The sun-drenched streets of Hollywood, Florida, where palm trees sway and ocean breezes beckon, provide an idyllic environment for motorcycle riders. However, the busy highways and roads through the city also provide many opportunities for motorcycle accidents. These unfortunate incidents leave riders and their families grappling with the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of collisions on the open road.
You may file a personal injury claim if you or someone you love has been seriously injured or killed in a motorcycle accident.
The experienced Hollywood motorcycle accident lawyers at Kaiser Romanello are skilled at investigating motorcycle crashes to gather evidence to establish liability. We will work on your behalf to provide justice and compensation for those whose lives have been forever altered by these unforeseen and often devastating events. We will ensure that you are fairly represented in a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit resulting from a motorcycle accident.
Our office in the Hollywood, Florida, area serves clients throughout South Florida, including Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. Call us today at (844) 877-8679.
Why Choose Kaiser Romanello for Your Hollywood, Florida Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Choosing Kaiser Romanello for your Hollywood, Florida, motorcycle accident claim is a wise decision. Our dedicated team of experienced attorneys has a deep understanding of the local legal landscape and a proven track record of success in handling motorcycle accident cases. We bring legal experience and compassion to every case, recognizing accident victims’ unique challenges and hardships.
Our commitment to protecting your rights and seeking fair compensation is unwavering. With Kaiser Romanello, you’ll have a trusted partner by your side, working tirelessly to help you navigate the complexities of your motorcycle accident claim and striving to bring justice to those who have suffered due to the negligent actions of others.
With offices in South Florida near Hollywood, our attorneys are accessible to you throughout the litigation process and well-versed in the specific laws and regulations related to motorcycle accidents in Florida. Contact us today for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.
Our Hollywood, Florida, Office Location and Headquarters
Kaiser Romanello P.A. is located at 11555 Heron Bay Boulevard in Broward County, Florida, approximately 23 miles north of Miami and 42 miles south of Palm Beach. You can call us at (844) 877-8679 to meet with one of our personal injury attorneys to discuss your claim.
Hollywood, Florida, Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) records accident statistics on its Florida Crash Dashboard. The state saw 9,253 motorcycle crashes statewide, with 604 motorcycle fatalities. The Hollywood area saw 535 motorcycle crashes and 26 fatalities.
Nationwide, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 6,084 motorcycle crash fatalities in one recent year. This is the highest number of motorcycle crash deaths in a single year since NHTSA began collecting fatal motor vehicle crash data in 1975. These stats also mark a 21 percent increase since 2019. Motorcycle deaths accounted for 14 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths.
Hazards for Motorcycle Riders in Hollywood, Florida
The City of Hollywood, Florida, is a beachfront community in southeastern Broward County, midway between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. It is Broward County’s third-largest municipality, with roughly 153,000 residents.
The Hollywood area welcomes an average of 118 million visitors annually, with easy access to major cruise terminals and airports. So many residents and visitors make for busy roadways.
Some hazards motorcycle riders may encounter include:
- Traffic Congestion: The area’s high population and tourist traffic can lead to congested roads, making it essential for riders to navigate through traffic cautiously.
- Tourist Drivers: Hollywood attracts tourists, many of whom don’t know the local roads.
- Roadway Maintenance: Uneven road surfaces, potholes, and debris are common hazards, so stay alert and avoid obstacles.
- Inattentive Drivers: Distracted or inattentive drivers can pose a significant risk to motorcyclists.
- Aggressive Drivers: Aggressive driving, including tailgating and road rage, can injure motorcyclists.
- Wildlife: Florida’s wildlife, including alligators and deer, can occasionally stray onto the road, so keep an eye out, especially in more rural areas.
- Weather Variability: Florida’s weather can change rapidly, so riders should be prepared for sudden rain showers and strong winds, affecting visibility and road conditions. It is already easier for inattentive drivers to overlook motorcycles in traffic. Reduced visibility due to bad weather increases the risk of a negligent driver striking a motorcycle.
Share the Road Safely
Florida drivers have several responsibilities when sharing the road with motorcycles to ensure the safety of all road users:
- Awareness: Drivers must remain aware of their surroundings, including checking blind spots and mirrors for motorcycles. Motorcycles are less visible than larger vehicles.
- Respect for Space: Drivers should provide motorcyclists with adequate space and following distance. Tailgating can cause horrible motorcycle accidents.
- Avoid Distractions: Motorists should avoid texting, talking on the phone, or other activities that take their attention away from the road. Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents involving motorcycles.
- Use Turn Signals: Drivers should always use turn signals to indicate their intentions and signal well in advance to give riders time to react.
- Right of Way: Motorists should respect a motorcyclist’s right of way, just as they would for any other vehicle. Failure to yield can lead to accidents.
- No Lane Sharing: In Florida, drivers cannot share lanes with a motorcycle.
- Be Patient: Motorcycles may need extra time and space to maneuver, particularly in heavy traffic. Drivers should allow them to merge or change lanes safely.
- No Impairment: Nobody should drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as impaired driving poses a significant danger to all road users, including motorcyclists.
By following these responsibilities, Florida drivers can create a safer environment for motorcycles and reduce the risk of accidents.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle crashes can result in unique injuries specific to riding a motorcycle.
These injuries include:
- Road Rash: Road rash is an abrasion caused when a rider’s skin contacts the road surface during a crash. It can require significant medical attention.
- Biker’s Arm: Riders may instinctively extend their arms to break their fall in a fall or collision. This can lead to fractures, dislocations, and nerve damage in the arms, often called biker’s arm.
