Jacksonville, FL Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Serving Jacksonville and Nearby Areas of Florida

Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Jacksonville

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle wrecks in Jacksonville include:

Failure to Yield

Failing to yield is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It most often occurs when the driver of a larger vehicle is turning left. Failure to yield may be due to a lack of motorcycle visibility but often results from another driver’s miscalculation of a motorcycle’s speed and distance.

Distracted Driving

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), distraction plays a direct role in one of every seven motor vehicle accidents. Distraction involves texting, talking on the phone, adjusting in-car controls, and anything else that takes your eyes, hands, or mind off the task of driving.

Speeding

Excessive speed plays a role in more than 30% of fatal motorcycle accidents nationally. Speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to road conditions, obstacles, and sudden stops, increasing the risk of a high-velocity collision.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs—including some OTC medications—is one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road. Impaired drivers have slow reaction times, diminished awareness, and poor judgment. The FLHSMV reports there are thousands of impaired-driving crashes in Florida every year.

Road Hazards

Uneven road surfaces, potholes, debris, and poorly marked construction zones can be deadly for bikers. In rural areas of Florida, where maintenance is less frequent, these issues are even more serious. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), road hazards, along with mechanical problems and weather, account for around 10% of motorcycle accidents.

Reach Out to a Jacksonville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Motorcycle accidents are often the result of preventable causes, many of which stem from the negligence of other drivers. Tragically, this negligence can lead to severe and life-long consequences for bikers. If another party’s negligence—such as distracted driving, speeding, or failure to maintain roadways—caused your wreck, our Jacksonville motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help. We will conduct a thorough investigation into your crash to determine its exact cause and hold the parties responsible to full account for all your damages.

Contact Us to Get Real Justice!

888-902-5867

Send a Message

What Are the Most Common Jacksonville Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable on the road. Lacking the protection of an enclosed vehicle—such as airbags, seatbelts, and vehicle frames—riders face a heightened risk of catastrophic injuries when involved in a crash.

Some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle wrecks include:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). TBI is among the most common motorcycle accident injuries. Even when a helmet is worn, riders can sustain serious head trauma when thrown from a bike, leading to long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, emotional struggles, and other difficulties.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and Paralysis. SCI can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury. SCI can limit mobility, cause systemic failures, and increase the risk of death. Lifelong medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices are often needed to deal with these injuries.
• Fractured and Broken Bones. Fractures are almost inevitable in motorcycle accidents, especially to the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries can occur when a motorcyclist braces for impact or is struck by another vehicle. They can require surgical intervention, physical therapy, and several months of recovery time.
• Internal Injuries and Organ Damage. Damage to the liver, spleen, lungs, and other vital organs is common in motorcycle crashes. Internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent, making it essential to seek medical assistance after even a seemingly minor accident. Untreated internal injuries can be fatal.
• Road Rash and Skin Abrasions. While these may seem minor next to TBI or paralysis, road rash and skin abrasions can lead to painful infections, scarring, and disfigurement. They may require skin grafts and reconstructive procedures and can result in a lifetime of discomfort.

Motorcycle accident injuries frequently require extensive medical treatment. They can make working impossible, require home modifications and adaptive technologies, and cause untold amounts of pain and suffering.

At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we understand the devastating impact these injuries can have on your life. Our Jacksonville motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help you secure the full compensation you will need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages you have endured. Reach out today for a complimentary case evaluation to learn how we can help you seek justice and rebuild your life.

Protecting Yourself on the Road: Motorcycle Safety Gear

While safety gear may not prevent all injuries, having the right safety equipment can have a profound impact on their extent. Key pieces of motorcycle safety gear every rider should consider include:

1. Motorcycle helmet
2. Kevlar, leather, or reinforced jackets, pants, and gloves
3. Over-the-ankle boots
4. Goggles or a face shield

Motorcycle riders in Florida are required to wear eye protection, even if the bike has a windshield. It is also a good idea to add brightly colored or reflective gear to increase your visibility in low-light conditions.

No gear can eliminate the risk of injury, but proper equipment can make a life-saving difference. It can also influence how insurance approaches your claim and may even play a role in establishing how much your case is worth.

