Riding your motorcycle in a large metropolis like Jacksonville can come with certain risks. While motorcycles can offer an unmatched feeling of freedom on the road, these vehicles can also involve a greater likelihood of serious injuries in the event of an accident. This can especially be the case in a busy community that sees high traffic.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the road, following essential motorcycle safety tips can help you stay safe and avoid accidents. If you’ve already been involved in a crash, the Jacksonville motorcycle accident lawyers at Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help and offer guidance for protecting your rights.
Contact us online or call our law office at (904) 356-6071 to schedule a free consultation.
How Coker Law Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Jacksonville, FL
Even the most cautious motorcyclists can experience a wreck in Jacksonville, Florida. Following any motorcycle crash, you are likely to face a long road to recovery if you sustained any injuries.
Our Jacksonville motorcycle accident attorneys can support your recovery by helping you with the following:
- Gathering evidence about your crash and who is to blame for it
- Filing insurance claims and lawsuits against those responsible for your injuries
- Speaking with adjusters, attorneys, and others to help process your claim
- Working to settle your case promptly for fair compensation
While many claims can be settled out of court, some have to go before a judge or jury. For claims that cannot be settled, you will want an experienced attorney who can effectively advocate for your interests in the courtroom.
At Coker Law, we have extensive experience with both negotiating settlements and litigating claims in Florida courts. Additionally, members of our legal team have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and Super Lawyers.
Having the right attorney on your side can make all the difference in your recovery.
Contact our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers to find out how we can help you with your case today. We offer a free consultation.
5 Ways Jacksonville Motorcyclists Can Stay Safe on the Road
While you cannot control what other drivers do on the road, you can still take steps to avoid certain risks. Here are five ways you can protect yourself as a motorcyclist in Jacksonville:
1. Always Wear an Approved and Properly Fitted Helmet
One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself against serious injury or death while riding a motorcycle is to wear an appropriate helmet. Helmets can reduce the risk of a traumatic brain injury or other severe injury by as much as 37%.
In Florida, all riders and passengers under 21 must wear helmets, and every rider must have eye protection, regardless of age.
2. Make Yourself Visible
Motorcyclists can face a higher risk of colliding with other vehicles in part because motorcycles are smaller, which makes them harder to see. To mitigate this risk, make sure to wear highly visible clothing, especially at night. You should also avoid remaining in another vehicle’s blind spots for too long and leave plenty of space between yourself and other vehicles on the road.
3. Obey All Traffic Laws
Motorcycles are considered vehicles and must therefore follow all the same traffic rules and laws as cars and trucks in Florida. Additionally, motorcyclists are not permitted to lane split or lane filter in Jacksonville or anywhere else in Florida. Motorcyclists who speed, ignore right-of-way rules, or break other laws can increase the likelihood of a crash.
4. Wear Durable Gear and Clothing
Road rash is a real concern for motorcyclists who are struck by another car or truck while riding in Jacksonville. The term refers to the extensive, deep, and painful abrasions that can affect bare skin when the biker skids across the pavement. By wearing durable clothing and boots, you can reduce your risk of suffering this serious injury.
5. Exercise Additional Caution at Intersections
Intersections and merge points can be especially dangerous places for motorcyclists. Drivers who are in a hurry can speed through yellow lights or make turns without first carefully scanning for motorcyclists. The fact that bikers are already more difficult to see can mean drivers are likely to miss seeing motorcyclists until it is too late.
Additionally, make sure you follow the right-of-way laws when approaching intersections. All vehicles are expected to obey these laws to safely cross intersections without causing an accident. If you are in doubt as to who has the right of way at an intersection, allow any traffic from your right to proceed before attempting to continue on your way.
Contact Our Jacksonville Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Motorcycle accidents can result in devastating injuries and losses that affect you for the long term. If you or a loved one suffered a motorcycle accident in Jacksonville, the seasoned team at Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help.
Our Jacksonville motorcycle accident attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients throughout Florida. We can go over your case with you, explain your rights, and detail the next steps you should take to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.