If you were involved in a motorcycle accident in the State of Florida, then you are going to need a motorcycle accident lawyer with the necessary skills and experience to take on your case.
Motorcycles offer little to no protection for riders, which is why most motorcyclists tend to suffer unfortunate injuries in a crash. The negligent actions of another driver can cause serious consequences in the long run, especially in the event that a motorcycle accident occurs. A motorcycle crash can be a traumatic experience for any rider, and we believe that no one should get away with causing an accident without paying the price.
The Law Place has over seventy-five years of collective experience in helping injured motorcyclists all over the State of Florida to win the compensation that they deserve. Our law firm has successfully managed motorcycle accident claims for clients who have suffered personal injuries, property damage, pain and suffering, wrongful death, and more.
If you put your faith in us, then a motorcycle accident attorney will investigate your accident, develop your personal injury claim and negotiate with the insurance company involved to secure the maximum amount of compensation to cover all of the expenses incurred after your crash. Rest assured that our law firm will handle all of the logistics and fill you in every step of the way while you are taking the time you need to recover.
Call The Law Place today. Our phone lines are open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. A motorcycle accident attorney will be ready to take your call at a time that suits you.
Contact us now on (941) 444-4444 to set up a free consultation, and we will fight your motorcycle accident case together in the State of Florida.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Florida
If you suffered injuries while riding a motorcycle, then you will likely be wondering how to maximize your chances of securing financial coverage for all of the costs and damages incurred as a result of your accident.
A motorcycle accident lawyer and a personal injury lawyer are very similar. They are the ones that have the necessary experience and knowledge to deal with your motorcycle accident case in the State of Florida. The Law Place believes that every motorcyclist that has been hurt through no fault of their own deserves to have a fighting chance at winning compensation. We strongly recommend that you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer from our law firm to manage your case and guide you through the Florida legal system.
Motorcycle accident lawyers also handle personal injury and property damage claims, and they will be your strongest advocate. They often work on a contingency fee basis, as opposed to other lawyers that charge an hourly rate or a fee for their work. A contingency basis means that a motorcycle accident lawyer will be paid a percentage of their client’s settlement in the end. The clients will not have to pay the motorcycle accident lawyer’s fees until they win compensation. However, they might have to pay certain costs depending on the agreement with their motorcycle accident lawyer.
Most motorcycle accident lawyers have experience in handling personal injury cases, and they have the skills to negotiate settlement agreements with insurance companies or take the case to court if necessary. A motorcycle accident lawyer will protect your legal rights and work hard to seek compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and the costs to repair or replace your motorcycle.
The motorcycle accident lawyers from The Law Place take pride in their abilities to handle difficult cases that other law firms cannot. We will take care of every aspect of your case so that you can focus on your recovery.
The Variety of Cases That Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Handle in Florida
A lawyer in the field of personal injury claims can usually manage a variety of different cases in the State of Florida. You will need to hire a lawyer with experience in managing motorcycle accident cases, as they will have the resources and knowledge of motorcycle cases to know how to negotiate settlements for cases like yours.
A motorcycle accident lawyer understands the statutes that can be used to fight your case, including:
- Comparative fault – Florida Statutes 768.81 states that you can file a claim for compensation even if you were partially at fault for the crash.
- Time limit – Florida Statutes 95.11 states that you have up to four years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Wrongful death – Florida Statutes 95.11 also states that you have up to two years from the date that your loved one passed away to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Liability – The difficulty of determining who was liable for your crash, as there could have been other parties involved in your crash.
- Insurance – The understanding of laws related to insurance and the ability to effectively communicate with insurance adjusters.
It is important that you hire a lawyer that has the knowledge and experience handling cases like yours and that you feel comfortable with them managing your case, even from your first free consultation.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day. What Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do in Florida?
In simple terms, a motorcycle accident lawyer will protect your legal rights and fight to win the compensation that you deserve following a motorcycle crash in the State of Florida.
The Law Place is willing to offer you a free consultation today, in which a motorcycle accident lawyer will evaluate your case, explore all of the options that are available to you, and help you to understand the kind of compensation that you might be able to recover. If you wish to work with us, then a motorcycle accident lawyer will file your personal injury claim, negotiate with the insurance companies involved, schedule the necessary appointments, and answer all of your questions along the way. In addition, we will not charge you unless we are able to recover compensation for your damages.
Ultimately, the big decisions are up to you. You will be the one to decide whether you want to accept the settlement offer, negotiate with the insurance company more, or go to trial. Our team of motorcycle accident lawyers will be the ones to guide you, provide advice, and navigate the complexities of a motorcycle accident case.
The Law Place will be with you every step of the way, and our main responsibility is to handle the logistics of the case while you focus on your recovery.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for a Minor Accident in Florida?
