Motorcyclist Killed in a Crash With Dump Truck in West Palm Beach
According to a report from CBS 12, a motorcyclist was killed in a catastrophic crash with a dump truck in West Palm Beach. The tragic crash happened on State Route 7. The deadly wreck is still being investigated by law enforcement. In this article, our West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer provides a guide to the claims process for motorcyclists in South Florida.
Motorcyclists are Especially Vulnerable to Risk Posed By Large Commercial Trucks
Motorcyclists face extreme risk when sharing the road with large commercial trucks. A fully loaded tractor trailer can weigh 80 to 160 times more than a motorcycle. That is an extraordinary disparity that can cause catastrophic wrecks. Trucks require longer stopping distances and have large blind spots on all sides. A rider caught in a no-zone may be invisible to the driver. Underride and override events create catastrophic injury patterns. Wind turbulence and road spray can also destabilize a motorcycle at highway speed.
What to Know About Liability for Motorcycle-Truck Accidents in Florida
Florida is unique in that it operates under a no-fault standard for many minor truck accident injury claims. However, that is not true in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) cases. Motorcyclists are not covered by PIP in Florida. Florida’s no-fault law under Florida Statutes Section 627.736 applies to “motor vehicles” as defined in the statute. That definition excludes motorcycles. In other words, a motorcyclist does not receive the automatic $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection benefits that apply to car drivers.
In other words, a rider must pursue compensation through a fault-based claim from the outset. All truck/motorcycle accident claims should be carefully investigated to determine exactly what went wrong to cause the crash. An experienced West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer can help injured motorcyclists gather the evidence that they need to prove fault and establish liability.
Recovering Compensation as a Motorcyclist in a Truck Accident in Florida
Are you a motorcyclist who was hurt in a truck accident in Palm Beach County or elsewhere in South Florida? You have the right to seek compensation for the full value of your damages. Do not rely on any truck company or insurance company to look out for your best interests. Along with other damages, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Motorcycle repairs;
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Medical expenses;
- Physical therapy;
- Loss of current and future wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Long-term disability; and
- Wrongful death.
Set Up a Free Case Review With a West Palm Beach Truck Accident Lawyer for Motorcyclists
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach truck accident attorney has the experience injured motorcyclists can rely on. If you are a motorcyclist who was hurt in a wreck, we are here to help. Call us now or connect with us online for a free case review. Our firm handles motorcycle-truck accident claims in Palm Beach County and throughout all of South Florida.
Source:
cbs12.com/news/local/gallery/injury-crash-shuts-down-stretch-of-state-road-7-in-west-palm-beach-jog-road-victim-stabbing-suspect-investigation-scene-public-safety-law-enforcement-cbs12-serious-accident-traffic-alert-roadway-emergency-response-accident-report-ongoing-in
