7 COMMON MOTORCYCLE CRASHES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Jason B. Goldman • Feb 04, 2021
7 COMMON MOTORCYCLE CRASHES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Although motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than cars, crashes involving motorcyclists are often caused by mistakes committed by drivers—not motorcyclists. As a motorcyclist, it’s imperative that you ride defensively and watch out for driver errors. If you do become involved in a crash, a motorcycle accident attorney can help you seek compensation.

Left-Turn Crashes

One of the most common types of motorcycle accidents occurs when a car traveling toward you makes a left-hand turn in front of your bike. You can avoid it by being particularly alert and cautious while riding through intersections. Watch out for indicators that a driver may be turning left, such as a swiveling head, turning wheels, and a left-turn blinker. Slow down and get ready to brake.

Lane Switching Accidents

Drivers should check their blind spots before switching lanes, but they often don’t. This behavior can have disastrous consequences if a car tries to merge directly into you. Avoid it by staying out of drivers’ blind spots; either slow down or speed up to allow drivers to more easily see you.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions can occur if a driver or a rider is distracted, intoxicated, or asleep at the wheel. Never ride drunk, keep your eyes on the road, and watch out for signs that opposing vehicles are going to swerve into your lane. Be ready to swerve to avoid them.

Unseen Road Hazards

If you’re going too quickly around a blind corner, hitting a patch of gravel or sand can cause you to lose control. Slow down before navigating all turns and watch the road ahead for hazards.

Rear-End Collisions

Drivers may misjudge speed and distance. If you’re stopped at an intersection or in a traffic jam, watch your mirrors to monitor vehicles approaching you from behind. Be ready to navigate to the shoulder if it looks like a vehicle isn’t slowing down quickly enough.

Opened Car Door Crashes

Never ride your bike between a lane of stationary traffic and a row of parked cars. A driver may open the door of a parked car right in front of you.

Lane-Splitting Accidents

Lane splitting occurs when motorcyclists ride between lanes of stopped or slowed-down traffic. In Florida, this is illegal—and with good reason. Lane splitting is a good way to wind up in the hospital because drivers aren’t on the lookout for riders traveling within inches of their vehicles. You can easily avoid these accidents by simply not traveling between lanes.

In the Port Charlotte area, injured motorcyclists trust the law firm of Goldman, Tiseo and Sturges, P.A. Our motorcycle accident attorney is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Our homegrown team provides personalized service to each of our valued clients. Call (941) 625-6666 to request a free initial consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney.

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By Jason B. Goldman 05 May, 2024
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By Jason B. Goldman 05 May, 2024
Florida's roads should be a haven of safety, not a battleground of reckless decisions. At GTS Law Firm, we stand with victims of drunk driving accidents, advocating for justice and rightful compensation. Today, we're shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of Florida law that might give victims another avenue for seeking that justice: Florida Statute 768.125, more commonly known as the Dram Shop Law. The Law's Limitations Importantly, the statute comes with limitations. Under normal circumstances, an establishment cannot be sued for providing alcohol to a legally aged drinker. However, the law makes two essential exceptions: If alcohol is knowingly provided to a person who is not of lawful drinking age If alcohol is knowingly provided to someone recognized as habitually addicted to alcohol Should these individuals cause an accident leading to injuries or other damages, the establishment could then be liable. Scope of the Law The Florida courts have clarified the scope of the Dram Shop Law; it predominantly applies to establishments selling alcohol for immediate consumption. This means restaurants, bars, and casinos are typically those in focus. Conversely, the law does not traditionally apply to liquor stores or other vendors selling alcohol intended for later consumption. Social hosts are generally exempt from liability regarding their adult guests' alcohol consumption. However, should a social host serve alcohol to minors, they could face severe repercussions, including fines and jail time. Pursuing Damages in a Dram Shop Case Victims must prove that an establishment knowingly served a minor or an addicted individual. Recovery in a dram shop case can include: Lost wages Medical expenses Pain and suffering Property damage Our aim at GTS Law Firm is not just to support you in litigating against the direct perpetrator, but also to explore every legal avenue that can bring you closer to full and fair compensation. Comprehensive Legal Support with GTS Law Firm If you or someone close to you has suffered due to a drunk driving incident, know that you may have more options for recovery than you think. GTS Law Firm's experienced attorneys can provide you with the legal guidance necessary to navigate these complex scenarios. Contact us for a personalized consultation and let us help you on your journey to justice. www.gtslawfirm.com (941) 625-6666.
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By Jason B. Goldman 07 Apr, 2024
At the Goldman, Tiseo & Sturges Law Firm, we often encounter clients who ask, "What are the chances I'll be involved in a car accident here in Charlotte County?" It's a question that's on the minds of many of our community members as they navigate the roadways of Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Englewood, and North Port. While there's no crystal ball to predict everyone’s likelihood of experiencing a car accident, several factors can affect these odds, including regional traffic conditions, seasonal population increases, and local infrastructure. As your hometown legal team deeply rooted in Charlotte County, we understand these dynamics firsthand and are well-versed in the patterns and trends that can impact driving safety in our area. Statistics from traffic authorities offer insights into accident rates, which can vary from year to year. Factors such as distracted driving, road construction, and weather conditions all play a role in the number of collisions on our roads. But numbers only tell part of the story. At GTS Law Firm, we know that behind every statistic is a person – a neighbor, a friend, a family member. That's why we stress the importance of cautious and attentive driving every time you get behind the wheel. We also emphasize the value of being informed and prepared. Knowing local traffic laws, understanding your vehicle's safety features, and staying aware of common hazards can all decrease the likelihood of finding yourself in a collision. However, should you unfortunately find yourself involved in a car accident, rest assured that GTS Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced attorneys provide premier legal guidance with a personal touch, reflecting our deep commitment to the welfare of our clients and community. Our firm is the only multi-member law firm in our area where every attorney is AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell, signifying a dedication to excellence in service and legal expertise. If you've been in a car accident, or if you want to be proactive in understanding your rights on the road, reach out to GTS Law Firm for a free consultation. Our legal team is standing by to provide you with the personalized attention and representation you deserve. Let our hometown attorneys with nationwide recognition be your advocates, whether you're seeking to navigate the legal aftermath of an accident or simply looking to arm yourself with knowledge to prevent one. For proactive protection or dedicated representation, contact us at (941) 625-6666 or visit our website at gtslawfirm.com
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