A motorcycle crash must be taken seriously, even ones that might appear to be minor. The lack of protection means that motorcyclists are exposed to the elements, and they are more susceptible to injuries even from a low-speed collision or low impact crash in the State of Florida.
You might only have a scratch or a bruise from a motorcycle crash, but there are many medical issues that are not always immediately visible. It can take time for symptoms and injuries to show, which is why you must seek medical attention as soon as possible after a motorcycle collision.
A motorcycle accident lawyer from The Law Place will offer assistance when it comes to calculating all of your injuries, losses, and damages to determine the amount of compensation that you might be entitled to. Our law firm will make sure that you are fully informed so that you can make the smartest decision for your case.
The Law Place will deal with all of the paperwork and hassle that comes with motorcycle accident cases so that you can take the time you need to recover. Even if you think that you are uninjured, we will still schedule a check-up with a doctor for you to make sure that you are not losing out on any compensation that you may need.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers. Proving Fault for a Motorcycle Crash in Florida
An essential aspect of any personal injury claim is to be able to prove that someone else caused the crash. In most cases, it might be easy to prove fault, especially if the other driver was caught violating a traffic law, such as failing to stop at a red light or speeding on the roadways in the State of Florida.
However, it is not always easy to establish that another driver caused an accident. You might have to hire an accident reconstruction professional to figure out how the accident happened and how the other driver might be responsible for causing it.
Our team of motorcycle accident lawyers will fully investigate your case and figure out who was at-fault for the crash.
Negligent Drivers in Florida
Every driver assumes a duty of care when they pass their driving test in the State of Florida. The duty of care is recognized as the driver’s responsibility to abide by traffic laws and operate their vehicle in a safe manner. This applies to all road users. Therefore, a motorcyclist has the same right as any other road user to hold the negligent driver accountable for causing an accident.
However, it is not enough to simply be riding a motorcycle at the time of the crash to prove that the other driver was liable for the accident. In most cases, the motorcyclist will have to bear the burden of proof. This means that they have to prove it was the other driver that caused their injuries as a result of negligence.
Negligence is one of the most common causes of accidents, and it allows people to demand compensation for their injuries. The demand asks that the negligent driver provides compensation to the injured individual as their poor actions led to the accident. For a motorcyclist to succeed in their personal injury claim, they must have evidence to show how the negligent driver’s poor choices caused the crash. Evidence includes obtaining a police report, getting statements from witnesses, reviewing dashcam or traffic camera footage, and hiring a professional accident reconstructionist.
Our team of motorcycle accident lawyers will investigate the accident thoroughly to establish negligence in your motorcycle case and develop a strong claim against the at-fault party in the State of Florida.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida
The State of Florida is home to the second-highest number of motorcyclists in the whole of America. However, the high rate of motorcyclists also means that accidents are inevitable. The State of Florida has the highest number of fatal motorcycle accidents every year.
It is important for every rider to understand the many possible reasons for a motorcycle accident to occur. Some motorcyclists might crash due to their own errors, but in most cases, it is usually not their fault. Some of the main causes for motorcycle accidents are:
- Driving under the influence (DUI) – A driver that consumes alcohol before getting behind the wheel can be a huge risk on the road. An impaired driver is usually unaware of their surroundings and is not paying attention to other road users around them, such as motorcyclists.
- Distracted driving – A driver that is distracted by talking to other passengers, using their mobile phone, or eating behind the wheel is not paying attention to the road in front of them. Driving distracted means that they can easily collide with a motorcyclist or run them off the road.
- Aggressive driving – A driver that is overly frustrated with traffic or has other things on their mind can take it out on other vehicles around them. In some cases, an aggressive driver can threaten a motorcyclist, and a serious crash can occur.
- Traffic violations – Violating any of the traffic laws, such as driving over the speed limit, making an improper turn, failing to yield, and more can result in a disastrous accident with a motorcycle.
- Defective motorcycle parts – It is possible for a part of a motorcycle to malfunction unexpectedly, which means that a motorcyclist can easily lose control. In this case, the company that manufactured the motorcycle or a part of the motorcycle will be at fault for the crash.
- Road hazards – It can be very dangerous for a motorcyclist to travel through hazardous road conditions, such as potholes, large cracks, gravel, or uneven pavement. It is very easy for a motorcycle to lose control during bad weather, including heavy rain, hail, or snow.
You must be able to identify any type of negligence that might have been involved in your accident so that your motorcycle accident attorney can protect your legal rights in the State of Florida. The Law Place will be at your side to help you determine what party should be held responsible for your motorcycle accident and personal injuries.
What to Do at the Scene of the Motorcycle Accident in Florida
You must take the necessary precautions when you are involved in a motorcycle accident in the State of Florida. It is crucial for your personal injury claim that you put yourself in the best position to recover compensation. Remember to:
- Stop at the scene – It is important that you stop at the scene of the accident and remain calm. If you are capable of doing so, move to a safer spot away from oncoming traffic.
