Pocket Bike Injury Lawyers
Pocket bikes, commonly referred to as mini motorbikes or pocket motorcycles, are small gas-powered or electricity-powered bikes that look like miniature replicas of full-size motorcycles. At about 2 feet in height and 40 pounds in weight, what these mini bikes lack in size, they make up for in power. Pocket bikes typically come equipped with 40cc engines and can reach speeds up to 40–50 miles per hour. Unless authorized by local ordinance, the State of Florida deems the action of driving pocket bikes on public roads and sidewalks to be illegal.
Although they are not street-legal, pocket bikes are involved in thousands of car crashes, pedestrian accidents, and road-related injuries nationwide each year. Due to their small size and attainable speeds, pocket bikes can become dangerous when unseen by drivers and pedestrians, mishandled by users, when they’re homemade, or when operated by children without adequate adult supervision. This can result in severe and potentially fatal injuries that can severely impact the lives of victims and their families.
If you or a loved one has been injured by an accident involving a pocket bike, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A., today to schedule a case consultation.
Causes Of Pocket Bike Accidents
While these vehicles are prohibited by law from public streets and roads, they are readily available for purchase and are often used on private land. Many of the reasons why these bikes are so dangerous to riders, pedestrians, and drivers mirror those of their larger counterparts — motorcycles. These vehicles are less stable than standard vehicles, and there is an increased likelihood that pocket bikes will tip or fall while being driven. Yet, one of the most prevalent causes of injuries resulting from mini-bike accidents is attributed to the size of these bikes.
Pocket bikes’ seats are lower than 24 inches in height, putting the bike’s rider at approximately eye-level with a standard vehicle’s bumper. This poses a considerable danger as it can be difficult for drivers to see mini-bike riders, should they come into contact. What’s more, riders do not need to have training or a license to operate pocket bikes, making them accessible to young, inexperienced drivers. They may not even be equipped to control these vehicles, putting them and those around them at risk of injury and even wrongful death.
A hard-to-see size, considerable speed, and inexperienced riders make for a dangerous combination on both public and private roads. Whatever the cause of an accident, our accident attorneys will investigate the accident to determine fault and pursue full compensation on behalf of you or a loved one.
Effects Of Pocket Bike Accidents
Our Orlando injury attorneys can tell you that a mini-bike crash can have life-size consequences. Unlike drivers in standard vehicles, pocket-bike riders have little-to-no protection against car accidents or injuries incurred due to a collision with a car or another type of motor vehicle. Common injuries suffered by mini-bike riders in accidents include the following.
- Back Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Concussions
- Compound Fractures
- Eye Injuries
- Emotional Trauma
- Death
- Hearing Loss
- Loss Of Limbs & Fingers
- Soft-Tissue Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injury
In addition to enduring pain and suffering from an accident involving a pocket bike, victims of these accidents are often left with costly medical bills in addition to the cost of physical therapy or rehabilitation. Additionally, following the accident, individuals may be unable to work or perform daily activities due to catastrophic injuries, resulting in a loss of income and life enjoyment. In fatal accidents, loved ones of the deceased must deal with subsequent financial obligations, such as a funeral. Our personal injury lawyers can help you determine if you are eligible for compensation and help you navigate each step of the legal system.
Who Is Responsible?
In determining who is responsible for an accident involving a pocket bike and any resulting injuries, liability must be established. If, for example, the pocket bike was struck by the vehicle of a distracted driver, the driver may be at fault. Or, if you purchased the bike from a company that improperly assembled a vital component required to operate the pocket bike safely, and, as a result, the rider sustained injuries, the vendor may be held liable. Another possibility is that the rider is liable due to the bike’s misuse or operation on a public road or another prohibited place. In any case, our experienced legal team has all of the knowledge required to identify the responsible party and pursue any due compensation on your behalf.
How A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
A mini-bike crash can leave you uncertain about how to navigate life — the stress resulting from the accident combined with accumulating medical bills and a loss of income can create an overwhelming situation. But, with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A., you are not alone. We sympathize with your position and remain dedicated to helping victims of car, motorcycle, and pocket bike accidents pursue a case against the responsible party for adequate compensation.
Don’t wait another minute — contact us today to discuss your case.