When a motorcyclist is involved in a crash, the potential for serious injury, including spinal cord injuries, is more likely than in other motor vehicle accidents. Spinal cord injuries range in severity, but most involve significant spinal cord swelling that can impact almost every system of the body. Sometimes, this swelling leads to injuries that last years after the accident, with many victims never fully regaining function to the affected areas. When another person’s negligent acts have led to this type of injury, they should be held accountable for the associated costs. Miami motorcycle accident lawyer Robert Dixon can help you seek to hold those responsible for your injuries liable. Our firm offers seasoned, compassionate, and knowledgeable legal representation for residents of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as elsewhere in South Florida. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury and have questions regarding your legal rights and options after a motorcycle accident, contact the Law Offices of Robert Dixon to set up a free consultation.
Spinal Cord Injuries in Motorcycle Accident CasesMotorcyclists and their passengers do not have the added protection provided by other vehicles, and many also do not wear helmets when riding, as it is not required for adults in Florida. As such, there is a higher likelihood of these riders sustaining a spinal cord injury in the event of a collision compared to other motorists. A person’s spinal column is made up of vertebrae, which are bones that act as protection for nerves that facilitate communication between the brain and the rest of the body. When there is damage to the spinal cord, nerves can be severed and functionality impaired, which interferes with the body’s ability to communicate with the brain, resulting in diminished mobility.
Spinal cord injuries are usually classified as either incomplete or complete. Incomplete injuries affect a victim’s ability to move a certain area of their body, and can have symptoms such as pain, loss of sensation, and tingling. A complete spinal cord injury results in paralysis, whereby there is very limited or no motor function either from the neck down, known as quadriplegia, or from the torso down, referred to as paraplegia. Spinal cord injuries often require a significant change to the way a victim lives his or her life, at least temporarily if not permanently. With these changes also comes the financial burden of adjusting, which can be astronomical and far exceed available insurance benefits. Those responsible for these costs should be held accountable for their portion of fault, and a dedicated motorcycle accident attorney can represent you in pursuing these damages.
Holding Negligent Parties LiableMany motorcycle accidents are caused by negligence, often on the part of another motorist. Negligence exists when a driver or other road user breaches a duty of reasonable care, causing another’s injuries and resulting in damages for that victim. For instance, if someone is driving aggressively and hits a motorcyclist, causing a spinal cord injury, that driver could be found to have acted unreasonably. Even if a victim has also acted negligently, Florida allows that plaintiff’s claims to proceed against other potentially liable parties. In these circumstances, a damage award will be based on each party’s degree of fault. Once a defendant’s negligence is established, victims who have suffered spinal cord injuries in motorcycle accident cases can receive compensation for past and future medical expenses, loss of income, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Determining the amount of damages available in cases involving spinal cord injuries can be complicated, and can require the plaintiff to submit the opinions of medical experts and establish a life-care plan. As such, if you plan to pursue damages in a case such as this, it is important to consult legal counsel as soon as possible to make sure the proper procedures are followed.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Miami Area ResidentsIf you or a loved one has sustained a serious spinal cord injury in a motorcycle accident that you believe was caused by negligence, injury attorney Robert Dixon can help you determine your legal rights and options. Mr. Dixon and his staff at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are committed to helping victims of motorcycle collisions seek the financial assistance they need from the parties responsible for their harm. Please call our office at (877) 499-4878 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to find out more about our legal services and how we can help. We serve clients in communities including West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.