Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Bradenton

The beautiful city of Bradenton, Florida, is home to more than 55,000 residents and sits near the Gulf Coast. The community provides residents and visitors with many idyllic locations. Because of this, Bradenton is an excellent place to enjoy a leisurely motorcycle ride. But whether you use a motorcycle for your commute or only for enjoyment, safety is critical. 

After all, riding a motorcycle is inherently risky. Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles lack certain protective features that can minimize injuries during accidents. 

If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle crash, Bradenton personal injury lawyers can help. After a motorcycle crash, Bradenton victims often experience skyrocketing financial costs and lost income. The skilled legal team at Morgan & Morgan will assist you in pursuing the financial compensation to which you are rightfully entitled. 

While some motorcycle accidents are unavoidable, many are the result of someone's negligent or careless behavior. In these instances, the victim may be owed financial repayment from the at-fault party. If this has happened to you, Morgan and Morgan will review your situation to help you obtain justice. 

To begin filing a legal claim, complete the easy-to-use form on the Morgan and Morgan website. Our staff will happily schedule a no-cost case evaluation for you.

Common Injuries From Motorcycle Crashes in Bradenton

Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. Some crashes may cause only minor cuts and bruises, while others may result in life-threatening injuries. 

No matter the extent of the damage caused by your motorcycle crash, Bradenton injury attorneys at Morgan & Morgan can help. Our lawyers have a thorough knowledge of the processes by which victims find justice. 

Some of the most common injuries that result from motorcycle crashes are:

Head Injuries

Head injuries are incredibly serious and require immediate medical attention. These injuries can range from concussions to skull fractures. Motorcycle helmets can help reduce the probability of a severe head injury following an accident, but they are no guarantee that you will not suffer a head injury.

Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most serious possible consequences of a head injury. Damage to the brain can result in physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. 

Physical symptoms of TBI can include: 

• Headaches
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Loss of consciousness
• Difficulty sleeping 

Cognitive symptoms of TBI can include: 

• Confusion or disorientation
• Memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
• Impaired judgment or decision-making 

Emotional and behavioral symptoms of TBI can include: 

• Irritability or mood swings
• Depression or anxiety
• Personality changes
• Lack of empathy or understanding of others' emotions 

The signs and symptoms of TBI may not be immediately apparent after a motorcycle crash. If you have experienced a head injury or TBI, seek medical attention.

Neck Injuries

One of the most typical neck injuries following motorcycle accidents is whiplash. This type of injury involves damage caused by a sudden and forceful back-and-forth movement of the head and neck. 

Whiplash can cause pain, stiffness, headaches, and a limited range of motion in the neck. Neck injuries sometimes require ongoing medical care and treatment, costing victims large sums of money.

Road Rash

Road rash is a type of skin injury that occurs when a rider's skin slides along the pavement. This type of common motorcycle accident injury can cause abrasions, bruising, deep scrapes, and lacerations.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Motorcycle crashes can cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other bones. During a motorcycle crash in Bradenton, victims may collide forcefully with the asphalt. This is because motorcycles do not have the same range of safety features as passenger cars and trucks. 

Soft Tissue Damage

Typical soft tissue injuries caused by motorcycle crashes include:

• Sprains and strains
• Damage to muscle tissue
• Injured tendons and ligaments 

Soft tissue damage can be incredibly painful for victims of motorcycle accidents. Make sure to contact a skilled legal professional to recover financially from your soft tissue damage as quickly as possible. 

Internal Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can cause internal bleeding. They may also damage organs such as the liver or spleen. Some other common internal injuries from motorcycle accidents are: 

• Brain hemorrhages
• Lung contusions
• Ruptured spleen or liver
• Abdominal aneurysms
• Rib breaks or fractures 

Internal injuries can even be fatal in some instances. As such, they require immediate medical attention.  

You should always seek medical care after a motorcycle collision, even if there are no visible injuries. Some types of physical damage may not be immediately apparent, and delaying treatment can lead to severe health complications.

Why Are Motorcycle Crashes So Dangerous?

Motorcycle accidents are typically more dangerous than other types of vehicle collisions for many reasons—the combination of speed, lack of safety features, and the inherent instability of a two-wheeled vehicle make motorcycles dangerous.  

Because of a motorcycle crash, Bradenton accident victims may sustain serious injuries and damage. Some of the reasons that motorcycle collisions are so hazardous include:

Lack of Protection

Unlike other passenger vehicles, motorcycles provide little to no protection for the rider. In a crash, the rider is vulnerable to the full force of the impact. Motorcyclists cannot rely on the safety features of airbags, seat belts, or the protective structure of a car to mitigate the impact. This can result in serious injuries or death.

High Speeds 

Motorcycles are often driven at higher speeds. The use of high speed makes accidents more likely to result in severe injuries or death. Even minor collisions at high speeds can result in life-changing injuries.

Instability

Motorcycles are intrinsically less stable than other vehicles because they have only two wheels. A motorcycle’s instability makes it more difficult to maneuver accurately in emergency situations. When riders lose control, accidents and severe injuries become likely.

Visibility

Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other cars and trucks on the road. Because of this, other drivers often do not notice motorcyclists in their vicinity. This can lead to crashes if other drivers fail to appropriately yield, merge, or turn safely.

Road Hazards

Motorcycle riders are more vulnerable to hazards on the road. Common examples include: 

• Potholes
• Loose gravel
• Asphalt fractures
• Debris  

These hazards can cause riders to lose control and crash. Losing control because of a road hazard may result in severe or fatal injuries.

Rider Error

In many motorcycle accidents, rider error is a contributing factor. Rider errors include things like speeding, driving under the influence of a controlled substance, not wearing protective gear, or failing to take safety precautions. 

However, other drivers on the road are also potentially liable if they engage in dangerous maneuvers. Speak with one of the Morgan and Morgan attorneys in Bradenton, FL, to determine which parties are liable in your motorcycle crash claim.

Weather Conditions

Inclement weather conditions can make riding a motorcycle more difficult and increase the risk of accidents. While Florida provides riders with plenty of beautiful weather, rain and wind can present a hazard. Wet roads can reduce traction, making it harder to control the motorcycle. 

To reduce the risks of motorcycle accidents, riders can take several precautions.  Motorcyclists should wear protective gear, including helmets, jackets, and boots. 

Riders should also always obey traffic laws, do their best to stay visible to other drivers, and avoid distractions while riding.  

Other drivers have a duty to remain aware of motorcycles on the road and give riders plenty of space to maneuver. If you have suffered an injury following a motorcycle crash, Bradenton tort attorneys at Morgan and Morgan can help. Do not allow a negligent party to leave you with the financial and personal losses resulting from your motorcycle accident.