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Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in the Fort Walton Beach Area
While every crash is unique, most motorcycle accidents are not the rider's fault. They are caused by other drivers who fail to share the road safely. At Michles & Booth, our Fort Walton Beach motorcycle accident lawyers have extensive experience investigating and proving fault in a wide variety of local crash scenarios.
A primary cause of serious motorcycle crashes in our area involves drivers making unsafe left turns. This is a constant danger at busy intersections along Miracle Strip Parkway (Highway 98) and Eglin Parkway, where a car driver misjudges the motorcycle's speed or fails to see the rider altogether, turning directly into their path and causing a devastating collision.
Another frequent issue is unsafe lane changes and blind-spot accidents, especially during peak tourist seasons. Drivers unfamiliar with the area, or those simply not paying attention, often fail to perform a proper head check before merging or changing lanes, sideswiping a motorcyclist who was lawfully occupying the lane.
We also see a significant number of rear-end collisions, which are incredibly dangerous for riders. These are almost always caused by distracted drivers who are looking at their phones, following too closely to enjoy the view, or are otherwise not focused on the road, leaving them unable to stop in time for a slowing or stopped motorcycle.
Furthermore, accidents at intersections due to drivers running red lights or stop signs pose a grave danger. A driver who ignores a traffic signal can T-bone a motorcyclist, often resulting in catastrophic injuries. Our firm aggressively pursues claims against drivers who show such blatant disregard for traffic laws.
Tragically, drunk or impaired driving continues to be a significant factor in severe injury and fatal motorcycle accidents in our coastal community. A driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs has diminished judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making them a lethal threat to everyone on the road, especially vulnerable motorcyclists.
Finally, we also investigate cases involving dangerous road conditions. This can include poorly maintained public roads with large potholes, unmarked hazards, loose sand on the roadway, or a lack of proper signage, all of which can cause a rider to lose control through no fault of their own. In these situations, a government entity or a local contractor may be held liable.
Fighting for the Full Compensation You Deserve
A serious motorcycle accident can impact every aspect of your life. We fight to recover compensation for all of your damages, including:
- Past and future medical expenses: Including emergency transport, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and necessary future medical care.
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity: Compensation for the income you have lost and will lose if you are unable to return to your previous work.
- Pain and suffering: For the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident.
- Property damage: For the repair or replacement of your motorcycle and damaged gear.
