Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Jacksonville, FL

Choosing An Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a motorcycle can be one of the most liberating experiences a person can do – whether it is on a back road or heading down to Daytona on the interstate, if you ride a motorcycle then you understand the freedom. But you also understand the danger. Too many accidents involving motorcycles contain the phrase “I just didn’t see him.” This is what the person says who pulled out in front of the innocent motorcyclist. The problem is that it doesn’t matter once the accident has happened.

There are many types of motorcycle accidents and you need an experienced attorney who can lead you through the process. Whether the accident happens because the other driver failed to yield, rear-ended the motorcyclist, or swerved into the lane of a motorcycle causing a head-on collision the results are often the same and can be very tragic.

When another driver fails to act reasonably and injures a motorcycle rider, that driver can be held legally responsible for his actions and the injuries that often result from the accident. Drivers who are liable can be made to compensate the motorcycle rider for injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress and other damages caused by the accident. If the motorcycle accident was fatal then the surviving family members can sue the at-fault driver for wrongful death damages.

Often times the injuries from motorcycle accidents are severe and require extensive long-term care to resolve. It is always better to have an experienced auto accident attorney helping you along the way, on your side, and fighting for your rights. At the Law Offices of William W. Kurtz, Jr., P.A. we handle motorcycle accident cases and are not afraid to hold those responsible accountable. If you or a loved one are injured in a motorcycle accident call and let us tell your story.

Dangers of Operating a Motorcycle

Motor vehicle accidents: cars, trucks and motorcycles, are the leading cause of injury and death in the United States. Improved vehicle safety and the advent of seat belts have significantly reduced deaths as an overall percentage of injuries sustained in accidents. Unfortunately for motorcycles, the design and safety features have not improved over the years, as a result motorcycle drivers are exposed to the same dangers of death and serious injury in a crash as they faced decades ago.

Every experienced motorcyclist knows of the constant dangers associated with operating a motorcycle or moped on our streets and highways in the United States. In fact, every time a motorcyclist gets on his or her bike, the odds of getting into an accident and being seriously injured go up significantly. Road congestion, coupled with poor automobile driving habits, is making our roads a very dangerous place to drive. Every driver on our roads today is at an increased risk of being involved in an accident and experiencing bodily injury and sometimes death.  Not all serious motorcycle injuries that occur are the fault of automobile, truck and semi-truck drivers. Rather many accidents are the result of poor motorcyclists driving.

Poor Driving Habits

Some of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents and death are the fault of the motorcyclists themselves. Motorcyclists causing their own accidents are usually the result of one or more of the following factors:

  • speeding; weaving in and out of traffic
  • improper lane changing and signaling
  • driving at high rates of speed in unsafe traffic conditions
  • failing to use caution at intersections; improper turning
  • driving in other’s blind spots for extended periods of time
  • and losing control of the motorcycle.

Additionally, road and weather conditions, improper proper motorcycle maintenance, worn tires, non-operating turn signals and malfunctioning brakes all contribute to increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Disturbing statistics on motorcycle accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NHTSA’s NCSA), in 2016 there were 5,286 motorcyclists killed on U.S. roadways. This was a 5.1 percent increase from 2015. Interestingly, the size of the motorcycle has a direct correlation to the number of deaths. It is estimated that over 30% of all motorcycle drivers killed in 2014 alone drove motorcycles with engine sizes of 1400cc or larger. Supersport, Cruisers and Touring motorcycles accounted for almost 70% of all fatal crashes.  Consequently, as the size of the engines increased, so did the number of injuries and deaths.

When and Where Do Motorcycle Fatalities Occur

According to The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, there are alarming statistics on motorcycle fatalities that occurred in 2016. The overwhelming majority of Motorcycle Fatalities occurred between May and September, with February recording the lowest monthly death totals. Weekends, with just over 57%, had higher death rate totals than weekdays and the majority of motorcycle accidents resulting in death occurred after 6 pm. Roadways, other than interstate and freeways, accounted for 57% of all motorcycle fatalities. Urban settings accounted for 55% of death cases verses 44% occurring in rural areas. Alcohol and drug-related fatalities accounted for 30% of the deaths and 55% of these motorcycle deaths that happened at night, between the hours of 9 pm and 6 am, had (BAC) blood alcohol content levels over the legal limit of 0.08%.

How can we reduce death totals

In 2016, just over 62% of fatally injured motorcycle drivers were helmeted. For people killed as motorcycle passengers, only 53% wore helmets. Almost 35% of all motorcycle fatalities occurred to unhelmeted motorcyclists.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Jacksonville FL

If you or a loved one have been injured or someone died as a result of a motorcycle accident, you need the advice of a motorcycle accident lawyer. Will Kurtz is a personal injury specialist who has represented motorcycle accident victims and their families for years. He understands the issues involved in motorcycle accident cases and how insurance companies operate. Will has represented over many motorcycle accident victims and has helped them recover millions of dollars in settlements.  Give Will and his knowledgeable staff a call at 904-674-3390.

Injured In An Accident? Receive A Free Case Review Today

Areas of Practice

Danny G.

Mr. Kurtz got us a fair settlement after my wife's devastating car accident. He negotiated with the insurance companies and the medical providers to get our medical bills reduced. He has a thorough knowledge of the workings of the the insurance trade. I would recommend him in the event you have an accident.

Mac H.

I used Will Kurtz to handle my case, and he did a fantastic job. He kept me informed at every step of the process so I knew exactly what was going on. He provided me with great advice and really demonstrated that his main concern was helping me. He made everything so easy for me, I would definitely recommend Will Kurtz to anyone.

Praksiolda B.

William Kurtz is an excellent attorney. He helped me in a very stressful time of need. He made sure I was taken care of by the best doctors and I was treated fairly by the insurance company. I would highly recommend Will for any car accident case.

Sue W.

I hired Will to take over a car accident case. My original attorney never called me, and had me do the leg work. When I switched to Will and he immediately took charge and had everything settled quickly. He kept me up to date on everything he was doing. I couldn’t be more pleased that i was referred to him. He was there for me when i had lost hope. Thanks Will.

Alice K.

An attorney who cares and gets amazing results.