Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Kissimmee
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries due to the vulnerability of riders in collisions. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Kissimmee, you need an experienced lawyer who understands the unique challenges these cases present. Donaldson & Weston is dedicated to helping motorcycle accident victims recover compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and medical bills. Contact us today at 561-821-3898 for a free consultation with a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer.
How to Prove the Other Driver Was Speeding in a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Kissimmee and believe the other driver was speeding, proving it is key to holding them accountable. Unlike fender benders involving two cars, motorcycle crashes often result in more severe injuries and damages. Demonstrating that the other party was traveling over the speed limit can be the difference between a denied claim and fair compensation.
Speeding is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida. Yet, proving it after a crash isn’t always easy. Here’s how an injured motorcyclist or their legal team can gather evidence to show the other driver was speeding at the time of the collision.
Understand How Speeding Affects Fault
Florida follows a comparative negligence rule. This means both parties involved in a crash can share responsibility, and the amount of compensation each party receives will depend on their degree of fault. If the other driver was speeding, it can show that they were acting negligently, which helps shift more fault to them. This is critical in motorcycle accidents where the rider often sustains significant injuries and needs financial support for medical bills and lost income.
Start With the Police Report
After any crash, a police officer is usually dispatched to the scene. Their report can serve as a starting point when trying to prove speeding. If the officer noted that the other driver was driving aggressively, admitted to speeding, or received a citation for a traffic violation, this information may support your case.
It’s important to request a copy of the report as soon as it becomes available. It may include witness statements, descriptions of the crash site, or observations about skid marks—all of which may help indicate excessive speed.
Collect Eyewitness Statements
People who saw the accident happen can often describe how fast the vehicles appeared to be going. If bystanders, other drivers, or nearby pedestrians report that the vehicle involved was moving unusually fast, these statements can support your claim.
Eyewitness accounts are particularly helpful when they come from individuals who have no personal connection to the people involved in the crash. Their neutral perspective can carry weight with insurers and in court. If possible, collect their contact information at the scene so they can be reached later for a formal statement.
Use Surveillance and Traffic Camera Footage
Kissimmee has many traffic lights and intersections equipped with cameras. Additionally, nearby businesses or homes might have security cameras facing the road. These recordings can offer direct visual proof of a vehicle’s speed.
A lawyer can help request footage from the appropriate sources before it’s deleted or overwritten. Time-stamped video showing how fast a car approached an intersection or traveled past a known marker can be strong evidence of speeding.
Examine the Damage to the Vehicles
The extent and pattern of damage to the motorcycle and the other vehicle can help reconstruct the crash. Speeding typically results in more forceful collisions. Crumpled metal, crushed frames, or parts thrown a long distance may suggest high-speed impact.
Accident reconstruction experts can study this physical evidence to estimate how fast the vehicles were traveling when they collided. They consider factors such as the point of impact, the weight of each vehicle, and how far debris was scattered.
Analyze Skid Marks and Road Conditions
The scene of the accident can offer valuable clues. Long skid marks often mean a driver had to brake suddenly at high speed. The absence of skid marks could also indicate that the driver didn’t attempt to stop in time, which may suggest distraction or recklessness—common with speeding.
Professionals can analyze the length and depth of skid marks, road grade, and surface conditions to determine an approximate speed. If road conditions were poor and the driver was still traveling quickly, this could further support a negligence claim.
Download Vehicle Data
Many modern vehicles come equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), often referred to as “black boxes.” These devices can capture useful information, such as the vehicle’s speed at the time of impact, whether brakes were applied, and how long before the crash the driver took action.
If the other driver’s vehicle has one, a lawyer can request access to this data as part of the evidence-gathering process. This kind of data is hard to dispute and can strongly support a speeding claim.
Use Expert Testimony
When necessary, accident reconstruction specialists or traffic safety experts can provide a professional opinion based on the available evidence. Their role is to examine all aspects of the crash and provide an educated estimate of how fast the vehicle was going.
In court or during settlement negotiations, this testimony can carry significant weight. Experts are often seen as credible sources, especially when their conclusions are supported by physical evidence.
Act Quickly to Preserve Evidence
The sooner evidence is collected after a motorcycle accident, the better. Skid marks can fade, surveillance footage can be deleted, and witnesses can become harder to reach. That’s why contacting an attorney early is a smart move. A legal team can issue letters of preservation, work with investigators, and gather crucial details before they disappear.
Motorcycle crashes often involve complex circumstances. Proving that the other driver was speeding may require multiple pieces of evidence working together. But with the right approach, you can build a strong case that supports your right to compensation.
Legal Help Can Make a Difference
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Kissimmee and believe the other driver was speeding, it’s important to work with a personal injury attorney who understands how to gather and present this type of evidence. Insurance companies may try to downplay the other driver’s speed or shift blame to you. An experienced lawyer will know how to counter these tactics and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t assume that proving speeding is impossible. With a careful investigation and a knowledgeable team on your side, it’s possible to hold a reckless driver accountable and recover the financial support you need to move forward.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents often lead to severe injuries and complicated claims. Having an experienced personal injury attorney can make all the difference in ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Donaldson & Weston is committed to fighting for your rights and helping you through every step of the legal process. Call us at 561-821-3898 today for a free consultation with a dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer who will work tirelessly on your behalf.