When To Consult A Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
There is no reason to go through a motorcycle accident alone. A legal professional can help you every step of the way. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers at Nationwide Disability Representatives have the knowledge, skill, and tenacity to represent their client’s rights. Our firm has represented personal injury victims for nearly 30 years in Florida.
Important Things To Know About Motorcycle Accidents In Fort Lauderdale
Riding a motorcycle is a thrilling way to travel; however, there are numerous dangers that you may encounter on the road. It is always possible to be involved in an accident.
Proper representation for motorcycle accident victims requires experience, expertise and a special skill set. Motorcycle accident attorneys understands the unique needs of motorcyclists in Florida, which are often overlooked.
Different states have different laws. In Florida, for example, you are not legally required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle provided that you carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage. Florida is also a no-fault car insurance state, meaning that, after a car accident, your own insurance coverage pays for medical expenses and other financial loss.
In Florida, this is referred to as Personal Injury Protection, or PIP coverage. Your legal options may seem limited in a no-fault state. However, a motorcycle accident and injury lawyer could determine what legal remedies are available to you for your damages, including whether you can file a legal claim against the negligent party.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes are as follows:
- Distracted Driving
- Poorly maintained roads
- Defective Motorcycles
- Traffic Violations
Death in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycling accidents can be very serious, and often result in fatalities. There are several reasons for this. Motorcycles provide very little protection in a crash, and riders are not as visible to other drivers as people in cars. Additionally, motorcycles can travel at high speeds, making it difficult for drivers to avoid them if they do not see them coming.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, or IIHS, the federal government estimates that the number of deaths on motorcycles was nearly 27 times the number in cars per mile traveled in 2018.
A total of 5,014 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2019. Motorcycle deaths accounted for 14 percent of all motor vehicle accident deaths in 2019, more than double the number of motorcyclist deaths that occurred in 1997. Clearly, motorcycle accidents are becoming more common.
When someone dies as a result of a motorcycling accident, their loved ones may be able to file a claim for wrongful death. This type of claim allows the victim’s family to seek damages from the person or company responsible for the accident.
What Steps To Take After A Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident?
These unfortunate accidents can lead to severe injuries and damages. You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit if your accident was caused by a negligent party. It is important to note that the actions that you take following the accident can impact your case greatly.
After an accident, there are a several things you should do, the most important of which are outlined below:
- Seek Medical Attention
You should call 911 and seek immediate emergency medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. You should see a doctor even if you do not believe that you sustained any serious injuries. Victims may sustain different types of injuries that range in severity from minor road rash to a severe head injury, critical spinal injury or even death. Always check yourself and others for injuries.
Some life-threatening injuries do not present symptoms right away or you may experience a mild form of shock that limits the pain you experience immediately following an accident. A doctor will be able to better assess your health. Moreover, obtaining medical treatment will help you later recover compensation for your injuries by creating a medical record of any injuries related to the motorcycle accident in Fort Lauderdale.
- Remain at the scene
You should never try to leave the scene of an accident. It is a crime to leave the scene of an accident in many states when there has been property damage, serious bodily harm, or death. Florida is no exception. Regardless of who caused the accident, you should stay at the scene and notify the police. While there, focus on gathering evidence like photographs and witness information.
- Gather Details
After an accident, gather as much information as possible about the accident. Try to obtain the names of the other people involved, including drivers and passengers. Record the weather conditions at the time of the crash, the license plate numbers of other vehicles involved, and the other driver’s license and insurance information. These are all examples of evidence that could be needed later. Take pictures of the crash site and surrounding area if you can. If you think a dangerous road condition caused your accident, take a photograph and record the location of the hazard.
Contact A Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
There are many reasons to speak with a lawyer after a motorcycle accident. For example, if you are considering filing a lawsuit, a lawyer can advise you on whether or not you have a case and how strong it is. A lawyer can also help you negotiate with the insurance company and make sure you get the best possible settlement.
If you were involved in a motorcycle crash caused by someone else’s negligent or reckless conduct, attorneys and insurance firms representing the at-fault party could try to dupe you into settling your future legal claims for mere pennies on the dollar.
They may try to get you to agree to a quick offer of settlement. They often include a provision to forgo valuable legal rights in these quick settlements.
If your injuries and other damages become worse, you will have no legal recourse if you sign a quick settlement. Having a motorcycle accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can be a real asset. They can help you negotiate the best possible settlement and make sure your rights are protected.
Who Is Responsible In A Motorcycle Accident?
Every motorcycle accident case has its own set of circumstances that determine who may be legally responsible for the injuries sustained. Generally, the person whose actions were negligent or reckless that caused the accident is liable for damages.
The parties in a typical motorcycle accident dispute might include:
- Other motorists
- A car, truck, or motorcycle manufacturer if the accident was caused by defective vehicle manufacturing, faulty parts, or negligent assembly
- A local government body if the accident involved a government vehicle or was caused by a preventable and unreasonably dangerous road condition that the municipality should have repaired or warned about.
A legal professional has the resources and experience to examine the facts and circumstances of a crash to decide who should be legally responsible for damages. An experienced auto accident lawyer will have handled similar cases and can investigate the circumstances of your case and help you move forward.
Can I Get Compensation For Damages?
Since Florida is a no-fault car insurance state, there are limits to the types of damages you are entitled to. To obtain compensation outside of a state’s no-fault insurance system, your injuries must meet the “serious injury” threshold set by state law. Filing a third-party claim makes it possible to sue the driver who caused the accident. This is often the only way to obtain non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
An attorney could help you fight for justice and help get you compensation for a number of things. It includes medical costs, hospital bills, prescription medications, current and future lost wages, physical disability, scarring, loss of limbs, traumatic brain and head injuries, mental distress, depression, anxiety, physical and emotional pain.
How Can A Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help You?
If you were injured in the accident, a motorcycle lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim and ensure that you receive the medical treatment and financial compensation you deserve.
Nationwide Disability Representatives is a leading personal injury law firm in Fort Lauderdale that specializes in motorcycle and other vehicle accidents. Our accident and injury attorneys offer excellent legal services for all types of auto accidents. Our legal team employs successful legal strategies to win complex bike crash cases based on 35+ years of experience.
So, if you or your loved one has been in a motorcycle accident, please contact us now! Schedule a free consultation if you want to review your claim, discuss your legal options, and represent you at every stage of the process.