- Check for injuries – Motorcycle accidents have the potential to cause the worst kinds of injuries due to the lack of protection. If you or anyone else suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, then call an ambulance to the location of the crash as soon as possible.
- Call the Police – Florida Statute 316.062 states that you must pick up your phone and call the police to the scene of the accident. In addition, a police report will support your pursuit of compensation later.
- Information – You must exchange the necessary information with the other driver involved in the crash, such as name, address, phone number, and vehicle registration number.
- Eyewitnesses – Speak to any eyewitnesses at the scene and collect their information. They could possibly give their account of the accident to support your pursuit for compensation later.
- Call your insurance company – Insurance companies will usually give you up to 24 hours to inform them of any accident. However, the specific time will be noted in your policy agreement. When you phone your insurance company, remember not to give them any detail about your crash, as they could possibly use the information against you to claim that you were partially at fault. It is always better to let your motorcycle accident attorney call your insurance company and do all of the talking on your behalf.
- Gather evidence – Take pictures of the accident, the location, the road conditions, any injuries, damaged vehicles, and more. Evidence is a vital aspect when it comes to pursuing a personal injury claim.
- Go to the hospital – You should get a check-up at the hospital immediately after a motorcycle accident, even if you were not injured. In some cases, injuries will not reveal symptoms until much later, which is why you must seek medical attention as soon as possible. In addition, a medical report will support your pursuit of compensation.
- Keep a journal – Write down your experiences after the accident in a journal, such as your recovery process, pain and suffering, changes or adjustments you have had to make to your life, etc. Remember to store medical bills, invoices, receipts, and other related paperwork as it will support your pursuit of compensation.
- Hire a motorcycle accident lawyer – A motorcycle accident lawyer from The Law Place will handle your personal injury claim with skill and efficiency, in addition to supporting and guiding you through this difficult time. A motorcycle accident lawyer will investigate your accident and negotiate the maximum amount of compensation to ensure it covers all of your damages after the crash.
Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident in Florida
A motorcyclist is highly exposed on the road, which means an accident can result in many different types of injuries to the rider. Some of the most common injuries in a motorcycle accident include:
- Road rash – Abrasions, contusions, and burns on the skin after being thrown from a motorcycle and skidding across the hard pavement.
- Bone fractures and broken bones – From the impact of the crash.
- Soft-tissue joint injuries – Strains and tears of muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
- Amputations – Feet, legs, arms, and hands can get damaged or crushed, which can lead to an amputation.
- Internal injuries – Bruising, perforation, and bleeding of internal tissues or organs.
- Spinal cord injuries – Swelling or tears of the tissue can injure the spinal cord and cause temporary or permanent paralysis.
- Traumatic brain injuries – An impact to the head can cause a concussion, brain bleed, or lead to a coma.
Any one of these injuries will require immediate medical attention, which will entail a ride in an ambulance to the hospital. It is possible for some motorcycle accident victims to need immediate surgery or medical treatment in order to stabilize their injuries. They also might need hospitalization to be monitored for a certain period of time. Rest assured that The Law Place will work hard to recover compensation for all of your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance in Florida
Every driver must carry a certain amount of personal injury protection (PIP) insurance in the State of Florida. Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage protects every road user in the event that an accident occurs. However, it is not mandatory for motorcyclists to carry PIP insurance, but many riders have it for protection.
Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance will pay for medical bills and lost wages in the event that an accident occurs. It will cover the driver or rider with up to $10,000 insurance coverage following a crash. The policy of PIP will cover up to 80 percent of medical treatment and up to 60 percent of lost wages according to the limits of the policy.
A severe motorcycle accident will often result in piles of medical bills and pressure, which means that exceeding the limits of the PIP policy will not take a long time. It is also worth noting that personal injury protection (PIP) insurance does not cover non-economic damages.
Compensation in a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Florida
Economic damages and non-economic damages are the two different types of compensation available for motorcycle accident victims in the State of Florida.
Economic damages compensate bills, invoices, receipts, and paperwork for a motorcycle accident. Some of the most common economic damages include:
- Medical bills – This will cover the costs of surgery, therapy, prescription medication, medical equipment, hospital stays, doctor’s visits, and more.
- Loss of income – This will cover lost income due to being unable to work and also any changes to your usual earning capacity.
- Property damage – This will cover the costs to repair or replace your motorcycle and any other property that was damaged, such as a mobile phone, clothes, or helmet.
Non-economic damages compensate for physical, emotional, or mental trauma as a result of a motorcycle accident. They are not easy to calculate by referencing bills, invoices, receipts, and paperwork like economic damages. Some of the most common non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering – This will cover physical suffering, emotional anguish, mental trauma, depression, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and any loss of enjoyment in life after suffering injuries.
