Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Ocoee

Motorcycle crashes often leave riders with serious injuries and unexpected financial burdens. If you were hurt due to another driver’s negligence, you have the right to explore your legal options. Donaldson & Weston helps injured riders in Ocoee seek compensation and protect their interests every step of the way. Speak with a dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer by calling 561-821-3898 for a free consultation.

Filing a Claim for Spinal Cord Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents are among the most dangerous types of crashes, often resulting in serious injuries. One of the most severe injuries that can occur in a motorcycle accident is a spinal cord injury (SCI). These injuries can have life-altering consequences, potentially leading to paralysis or long-term medical complications. If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to understand your legal rights and how to pursue compensation. Filing a claim for spinal cord injuries after a motorcycle accident involves several steps, from gathering evidence to working with medical professionals and legal experts.

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, which can interrupt the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This damage can range from mild to severe, depending on where the injury occurs and the extent of the damage. In some cases, a spinal cord injury can result in complete paralysis, while in others, it may cause partial loss of sensation or mobility.

Spinal cord injuries are categorized based on their location and severity. Injuries to the cervical spine (neck area) can result in quadriplegia, which affects both the upper and lower body. Injuries to the thoracic or lumbar spine may cause paraplegia, affecting the lower body. Regardless of the type of injury, SCI can have a lasting impact on an individual’s life, often requiring ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and support.

How Spinal Cord Injuries Happen in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents frequently lead to spinal cord injuries because riders are more exposed and vulnerable than those in cars. The force of impact in a crash, whether from hitting the ground or another vehicle, can cause damage to the spine. Spinal cord injuries often result from:

• High-Speed Collisions
  Motorcyclists involved in high-speed crashes are more likely to sustain severe injuries, including spinal cord damage. The rapid deceleration or sudden impact can put immense pressure on the spine, leading to injury.

• Falls
  When a motorcyclist is thrown from their bike, they may fall awkwardly, landing on their back or neck. The force of the fall can cause compression or fracture of the vertebrae, which can damage the spinal cord.

• T-bone or Side-Impact Collisions
  A motorcyclist who is hit from the side by another vehicle may be thrown off balance and experience a direct blow to the back or neck. This can result in severe spinal cord damage.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident and suspect a spinal cord injury, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Not only does this help protect your health, but it can also lay the foundation for a successful legal claim.

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately
  Spinal cord injuries are often not immediately visible or obvious. Even if you don’t feel any pain at the moment, you should seek medical care right away. Some spinal cord injuries may not cause symptoms until hours or even days after the accident. A doctor will assess your condition and perform imaging tests to determine the extent of the injury.

• Document the Accident
  If you’re physically able, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your motorcycle. Obtain the contact information of any witnesses and make a note of the other driver’s details, including their insurance information. This documentation can be crucial in proving liability later.

• Report the Accident to the Police
  In Florida, you are required to report a motorcycle accident to the police if there are injuries or property damage. A police report can serve as an official record of the accident and may include critical details about the circumstances leading up to the crash.

• Preserve Evidence
  Retain any relevant evidence that may help support your claim, including medical records, prescription documents, and rehabilitation records. If possible, get a copy of the police report and any traffic camera footage or dashcam videos that might be available.

How to Prove Liability

To successfully file a motorcycle accident claim for a spinal cord injury, you must establish that the other driver was at fault for the accident. In most cases, this means proving that the other party was negligent. Negligence can be demonstrated in several ways, such as:

• Distracted Driving
  If the other driver was texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distractions while driving, they may be held liable for the accident.

• Reckless Driving
  Drivers who are speeding, running red lights, or making unsafe lane changes may be considered reckless and at fault for the accident.

• Failure to Yield
  If the other driver failed to yield the right of way or didn’t obey traffic signs, they may be liable for the crash.

• Driving Under the Influence
  If the other driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash, they may be held fully responsible for the accident and resulting injuries.

Your attorney will work to gather evidence such as witness statements, police reports, and expert testimony to build a strong case. Expert witnesses, including medical professionals, can help establish the extent of your spinal cord injury and the impact it will have on your life.

What Damages Can You Recover for a Spinal Cord Injury?

Spinal cord injuries often result in significant long-term costs, both medical and personal. When filing a claim, you may be entitled to recover damages for the following:

• Medical Expenses
  This includes all past, present, and future medical treatment related to the spinal cord injury. You may require surgery, medication, physical therapy, and long-term care.

• Pain and Suffering
  Spinal cord injuries often cause significant physical and emotional pain. Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate you for the distress caused by the injury and its long-term effects.

• Lost Wages
  If your injury prevents you from working, you may be able to recover lost wages for the time you are unable to work. In severe cases, if the injury results in permanent disability, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost earnings.

• Loss of Quality of Life
  A spinal cord injury can affect your ability to enjoy daily activities and maintain relationships. You may be entitled to compensation for the loss of enjoyment in life.

• Home Modifications and Medical Equipment
  If your spinal cord injury requires home modifications or specialized medical equipment, such as a wheelchair or lift, you can seek compensation for these costs as well.

The Role of Insurance in Motorcycle Accident Claims

After a motorcycle accident, the other driver’s insurance may be responsible for paying compensation for your injuries. In Florida, motorcyclists are required to have insurance coverage, but it’s also important to review your own motorcycle insurance policy to see if it includes coverage for injuries caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers.

If the insurance company denies your claim or offers an insufficient settlement, you may need to consider filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. In this case, having a skilled personal injury attorney to advocate on your behalf is essential.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney After a Motorcycle Accident in Ocoee

Motorcycle accidents can leave lasting physical and emotional impacts. If you’re dealing with medical bills, time away from work, or long-term pain, it’s important to understand your legal options. The team at Donaldson & Weston is here to help you move forward. Contact a personal injury attorney today by calling 561-821-3898 to schedule a free consultation and get the guidance you deserve.