Motorcycle crashes in Florida can lead to severe injuries and even fatalities. The unique dynamics of motorcycle collisions, including the lack of protection for riders, make these accidents particularly dangerous. If you or someone you love was injured in a bike accident because of the negligent actions of another driver, our Florida motorcycle accident lawyers can establish liability and help you obtain the largest possible compensation for your injuries and losses.
A Motorcycle Accident Claim Often Involves Catastrophic Injuries
Following a motorcycle and passenger vehicle crash, the injured motorcyclist may suffer life-altering injuries. These are a few types of motorcycle accident injuries in Florida:
- Head Injuries: Motorcycle accidents may result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can range from concussions to severe brain damage. These injuries can have long-term consequences, including cognitive impairment, memory loss, and changes in behavior or mood.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a motorcycle crash can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or loss of sensation below the site of injury. Victims may experience partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
- Road Rash and Abrasions: When motorcyclists are thrown from their bikes during a collision, they can suffer road rash, which occurs when the skin scrapes against the pavement. These injuries can be painful and may result in infections or permanent scarring.
- Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries: Motorcycle accidents often result in broken bones, fractures, and orthopedic injuries due to the lack of protection afforded by these machines. Common injuries include broken legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis, which may require surgery and prolonged rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries: The force of impact in a motorcycle accident can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time if left untreated.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, strains, and sprains are common soft tissue injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents. These injuries can cause chronic pain and limited mobility, impacting your quality of life and ability to work or engage in daily activities. This makes it important to get immediate medical attention.
- Psychological Trauma: Motorcycle accidents can also have a significant psychological impact on victims, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. The emotional toll of the accident may require therapy or counseling to address.
- Fatal Injuries: Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents can be deadly, resulting in fatalities due to the severity of the injuries sustained. Families may be left devastated by the loss of a loved one following fatal motorcycle accidents. Our law firm can get you a fair settlement for your emotional and financial hardships in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Many injuries may not be visible at the outset, making it necessary to take certain steps to preserve your right to file a claim. Speak to our Florida motorcycle accident attorneys at Gerber Law today for a free case evaluation.
Why Choose a Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer from Gerber Law to Maximize Damages?
Investigative Ability and Resources
- Expert Network Access: The legal team at Gerber Law has access to a network of expert witnesses, including accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and forensic analysts, to prove liability and strengthen your case under Florida law.
- Comprehensive Investigation: We conduct thorough investigations into Florida motorcycle accidents, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, obtaining the police report, and analyzing relevant factors to prove negligence and build a strong case on behalf of our clients.
Negotiation Skills, Trial Experience, A Proven Record
- Strategic Negotiation Practices: Accidents occur for a wide array of reasons and could lead to a wrongful death. However, by utilizing strategic negotiation tactics, we aim to obtain favorable settlements for our clients. We will try to get you the compensation you deserve without unnecessary delays.
- Extensive Courtroom Experience: With extensive courtroom experience, our attorneys are prepared to litigate motorcycle accident cases in court if necessary, advocating effectively for our clients’ rights and interests before judges and juries.
- Proven Track Record: With a proven track record of success in motorcycle accident cases, we have a demonstrated ability to deliver results and obtain favorable verdicts or settlements for our clients.
Robust Legal Representation for Clients
- Aggressive Pursuit of Compensation: Your Florida motorcycle accident lawyer will aggressively pursue maximum compensation for your financial recovery.
- Relentless Advocacy: Our attorneys provide legal representation for motorcycle accident victims. We will fight tirelessly to protect your interests and achieve optimal outcomes.
- Compassionate Support: Alongside our legal representation, we offer compassionate support and guidance to motorcycle accident victims and their families, helping them handle the challenges they face during this difficult time.
Laws that May Impact Your Motorcycle Claim in Florida
Modified Comparative Negligence
Florida’s recent modified comparative negligence rule has raised the stakes for injured victims. If the defendants are able to prove that you are 50% or more responsible for your injuries in the motorcycle accident case, you will be barred from recovering any compensation at all.
Our approach: Our experienced Florida motorcycle accident attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident to determine fault and gather evidence to minimize any allegations of comparative negligence. We may use accident reconstruction experts, witness testimony, and other evidence to establish the defendant’s primary liability and mitigate any claims of shared fault by the motorcyclist.
No-Fault Insurance
Motorcycles are exempt from Florida’s no-fault insurance system, which means that motorcycle accident claims are not subject to the same personal injury protection (PIP) benefits as other motor vehicle accidents. This can complicate the process of obtaining compensation for medical expenses and other damages.
Our approach: Our Florida motorcycle accident attorneys will explore alternative avenues for compensation, such as liability claims against at-fault parties or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. We will negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of the injured motorcyclist to recover fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is illegal in Florida. If a motorcyclist engages in this practice and is involved in an accident, it may be used against them in determining liability within their motorcycle accident lawsuit.
