Daytona Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Retired Traffic Homicide Investigator. Accident Reconstruction Expert. Trial Attorney.
Few traffic accidents produce injuries as severe as motorcycle crashes.
Unlike occupants of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists have little protection during a collision. There are no airbags, no steel frames surrounding the rider, and very little standing between a motorcyclist and the roadway.
As a result, even relatively low-speed motorcycle accidents can cause life-changing injuries.
Unfortunately, injured riders often face another challenge after a crash.
Bias.
Insurance companies, witnesses, and even some investigators frequently assume the motorcyclist must have been speeding, driving aggressively, or somehow responsible for the collision.
In many cases, that assumption is completely wrong.
At the Law Offices of Patrick J. McGeehan, P.A., we represent injured motorcyclists throughout Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Palm Coast, Volusia County, Flagler County, and throughout Central Florida.
What makes our firm different is Patrick’s unique background.
Before becoming a lawyer, Patrick served as a traffic homicide investigator, accident reconstructionist, police instructor, and homicide detective. He spent years investigating serious injury and fatal traffic crashes, including motorcycle collisions.
Today, he uses that experience to help injured riders pursue the compensation they deserve.
Daytona Beach And Motorcycle Culture
Daytona Beach is one of the most recognized motorcycle destinations in the world.
Each year, events such as Bike Week and Biketoberfest bring hundreds of thousands of riders to the area.
While these events contribute significantly to the local economy, they also increase traffic congestion and the risk of serious motorcycle collisions.
Motorcyclists routinely share the roadway with:
- Passenger vehicles
- Commercial trucks
- Delivery vehicles
- Tourists unfamiliar with local roads
- Distracted drivers
When drivers fail to pay attention, riders often suffer the consequences.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Different
Motorcycle accidents differ from ordinary automobile collisions in several important ways.
Greater Injury Severity
Because riders lack the protections available in passenger vehicles, injuries tend to be more severe.
Visibility Issues
Many motorcycle crashes occur because drivers simply fail to see a rider.
Bias Against Riders
Motorcyclists are often blamed before all facts are known.
Unique Crash Dynamics
Motorcycle handling characteristics differ significantly from passenger vehicles.
Proper investigation frequently requires specialized analysis.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
Many motorcycle collisions occur because of negligence by other drivers.
Common causes include:
Left Turn Collisions
One of the most common and dangerous motorcycle accidents occurs when a driver turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
Drivers frequently claim:
“I never saw the motorcycle.”
Unfortunately, that statement does little to help an injured rider.
Failure To Yield
Drivers who fail to yield the right of way often place motorcyclists in impossible situations.
Distracted Driving
Cell phones, GPS devices, social media, and other distractions continue to cause serious crashes throughout Florida.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles and can be overlooked by inattentive drivers.
Speeding
Excessive speed by any vehicle can increase the severity of a collision.
Impaired Driving
Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs continue to pose significant dangers to motorcyclists.
Following Too Closely
Rear-end collisions involving motorcycles frequently result in serious injuries.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle crashes often produce catastrophic injuries.
Common injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Head injuries can result in:
- Memory loss
- Cognitive impairment
- Personality changes
- Permanent disability
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal trauma may lead to:
- Paralysis
- Chronic pain
- Permanent limitations
Road Rash
Severe abrasions can require:
- Skin grafts
- Surgery
- Long-term treatment
Fractures
Motorcycle accidents commonly cause:
- Leg fractures
- Arm fractures
- Pelvic fractures
- Multiple broken bones
Internal Injuries
Internal bleeding and organ damage can be life-threatening.
Amputations
High-energy motorcycle crashes sometimes result in traumatic amputations or injuries requiring surgical amputation.
The Insurance Company Bias Against Riders
One of the most frustrating realities facing injured motorcyclists is the assumption that the rider must have been at fault.
Insurance companies often attempt to suggest:
- The rider was speeding.
- The rider was reckless.
- The rider was lane splitting.
- The rider could have avoided the crash.
These assumptions are not evidence.
Every case should be evaluated based upon facts, physical evidence, witness testimony, and accident reconstruction.
Not stereotypes.
