Stay In The Know
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What do I need to know about no-fault insurance and motorcycle accidents in Florida?
Car owners in Florida know that they live in a no-fault insurance state and are therefore required to carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
When a driver is involved in an accident, they almost always must file a claim under their PIP insurance before they can hold an at-fault driver liable for their losses.
All two-wheeled vehicles, including motorcycles, are excluded from the no-fault insurance laws. This means that your PIP coverage will not apply to damages you have incurred in a motorcycle accident.
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What injuries are most commonly associated with motorcycle accidents?
Collisions involving motorcycles are often some of the most dangerous and deadly. Given the lack of protection offered by a motorcycle, riders know that a crash could result in one or more serious injuries.
Motorcycle accident victims experience a variety of catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Bone fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Loss of limbs
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Who is liable in a truck accident?
Truck accidents can result in devastating consequences due to the size and weight of these vehicles. When a truck accident occurs, it's crucial to determine who might be at fault in order to properly assign responsibility and potentially seek compensation for damages. Identifying the responsible parties can be a complex task, as multiple factors and individuals may contribute to the accident. Here, we'll explore some of the potential parties who could be liable in a truck accident.
- Truck Driver: The primary party at fault in many truck accidents is the truck driver. Negligent actions such as speeding, driving under the influence, distracted driving, or violating traffic laws can lead to accidents. Fatigue is also a common issue among truck drivers due to long hours on the road, and it can impair their ability to react quickly to unexpected situations.
- Trucking Company: Trucking companies can be held liable for accidents if they were negligent in their hiring, training, or supervision of drivers. If a company pressures its drivers to meet tight deadlines, it can lead to dangerous behaviors on the road. Additionally, inadequate vehicle maintenance, inspections, or overloaded trucks can contribute to accidents for which the company may be responsible.
- Truck Manufacturer: In some cases, accidents are the result of defective truck parts or manufacturing issues. Faulty brakes, tires, or other components can lead to accidents that are beyond the driver's control. If a manufacturing defect is found to be the cause, the truck manufacturer may be held accountable.
- Cargo Loaders: Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo can destabilize a truck and make it more difficult to control, leading to accidents. Cargo loaders or shippers may be at fault if they failed to secure the load correctly or exceeded weight limits.
- Maintenance and Repair Contractors: If a third-party maintenance or repair contractor was responsible for servicing the truck and failed to identify or fix safety issues, they could share liability in the event of an accident.
- Other Drivers: Sometimes, the actions of other drivers on the road can trigger a truck accident. Aggressive driving, sudden lane changes, or erratic behavior by other motorists can force a truck driver into a situation where an accident becomes unavoidable.