A motorcycle crash that occurred early in the morning of April 21, 2018, left a woman in critical condition. Courtney Dzikowski was riding as a passenger on a motorcycle driven by Jason Labbe on Florida’s Turnpike when Labbe suddenly entered the right lane, colliding with a pickup truck and throwing both riders clear of the motorcycle. Dzikowski sustained critical injuries in the crash. Labbe was also admitted to the hospital with serious injuries. No injuries were sustained by the driver or passenger of the pickup truck.
Increased Risks for Motorcycle Operators
Motorcyclists are at higher risk of serious injuries if they are involved in a crash. The lower profile, reduced protection and overall lighter weight of these vehicles puts them at a serious disadvantage in any collision situation. The smaller silhouette of motorcycles can make them harder to see for other vehicles on the road, increasing the risk of accidents for motorcycle operators and passengers alike.
Reducing Risks on the Road
Neither Labbe nor Dzikowski were wearing helmets at the time of the accident, which could have contributed to the seriousness of the injuries they sustained. According to figures released by the U.S. Department of Transportation in December 2017, nearly 5,000 motorcyclists lost their lives in crashes in the 2016 calendar year. Studies have shown that helmets have a 37-percent success rate in preventing motorcycle deaths. While Florida does not require the use of helmets for motorcycle riders over the age of 21, operators who do not choose to wear a helmet are required to maintain $10,000 in medical payment insurance to offset the increased risk of injuries associated with failure to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.
Determining the Contributing Factors
Consulting with a Wellington personal injury lawyer can be a helpful first step toward determining the causes and contributing factors for accidents in our area. This can help you to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses and damages to your vehicle after a motorcycle or car accident. By enlisting the help of an experienced and knowledgeable Wellington personal injury attorney, you can put the odds in your favor both in and out of the courtroom setting.
Wellington Personal Injury Attorney
Michael S. Elstein, a qualified and experienced Wellington injury lawyer, specializes in providing you with the most practical and effective representation for your case. By choosing a Wellington personal injury attorney from our office, you can be sure that your case will be pursued assertively to achieve the best possible results. Call us today at 561-422-9888 to schedule a free initial consultation with us. We look forward to the chance to serve your legal needs.
