Miami motor vehicle accident attorneys Tag Archives

September 30, 2020

Anticipating Traffic can Prevent Motorcycle Accidents in Florida

Motorcycle riding is a year-round activity in South Florida; you are lucky to be able to enjoy your favorite activity in any season here. However, sobering statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reveal the risks of serious motorcycle accidents as compared to other types of motor vehicle crashes. According to the report on Traffic Crash Facts for 2018, there were 291 total fatalities due to traffic collisions in Miami-Dade County; of these, 50 deaths were motorcycle riders – more than 17%. The reason for this skewed figure is certainly obvious: When an auto collides with a motorcycle, the rider on the two-wheeled vehicle will sustain the greatest impact.

As a result, you want to do everything you can to avoid being involved in a motorcycle crash. One recommendation is becoming a rider who anticipates various scenarios, rather than relying on other motorists to follow the rules of the road. You should work with a Miami motorcycle accident attorney if you are injured in a collision, but some tips may help you avoid becoming a victim.

Be Ready for the Worst Case Scenario

April 24, 2020

Insurance Claims After a Miami Motorcycle Accident

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Every U.S. state requires motorists to carry certain minimum levels of auto insurance, and Florida is no exception. However, insurance laws related to motorcycles and motorcycle accidents ARE very different in ways that may surprise you. In short, most of the familiar insurance regulations established by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) only apply to vehicles with four or more wheels. Motorcycles and trikes, a.k.a. three-wheeled motorcycles, are covered by an entirely distinct set of rules.

In some situations, the relevant regulations may have a significant impact on your rights if you were injured because of another driver’s negligence. You should speak to a Miami motorcycle accidents lawyer about your rights, and read on for important information about Florida’s insurance laws.

Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

February 19, 2020

Four Motorcycle Safety Technologies Protecting You on Florida Roadways

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

From your phone and tablet to your TV, car, and entire home, you interact with countless “smart” devices on a daily basis. Now, with recent advancements in motorcycle technology, you can even be smarter when engaging in your favorite activity. Manufacturers are carrying over innovations from the auto industry, but they are also equipping the latest models with solutions that make it safer to ride. Some might even argue that motorcycle technologies have already had an effect on Miami roadways: The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Annual Report indicates that there were 9,143 motorcycle crashes in 2018 – compared to an average of 10,019 for 2016-2017.

If you were hurt in a collision, you should reach out to a Miami motorcycle accidents attorney who can assist with filing a claim for your losses. However, you can also read on to learn about the top motorcycle technologies that are enhancing safety for those who love to ride.

Air Bag Equipped Clothing: The same air bag technology that protects you in a car accident is now available in the clothing you wear when riding your motorcycle. You can purchase vests, jackets and bodysuits with smart airbags, which deploy within milliseconds when sensors in the clothing detects an accident is about to occur.

January 27, 2014

Florida Federal Court Decision Explains “Stacking” Of Insurance Policies

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Last fall, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida issued a decision in the case of Brannan v. Geico that discussing the issue of “stacking” limits in auto insurance policies and how such provisions can limit an insured’s recovery in the he or she is injured in a motor vehicle accident. Our Miami car accident lawyers have extensive knowledge on this topic.

“Stacking” insurance is a way in which an insured can increase the payment limits of his or her auto insurance by combining the underinsured and uninsured injury coverage for multiple vehicles. For example, if a motorist had $50,000 underinsured/$100,000 uninsured coverage on two vehicles, the stacked coverage for both cars would be $100,000/$200,000.

In the event the motorist was involved in an accident with an underinsured/uninsured driver, he or she could receive compensation up to the stacked policy limits of $100,000/$200,000. Stacked insurance coverage generally costs significantly more than non-stacked coverage, sometimes even more than twice as much.

January 13, 2014

Florida Car Accident Deaths & Recoverable Damages

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Tragedy struck in North Miami Beach late last month, as a fiery crash claimed the lives of several residents, including a 6-year old girl. According to a CBS Local report, three family members (including the girl and her father) were riding southbound on Okeechobee Road when another vehicle came toward them in the opposite direction. Local authorities report that the vehicle going north was speeding, and the driver eventually lost control. The car careered across the median and hit the family’s vehicle head on. All four people involved in the accident were killed. Our Miami car accident attorneys are prepared to assist the loved ones of anyone that may find themselves in a similar situation.

Damages in Florida Lawsuits: Compensatory or Exemplary

Following tragic Miami car accidents like this one, it is common for civil lawsuits to be filed. These suits seek to hold wrongdoers accountable for the consequences of their actions. In most cases, insurance companies are involved. Miami car accident attorneys often work on behalf of those hurt in their negotiations with those insurance companies, potentially taking the case all the way to a trial if necessary.