How Helmet Use Can Impact Your Motorcycle Accident Claim 

Wearing a helmet is more than a safety measure, it can also play a role in your legal claim. In Florida, riders over 21 with at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage are not legally required to wear a helmet, but failing to do so may affect your case. Insurance companies may argue that by not wearing a helmet, you contributed to the severity of your injuries, even if the accident was not your fault.

The Jacksonville motorcycle accident attorneys at Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers have decades of experience dealing with insurance companies. No matter if you were wearing a helmet or not, we can investigate your claim to establish liability, accurately assess your damages, and counter the tactics insurance may use to try and pay less than you are truly owed.

We Fight for Injured Bikers

At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we take pride in standing up for injured motorcyclists in Jacksonville and throughout northeastern Florida. Experienced in complex motorcycle accident litigation, we understand the unique challenges—including public perception and assumptions of recklessness—motorcycle riders face. We are here to protect your best interests, uncover the truth of your accident, and ensure that justice is served.

Compensation for Injured Jacksonville Motorcyclists

Motorcycle riders injured in Jacksonville may have the option to seek compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation
• Lost Wages: Current wages and projected future losses
• Property Damage: Damage to the bike, safety gear, and personal effects
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and discomfort
• Emotional Duress: Emotional and psychological struggles

Victims of serious injury often have significant medical expenses. Most will be unable to work while in recovery and many will never be able to work in the same capacity again. The forced changes to lifestyle, new limitations, and loss of security must all be considered when damages are being assessed.

Injured Jacksonville motorcyclists may be surprised by how quickly insurance companies offer a settlement. Keep in mind that these companies have a history of prioritizing business needs over the health and happiness of policyholders. Before you work with insurance to determine what your case is worth, talk to one of our Jacksonville motorcycle accident lawyers to make sure you are not accepting less than you are due.

Recovering Damages When Liability Is Shared

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. Under this rule, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident. However, you can only recover compensation if your percentage of fault is 50% or less. If you are found to be more than 50% liable for the accident, you will be barred from recovering any damages.

Because so many factors can go into a motorcycle accident, it may be impossible to know its causes without an investigation. Before you accept blame or assume you are not entitled to seek compensation, talk to an experienced Jacksonville motorcycle accident lawyer to learn about your options.

Can I Afford a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Yes! You can afford a motorcycle accident lawyer in Jacksonville. At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we firmly believe that financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice. You’re already dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and other unexpected expenses. Adding legal fees to this mix might be very overwhelming. That’s why, from your initial consultation through the resolution of your case, we work entirely on a contingency fee basis.

What Does Contingency Fee Mean?

When you hire Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, you don’t pay any upfront costs or hourly legal fees. Instead, our payment is contingent on our winning your case. This means that you don’t owe us anything—not one penny—unless we secure a settlement or verdict in your favor. This arrangement allows you to focus on your recovery without having to worry about how to afford legal protection. Transparency is at the core of our practice. With us, you will never face surprise fees or unexpected expenses as we fight to secure the full compensation you deserve.

See our impressive results.

Why Is a Contingency Fee Structure Important for Motorcycle Injury Victims?

Operating on a contingency fee basis means that our success is tied directly to yours.

After a motorcycle accident, insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. Without a lawyer, you may not have the resources or knowledge to effectively represent your claim. Our contingency model ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to the experienced legal advocacy they need to take on even the most powerful interests.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Jacksonville?

In the state of Florida, victims of motorcycle accident injuries have two years to file a personal injury claim. This period begins at the point the injury is discovered or “should have been discovered with the exercise of due diligence,” meaning it often begins immediately after a motorcycle crash. With the clock ticking, acting quickly becomes all the more imperative.

The Jacksonville motorcycle accident lawyers at our firm are here, right now, and ready to get to work on your case. Waiting can cause unforeseen complications, allow evidence to diminish or disappear, interfere with witness recollections, and create obstacles when building your case. Taking action as soon as possible after a wreck is the best way to make sure you do not miss your opportunity to seek the full compensation your injury demands.

Contact a Top Jacksonville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers is here to answer your questions, provide clear guidance, and fight for the compensation you need. Contact us online or call one of our Jacksonville motorcycle accident lawyers directly at 904-758-1111 to schedule your FREE and confidential consultation today. We welcome clients from St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach, and all nearby areas of Florida.