- Leg Injuries: Leg injuries are common due to the exposed nature of a motorcycle. These can include fractures, severe contusions, and knee or ankle damage.
- Foot and Ankle Injuries: The feet and ankles are vulnerable in a crash. Injuries can range from sprains and fractures to more severe damage, often requiring surgery and long-term treatment.
- Crush Injuries: The motorcycle or another vehicle can trap or crush riders’ legs during an accident, leading to complex injuries and the risk of compartment syndrome.
Compartment syndrome is a medical condition that can occur after a motorcycle accident or any other high-impact injury. This severe condition develops when pressure within a muscle compartment – a group of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves enclosed by a tough connective tissue called fascia – becomes excessively elevated. This increased pressure can restrict blood flow, leading to muscle and nerve damage.
- Burns: In accidents where the motorcycle catches fire, riders can suffer burns, which may be especially severe if the fuel tank ignites.
When such injuries occur in a motorcycle crash, they become significant factors in personal injury claims, requiring comprehensive medical treatment and compensation for the victim’s pain, suffering, and rehabilitation. Motorcycle accident victims should seek medical attention as soon as possible after a crash, even if their injuries seem minor at the time. Sometimes serious injuries do not readily appear. A medical record also provides evidence in your personal injury claim or a wrongful death lawsuit.
Why Should I Hire a Hollywood Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
A Hollywood, Florida, personal injury lawyer can file a personal injury or wrongful death claim after your motorcycle accident. Personal injury lawyers have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations specific to motorcycle accidents in Florida.
They can navigate the legal complexities for you.
- Investigation: Attorneys can thoroughly investigate the accident, collecting evidence, speaking to witnesses, and working with experts to determine liability.
- Determining Damages: They will assess the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term consequences. In the case of wrongful death, they will consider the financial and emotional losses suffered by the family.
- Negotiation: Personal injury lawyers are skilled negotiators. They can negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Litigation: If negotiations don’t lead to a fair outcome, lawyers can represent you in court, presenting your case to a judge and jury.
- Moral Support: They provide compassionate support during a challenging time, offering guidance and ensuring you understand your options and rights.
- Filing the Claim: Attorneys handle the administrative aspects of filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim, submitting all paperwork correctly and on time. Florida’s statute of limitations for a personal injury or wrongful death claim is typically two years. If you don’t file your claim within the required timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
- Maximizing Compensation: Their goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible, helping you and your family recover and move forward.
A personal injury lawyer in Hollywood, Florida, acts as your advocate, ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve after a motorcycle accident.
Establishing Liability for a Motorcycle Accident
Determining liability in a motorcycle accident involves a careful examination of the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident:
- Police Report: The first piece of evidence often considered is the police report filed at the scene. This report may contain information about the parties involved, witness statements, and the officer’s assessment of the accident.
- Eyewitness Accounts: Statements from witnesses who observed the accident can provide crucial information about what happened and who may be at fault.
- Evidence at the Scene: Physical evidence, such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and the position of vehicles at the scene, can help reconstruct the accident and determine liability.
- Traffic Laws: Traffic laws and regulations play a significant role in establishing liability. If one party violated traffic laws (for example, running a red light or failing to yield), it can be a strong indicator of fault.
- Expert Opinions: Accident reconstruction experts may provide professional assessments of how the accident occurred and who you can hold liable.
- Statements from Parties Involved: Statements made by the parties involved in the accident can establish liability. However, make these statements with caution and consideration of legal consequences.
- Surveillance Footage: If available, surveillance cameras or dashcam footage from nearby vehicles can provide valuable evidence.
- Maintenance and Vehicle Inspections: The condition of the motorcycles and vehicles involved, including factors like brake functionality and tire condition, can help determine liability.
- Driver Behavior: BDistracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence can indicate blame.
- Environmental Factors: Weather, road conditions, and visibility can also play a role in liability determination.
- Comparative Fault: In some cases, both parties involved may share fault. Many states, including Florida, follow a comparative fault system, which apportions liability based on the degree of fault for each party. Your lawyer can advise how these laws apply to your claim.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Another Motor Vehicle Operator: The most common scenario is when the driver of another vehicle is at fault, such as a car, truck, or even another motorcycle, due to reckless driving, running a red light, or failing to yield.
- Motorcycle Manufacturer: If a mechanical defect or malfunction in the motorcycle caused the accident, you can hold the manufacturer or distributor liable for a product liability claim.
- Government Entities: Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or other road-related issues can lead to accidents. In such cases, you can hold government entities responsible for road maintenance liable.
- Construction Companies: In some cases, you can hold construction companies working on or near the road liable if their activities caused or contributed to the accident.
- Third Parties: Other third parties, such as cargo loaders or maintenance companies, may have played a role in the accident.
Determining liability in a motorcycle accident may involve a thorough investigation. Consult a personal injury attorney who can assess the details of your case and identify the responsible parties.
Contact Kaiser Romanello Today
When the unexpected happens, and you find yourself injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to navigate this challenging journey alone.
Our team at Kaiser Romanello P.A. is here to guide you through the next steps. With experience in handling motorcycle accident cases in Hollywood, Florida, we understand your unique challenges. Our compassionate and dedicated attorneys are ready to provide the legal support and guidance you need to pursue justice and fair compensation.
We make your recovery our priority, and we’ll work tirelessly to protect your rights, handle the complexities of your case, and ensure that you receive the care and compensation you deserve.
You’re not alone in this. Contact us today to start your journey toward healing and justice. Call us at (844) 877-8679 or fill out the contact form on our website for your free consultation.
