Medical bills can pile up fast after a motorcycle crash. If you were involved in this type of accident, a Pinellas Park personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation.
Brooks Law Group has recovered more than $300 million for our clients. If you or one of your loved ones was injured in a motorcycle crash, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Pinellas Park can help you file a claim and negotiate for a fair settlement.
How a Pinellas Park Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be stressful. A Pinellas Park motorcycle accident attorney can step in and:
- Investigate the accident: We can review the police report, photographs, video footage, witness statements, vehicle damage, and other evidence to determine how the crash happened and who is responsible.
- Calculate your losses: We can evaluate your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses and calculate your claim’s overall value.
- Negotiate for a settlement: We can negotiate with the insurance company and attempt to secure compensation that reflects the true extent of your losses.
- File a lawsuit: If we cannot reach a fair settlement with the insurance company, we can take your case to court and present evidence supporting your claim.
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(800) 529-3030
What Types of Damages Can You Recover?
The compensation available in a motorcycle accident claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, who was responsible, and the other losses you have suffered.
You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses: You can seek compensation for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and other accident-related medical care.
- Future medical costs: If you suffered serious injuries that require ongoing or future treatment, you may pursue additional damages.
- Lost wages: You may recover income you lost because your injuries prevented you from working.
- Reduced earning capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to earn a living in the future, you can claim diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation may be available for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Serious injuries can prevent you from participating in activities you previously enjoyed, which may be factored into your settlement.
- Punitive damages: If the at-fault party acted with malice or gross negligence, punitive damages may be available.
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(800) 529-3030
How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
Per Florida Statute § 95.11, you typically have two years from the date of a motorcycle accident to bring a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. If you miss this deadline, your suit will likely be dismissed, and you will forfeit the right to recover damages in court.
Exceptions can apply in certain scenarios, such as if your case involves wrongful death, a defendant who leaves the state after the accident, or injuries that you don’t discover right away. A motorcycle accident attorney in Pinellas Park can review your case and explain how long you have to pursue a motorcycle accident lawsuit.
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How Do You Prove Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
To recover compensation in a motorcycle accident case, you generally need evidence establishing that another party failed to use reasonable care and that this failure caused your injuries and losses.
Useful types of evidence may include:
- Police accident reports
- Photographs and videos of the crash scene
- Traffic or surveillance camera footage
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Vehicle damage
- Motorcycle damage
- Accident reconstruction evidence
- Cell phone records
- Medical records
- Expert testimony
- Documentation of lost wages
- Evidence of your financial losses
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What If I Was Partially At Fault?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if you are found to be more than 50% responsible for an accident, you generally cannot recover damages.
If you are 50% or less responsible, you can pursue compensation, but your award will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the accident, your damages would be reduced to 80% of the total amount.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Pinellas Park
Most motorcycle crashes are preventable. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Following a motorcycle too closely
- Failure to yield
- Unsafe lane changes
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving under the influence
- Aggressive driving
- Turning in front of an approaching motorcycle
- Failing to check blind spots
- Opening a vehicle door into a motorcycle’s path
- Poorly maintained roads
- Defective motorcycle components
- Dangerous weather or road conditions
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries even when the rider is traveling at a relatively low speed.
Potential injuries include:
- Fractured bones
- Road rash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Amputations
- Nerve damage
- Muscle and ligament injuries
- Burns
- Facial injuries
- Permanent scarring
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Pinellas Park
The actions you take immediately after a motorcycle accident in Florida can affect both your recovery and your legal claim.
If you are physically able, you should:
- Call 911: Notify law enforcement and request emergency medical assistance.
- Document the scene: If your condition allows, photograph the vehicles, motorcycle, roadway, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange information: Obtain contact and insurance information from the other driver or drivers involved.
- Talk to witnesses: Get the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the crash.
- Get medical treatment: Allow medical professionals to evaluate you, even if your injuries initially seem minor.
- Keep records: Save medical bills, receipts, wage-loss documentation, insurance correspondence, and other accident-related records.
- Avoid admitting fault: Regardless of whether you are speaking to police, other motorists, or insurance adjusters, do not speculate about what caused the collision or make statements suggesting that you were responsible.
- Preserve evidence: Keep your damaged motorcycle, helmet, clothing, photographs, and other potentially relevant evidence.
- Talk to a lawyer: Reach out to a motorcycle injury lawyer to find out how you can seek justice.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Pinellas Park
A motorcycle crash can affect your health, finances, career, and family. If you were injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, a Pinellas Park motorcycle accident attorney from Brooks Law Group can help you put together a strong claim and pursue the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Book a free consultation to start building your claim.
Call or text (800) 529-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form