River
Citrus County is a popular outdoor destination as nature, kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling are enjoyed activities. Crystal River is home to beautiful attractions like Crystal River and Homosassa Springs, where swimming and snorkeling with the manatees is a favorite of both visitors to the area and those that call Citrus County home.