Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers | Law Offices of Jason Turchin
Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries or even fatalities due to the lack of protection that motorcycles offer compared to cars or trucks. In Florida, with its year-round warm weather and scenic roads, motorcyclists are a common sight, but they also face higher risks of accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we are committed to helping motorcycle accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us at 800-337-7755 for a free consultation, or use our live chat feature. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win or settle your case.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida
Motorcycle accidents can occur for many reasons, but they are often caused by the negligence of other drivers on the road. Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted may fail to see motorcyclists and cause an accident.
- Failure to Yield: Many motorcycle accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way, especially at intersections or when making left turns.
- Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to motorcycles in time, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Drunk Driving: Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose a serious threat to motorcyclists and others on the road.
- Lane Changes: Drivers who change lanes without checking their blind spots may collide with motorcyclists.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries than car accidents due to the lack of protection motorcycles offer. Some common injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents include:
- Head Injuries: Even when wearing a helmet, motorcyclists can suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in an accident.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
- Broken Bones: Motorcyclists often experience fractures or broken bones in their arms, legs, or ribs during an accident.
- Road Rash: When a motorcyclist is thrown from their bike and skids along the pavement, they can suffer serious skin abrasions known as road rash.
- Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and organ damage can occur in severe accidents and may require immediate medical attention.
Understanding Florida’s motorcycle laws is important for riders and can impact the outcome of a personal injury claim. Some of the key laws include:
- Helmet Laws: Florida generally requires motorcyclists under the age of 21 to wear helmets. Riders over 21 can ride without a helmet if they have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage for injuries.
- No-Fault Insurance Exemption: Unlike car accidents, Florida’s no-fault insurance laws do not always apply to motorcycles. This means that motorcyclists can pursue a claim directly against an at-fault driver for damages, even if their injuries do not meet Florida’s serious injury threshold.
- Comparative Negligence: Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
How to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Florida
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to consider the following steps to protect your legal rights and ensure your claim is handled properly:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety are the top priority. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, some injuries may not become apparent until later. Seeking immediate medical treatment can also help document your injuries for your claim.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, your motorcycle, the other vehicle involved, and any visible injuries. If possible, get contact information from witnesses who can support your claim.
- File a Police Report: Report the accident to law enforcement and ensure a police report is filed. This report can be valuable evidence in your case.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Be honest and provide the necessary details, but avoid making statements that could be used against you by the insurance company.
- Contact a Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: An experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal process. They can gather evidence and negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.
Compensation You Can Recover in a Motorcycle Accident Claim
In a motorcycle accident claim, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: You may recover compensation for past and future medical bills related to the accident. This includes costs for hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medication.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries keep you from working, you can seek compensation for lost wages. You may also recover damages for future loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Compensation for repairs or replacement of your motorcycle and any other damaged property.
- Wrongful Death: If a motorcycle accident killed your loved one, your family may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. This legal action can help you seek compensation for your loss.
Filing a motorcycle accident claim can be complicated, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may try to minimize payouts. An experienced Florida motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through the claims process. They can negotiate with the insurance company and, if needed, take your case to court. Their goal is to help you get fair compensation.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can assist with:
- Investigating the Accident: Gathering evidence, reviewing police reports, and working with experts to prove fault.
- Handling Insurance Negotiations: Ensuring that your rights are protected and negotiating for a fair settlement with the insurance company.
- Representing You in Court: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can take the case to court. They will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Florida, the Law Offices of Jason Turchin can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and determine your legal options. Call us today at 800-337-7755 or use our live chat feature to speak with an agent. We work on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay any legal fees unless we win or settle your case. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve after a motorcycle accident.