- Wrongful death – This will cover the costs of funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship after your partner or family member was killed in a motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle Accidents in the State of Florida
A motorcycle accident can be fatal for the rider involved due to the lack of structural protection that other cars and vehicles have. The State of Florida declares that a motorcyclist that is over the age of 21 does not have to wear a helmet if they have up to $10,000 in medical insurance. However, it is always better for a motorcyclist to wear a helmet for protection, as it is very easy for a rider to sustain injuries or even be killed in the event that a crash occurs.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that, in 2011, close to 11 percent of fatal accidents involved a motorcycle in the State of Florida. Furthermore, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported that almost 8,600 motorcycle accidents occurred in the same year. To break it down even further, up to 400 riders were killed, 7,200 suffered injuries, and up to fifty-four percent of the riders were not wearing helmets when they died.
Safety Laws for Motorcyclists in Florida
There are certain safety laws that every motorcyclist must follow in the State of Florida:
- Riders over the age of 21 are not required to wear a helmet if they can provide proof of having $10,000 in medical insurance.
- Every motorcyclist is required to wear eye protection.
- There is no age restriction for a motorcycle passenger, but the bike must have a footrest and a seat for a passenger to join.
- Every first-time motorcyclist is required to take a rider education course.
- The motorcycle must have mirrors on both sides, turn signals, and mufflers to 86 decibels maximum.
- Lane-splitting is not allowed.
- The motorcycle’s handlebars are not allowed to be above the rider’s shoulders.
- The motorcycle’s headlights must always be used.
- Every motorcyclist must carry minimum liability insurance coverage in the State of Florida.
Do You Have to Wear a Helmet When Riding a Motorcycle in Florida?
Not all of the time, but you must wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle if:
- You are under the age of 21.
- You do not have $10,000 in medical insurance.
However, wearing a helmet will always provide extra protection and will keep you safe on the road.
I Was Not Wearing a Helmet When the Accident Occurred in Florida, Does That Matter?
This can be a difficult question to answer.
You have likely not broken the law for choosing not to wear a helmet as long as you were following the helmet laws in the State of Florida. Nonetheless, motorcyclists should wear a helmet at all times to protect themselves.
You must refrain from saying anything about this after your accident if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of your crash. Speak to your motorcycle accident attorney, they will advise you on what to say and what to do following your motorcycle crash.
When Do Motorcycle Headlights Need to Be Turned on?
Florida law declares that headlights must be turned on at all times when riding a motorcycle, even during daylight hours.
What Are Motorcycle Traffic Laws in Florida?
- Motorcycles are allowed full use of a lane.
- Other motor vehicles are not allowed to drive in a way that would deprive the motorcyclist of the full use of a lane.
- Two motorcycles are allowed to travel side by side in a lane.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Accident in Florida?
Every state has different guidelines for the length of time you have to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident. These guidelines are also known as the statute of limitations.
You have up to four years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury claim according to the statute of limitations in the State of Florida.
Why Is It Easy to Be Injured on a Motorcycle in Florida?
Motorcycles do not have the same safety features as other vehicles. One of the key differences is that a motorcycle does not have airbags to absorb the shock of a crash like a car does.
Motorcycles can be particularly dangerous because of these factors:
- No seatbelts.
- No airbags.
- No exterior doors or walls.
- Smaller in size.
- Difficult to see, especially in the dark or busy areas.
- Often overlooked by other drivers who forget to watch out for motorcyclists.
- Often underestimated in speed as other drivers have a poor understanding of how a motorcycle operates.
- No respect for motorcyclists from other drivers.
Contact The Law Place Today
If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash, then you might be wondering, “what can a lawyer do to help me?”. The aftermath of an accident can be very challenging to handle on your own, which is why you must hire an experienced lawyer to handle the case while you are on the road to recovery.
The Law Place has over seventy-five years of combined experience in dealing with insurance companies and helping injured motorcyclists recover the compensation that they deserve in the State of Florida. Our law firm represents riders that have suffered in accidents due to the negligent actions of other road users, the manufacturer of the vehicle/ parts of the vehicle, or the government entity that failed to maintain the road where the crash occurred.
Our dedicated team of lawyers has the necessary experience and knowledge when it comes to handling motorcycle accident claims in the State of Florida. We have a comprehensive understanding of motorcycle laws, and we will guide you through the legal system with efficiency. Our law firm believes that someone needs to stand up for the motorcyclists that have suffered through no fault of their own, and we are prepared to seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, property damage, lost wages, and more.
If you put your trust in us, then we will be at your side every step of the way. Call The Law Place today, and a motorcycle accident lawyer will be ready to answer all of your questions and offer you an honest piece of advice on how to best approach your case.
Contact us now on (941) 444-4444 to set up a free consultation, and we will fight your motorcycle accident case together in the State of Florida. Phone lines are open 24/7.