Our approach: Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Florida will carefully assess the circumstances of the accident to determine whether lane splitting contributed to the crash. If lane splitting was not a factor or if another party’s negligence played a more significant role, we will focus on proving liability on the part of the responsible party and minimizing the impact of lane splitting allegations.
Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Failure to comply with Florida’s motorcycle insurance requirements may limit the ability of motorcycle riders to recover compensation for damages in an accident. You need to follow the insurance rules for motor vehicles.
Our approach: Our motorcycle injury lawyers will review the motorcyclist’s insurance coverage and explore all available options for compensation, including pursuing claims against negligent parties or obtaining coverage under uninsured/underinsured motorist policies. We will advocate for the injured motorcyclist to ensure they receive the maximum compensation available under the law.
Road Hazards and Weather Conditions
Florida’s weather and road conditions can increase the risk of motorcycle accidents due to factors such as wet roads, debris, and poor visibility.
Our approach: Our attorney will investigate the accident to determine whether road hazards or weather conditions contributed to the crash. They may work with accident reconstruction experts and gather evidence to demonstrate how these factors played a role in causing the accident and the resulting injuries. Additionally, we may pursue claims against the parties responsible for road maintenance or design defects that contributed to the hazardous conditions.
Bias Against Motorcyclists
Bias against motorcyclists may influence insurance claims, jury decisions, and law enforcement responses to accidents, potentially affecting the outcome of a motorcycle claim. Florida highway safety is a cumulative effort. However, in a car accident with a motorcycle rider, the biker is sometimes pegged as the negligent party and blamed.
Our approach: Our skilled attorneys will anticipate and address any bias against the injured motorcyclist by presenting compelling evidence, expert testimony, and persuasive arguments to counteract negative perceptions. You can count on us to fight vigorously for your rights and work to obtain maximum compensation despite any bias or prejudice you may encounter.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Florida
Speak with Our Attorneys
An important step after a motorcycle accident in Florida is to speak with a skilled attorney with experience in motorcycle accident cases. An attorney can provide invaluable guidance on protecting your rights, tackling the legal process, and pursuing compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Seek Medical Treatment
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it is essential to obtain medical attention promptly in personal injury cases. Even seemingly minor injuries can develop into more serious conditions if left untreated. Documenting your injuries through medical records is also important for your insurance claim and potential legal proceedings.
Gather Evidence
If you do not have a serious injury and are physically able, you should gather evidence from the accident scene, including photos or videos of the vehicles involved, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses, if possible, as their statements can be invaluable in supporting personal injury claims.
Report the Accident
Car accidents need to be reported to the relevant authorities. You should speak to a motorcycle attorney and report the accident to law enforcement or the Florida Highway Patrol. An accident report can provide an official record of the crash and any serious injuries suffered, which may be essential for insurance purposes and legal proceedings.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Your personal injury lawyer can help you notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. However, be cautious when providing statements or signing documents, as insurance companies may attempt to minimize your claim or shift blame onto you. It is advisable to consult your attorney before engaging in any discussions with insurance adjusters.
If you believe another party’s negligence caused or contributed to your motorcycle accident, consider legal action to seek compensation for your damages. The attorneys at Gerber Law can assess the strength of your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary. Our lawyers can help you recover financial compensation for lost wages, past and future medical expenses, and more.
Strategies Employed by Gerber Law to Maximize Compensation of Motorcycle Accident Victims in Florida
- Utilization of Technology: Gerber Law employs cutting-edge technology, including accident reconstruction software, forensic analysis tools, and digital evidence management systems, to bolster our clients’ cases. By presenting compelling visual evidence and data-driven arguments, we effectively counter insurance company tactics aimed at disputing liability or minimizing damages in motorcycle crash cases.
- Pre-emptive Investigation: Our Florida motorcycle lawyers carry out a comprehensive investigation immediately after the accident to gather evidence before it can be tampered with or destroyed. This proactive approach helps circumvent insurance tactics aimed at exploiting gaps in evidence or shifting blame onto the victim.
- Strategic Communication: Our firm communicates directly with insurance adjusters on behalf of our clients, ensuring that statements are carefully crafted to avoid potential misinterpretation or manipulation by the insurance company. Gerber Law prevents insurers from twisting the facts to diminish the victim’s claim by controlling the narrative from the outset.
- Legal Precedent and Case Law: Gerber Law leverages our knowledge of legal precedent and case law to anticipate and counter insurance company arguments. By citing relevant court rulings and legal principles, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Florida can strengthen your position and compel insurers to reconsider their initial assessments of liability and damages.
Get Legal Representation from Our Formidable Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Florida
The seasoned team of Florida motorcycle collision lawyers at Gerber Law understands the unique challenges faced by riders and is committed to maximizing your recovery. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Schedule a free consultation with us today and let us pursue the most powerful legal strategies to recover maximum compensation from all the liable parties. Call us at (941) 484-2700 or contact us online.