Accident Reconstruction In Motorcycle Cases
Motorcycle crashes often involve conflicting witness accounts.
Accident reconstruction can help answer important questions.
Examples include:
- How fast was each vehicle traveling?
- Where did impact occur?
- Did the driver violate the rider’s right of way?
- Was the collision avoidable?
- Did roadway conditions contribute?
These issues frequently become critical when liability is disputed.
Most Attorneys Hire Reconstruction Experts
Patrick Was One.
Before becoming a lawyer, Patrick investigated serious and fatal traffic crashes.
His experience includes:
- Traffic homicide investigations
- Motorcycle fatality investigations
- Accident reconstruction
- Scene analysis
- Vehicle examinations
- Court testimony
This experience provides valuable insight when evaluating motorcycle accident claims.
Road Hazards And Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to roadway hazards that may pose little risk to passenger vehicles.
Examples include:
- Potholes
- Uneven pavement
- Construction zones
- Debris
- Loose gravel
- Standing water
In some situations, roadway design or maintenance issues may contribute to a collision.
Helmet Laws In Florida
Florida law contains specific provisions regarding motorcycle helmet use.
Questions frequently arise regarding:
- Helmet requirements
- Insurance requirements
- Injury claims
- Comparative negligence arguments
Insurance companies occasionally attempt to use helmet issues to minimize claims.
These issues should be carefully evaluated based upon the facts and applicable law.
Wrongful Death Motorcycle Accidents
Sadly, many motorcycle collisions result in fatalities.
Families are often left struggling with emotional and financial losses.
Wrongful death claims may involve:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses
- Loss of support
- Loss of companionship
- Future financial losses
Determining liability often requires a detailed investigation of the crash.
What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident
If possible:
Seek Immediate Medical Care
Your health should always be the first priority.
Document Evidence
Photograph:
- Vehicles
- Injuries
- Roadway conditions
- Skid marks
- Debris
Preserve Equipment
Helmets, riding gear, and damaged motorcycle components may become important evidence.
Avoid Recorded Statements
Insurance companies often seek recorded statements before all facts are known.
Contact An Attorney
Early investigation may help preserve evidence before it disappears.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
Every case is different.
Factors may include:
- Injury severity
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future treatment
- Permanent impairment
- Liability issues
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Not Wearing A Helmet?
Possibly.
Every case depends upon its specific facts and circumstances.
What If The Driver Says They Never Saw Me?
Failure to see a motorcycle does not automatically excuse negligence.
Many crashes occur because drivers fail to maintain proper awareness.
What If I Was Partially At Fault?
Florida law may still allow recovery depending upon the circumstances.
An attorney can evaluate how comparative negligence issues may affect a claim.
Why Clients Choose Patrick J. McGeehan
Many personal injury attorneys handle motorcycle accident cases.
Few have investigated fatal motorcycle crashes before becoming lawyers.
Patrick’s background includes:
- Retired Traffic Homicide Investigator
- Accident Reconstructionist
- Court-Certified Expert Witness
- Police Instructor
- Trial Attorney
- Personal Injury Lawyer
This unique combination of investigative and legal experience provides valuable insight when serious motorcycle accidents occur.
Serving Daytona Beach, Volusia County, And Flagler County
Patrick proudly represents injured motorcyclists throughout:
- Daytona Beach
- Port Orange
- Ormond Beach
- New Smyrna Beach
- DeLand
- Palm Coast
- Bunnell
- Flagler Beach
- Volusia County
- Flagler County
Whether the collision involves a distracted driver, failure to yield, impaired driver, commercial vehicle, or fatal crash, every case receives careful investigation and personal attention.
Contact A Daytona Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Motorcycle accidents often leave victims facing serious injuries, significant medical expenses, and uncertainty about the future.
The investigation matters.
The evidence matters.
The attorney you choose matters.
As a retired traffic homicide investigator, accident reconstruction expert, and trial attorney, Patrick J. McGeehan brings decades of crash investigation experience to every case.
Contact the Law Offices of Patrick J. McGeehan, P.A. today to schedule a consultation and learn how an experienced Daytona Beach motorcycle accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Resources:
Leaving the Scene of an Accident With a Death
Fatal Crash Investigations in Florida