Broadside Motorcycle Collisions in Cape Coral

Motorcyclists on the road are at risk of serious harm if they get into a broadside accident. This is partly because motorcycles lack the structural protection of a typical car.

If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a broadside collision, it is important to seek the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer who can provide vigorous and knowledgeable legal advocacy to assert your rights. We have helped numerous victims pursue the compensation that they deserve for their harm.

What is a Broadside Collision?

Broadside collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, take place when the side of one vehicle is hit by the front or rear of another vehicle, causing the two vehicles to form a "T" shape. They are particularly common at intersections. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 3,000 passenger vehicles were involved in fatal side-impact crashes in 2011. In some previous years, such as 2005, Florida has led the nation in broadside accidents.

Proving Negligence

When it can be shown that the carelessness of a certain driver or drivers caused a motorcycle crash, an injured rider will have a legal right to seek compensation through a negligence claim. Negligence occurs when an individual fails to exercise the level of care that a prudent person would in the same or similar circumstances and causes harm to another person because of that lapse.

For example, if a driver runs a stop sign and causes a T-bone accident, that driver will likely be liable for any resulting harm to the motorcyclist. This is because a prudent driver would not have run a stop sign, understanding that it is important to obey traffic rules and respect the safety of others on the road. Establishing liability also will depend on proving that the defendant's unreasonable actions caused the victim's injuries.

Damages for Motorcycle Accidents

The types and amount of compensation in a personal injury case will vary based on the specific circumstances. However, compensation commonly covers present and future medical expenses, property damage, lost income and benefits, pain and suffering, and any other costs stemming from the crash.

If you lost a loved one in a broadside accident, you may be able to seek compensation for the victim's medical bills, burial costs, and funeral costs, as well as your own loss of companionship.

Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents

Florida has a time limit within which a motorcycle accident claim must be filed, known as the statute of limitations. A personal injury case must be filed within 4 years of the accident, while a wrongful death claim must be filed within 2 years of the death.

Our Legal Team

The motorcycle accident attorneys at Lusk, Drasites, & Tolisano can help you evaluate your options and protect your rights if you have been hurt in a broadside collision. These crashes often force victims to deal with daunting injuries that can be painful, stressful, and extremely costly to treat. With years of experience, we understand the nuances of this area of law and can put our knowledge to use in your case.

Our motorcycle accident attorneys serve victims and their families near Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Naples. To request your free legal consultation with one of our Florida motorcycle accident lawyers, call us toll-free at (239) 908-4930.