Landau Law Group
Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you have recently experienced a motorcycle accident in Florida, hopefully you were lucky enough to walk away with little impact. Unfortunately, that is not always the case in most motorcycle accidents. Often, motorcyclists are injured, sometimes severely. And many times, the cause was another negligent driver, not the motorcyclist.
Frustration can quickly take over when you are healing from your injuries while also wondering how you are going to recover, physically and financially, from the damage caused by the accident.
The Landau Law Group has more than 20 years of combined experienced representing clients who have been injured in an accident in Florida. Call (866) 703-4878 for a free consultation with one of our Florida motorcycle accident lawyers.
How Florida Motorcycle Accidents Happen
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department, there have been over 8,500 motorcycle crashes this year so far. Many of them have been caused by:
Blind Spots
In many cases, drivers who share the road with motorcycle riders do not see the motorcyclist when merging or turning, which can result in disaster. Always look twice for motorcycles.
Distracted Driving
Of all the vehicles sharing the roadways in Florida, motorcycles are the most vulnerable to distracted driving. Cell phone misuse is one of the most common distractions while driving.
Tailgating
Following a rider too closely could be deadly. Tailgating reduces the time needed to avoid hitting a motorcyclist when traffic suddenly slows down or stops.
Poor Road Conditions
Motorcycles do not handle the same as cars, trucks, and other four-wheeled vehicles. While no one can control the weather, road maintenance is a controllable factor. Potholes or uneven surfaces could easily cause an accident.
Defective Equipment
Defective motorcycle parts or improper maintenance can cause the motorcycle to malfunction. If this happens in heavy traffic or on poor road conditions, the rider may have to lay the bike down or otherwise react to avoid a collision. The manufacturer or maintainer could be held liable if this causes an injury.
When you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, call a Florida motorcycle accident lawyer with The Landau Law Group at (866) 703-4878 for a free, no-risk consultation. We will help you understand your rights for recovering compensation for your damages.
Types of Recoverable Damages
You may have the right to compensation for damages sustained in a motorcycle accident, including:
- Medical expenses, such as ambulance rides, hospital stays, ongoing treatment, and rehabilitation
- Professional therapy for mental care
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages, past and future
- Lost benefits
- Missed opportunities for advancement at work
- Other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
Medical bills alone can stack up very quickly. There is no need to pay for someone else’s negligence.
The Landau Law Group has obtained over 20 million dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We are proud of our results and are ready to get to work on your case right away.
Wrongful Death
In some cases, the injuries sustained in a crash can cause the untimely death of the victim. According to Florida Statute 768.21, if you lost a family member in a motorcycle accident you may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship and support, and lost income.
Reported Injuries in a Motorcycle Crash
Common injuries to the rider involved in a crash are:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): wearing a helmet is not required in Florida with the proper insurance, but many riders choose not to wear one. Helmet or not, a forced impact can result in a traumatic brain injury as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Fractures: skulls, jaws, collarbones, ribs, arms, and legs are very susceptible to breaks in a collision.
- Sprains: joints are easily harmed during an accident. Wrist, elbow, ankle, and knee sprains can take a long time to heal.
- Dislocations: these injuries are massively damaging to the surrounding soft tissue in the joint. Once a dislocation happens, it can easily happen again.
- Eye Injuries: riders are legally required to wear protective eye equipment, but even with glasses and goggles the eyes are at risk.
- Internal Damage: internal bleeding is one of the more serious examples of injuries from a crash. Immediate medical attention is required, and it could rapidly become a life-threatening injury.
It is awful when these injuries occur, but fortunately, Florida law allows the victim to pursue compensation for these damages and more depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations Can Impact Your Claim
Florida law generally allows a limit of four years to file a claim against a third party for compensation. After the four years, it may become difficult, if not impossible, to file.
In personal injury cases, the clock for the statute of limitations begins ticking on the date of the accident. In the event that the victim does not survive his or her injuries, the family has two years from the date of the victim’s death to file a claim.
The process of filing a lawsuit can be extensive. When there are multiple vehicles involved, the amount of work required to file a claim can increase exponentially. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Florida can help you understand time constraints.
Working With a Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
A dedicated motorcycle accident attorney at The Landau Law Group can:
- Begin the process of investigating your accident right away
- Gather evidence, including eyewitness statements
- Collect and review police reports
- Determine liability for the accident
- Evaluate your expenses related to the accident
- Contact the insurance companies for you
- Negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance companies
- Represent you in court if a trial is needed to determine a settlement
At The Landau Law Group, we want you to focus on your and your family’s recovery. We can handle everything else on your behalf. Call today for a free, no-obligation consultation at (866) 703-4878. We are available 24/7 to answer your important questions. Contact us today!
Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer FAQs
What should you do after a Florida motorcycle accident?
Immediately following a Florida motorcycle accident, you should:
- Make sure the scene is safe by getting away from the flow of traffic and any other hazards
- Check to see if anyone is injured; call first responders if necessary
- Call the police to report the accident
- Collect information about the other drivers and vehicles in the accident
- Collect information about any bystanders and witnesses
- Collect any other info you can from the scene; taking photos on a smartphone is a good idea
- Take note of any odd behavior from the other driver
- Take note of any hazards you see
What should you not do after a Florida motorcycle accident?
After a Florida motorcycle accident, you should NOT:
- Delay medical attention; if you or someone else is injured, get help immediately
- Talk to anyone about the accident except the police and don’t admit guilt.
- Don’t give a statement or speak to an adjuster until you’ve spoken with a Florida motorcycle accident lawyer.
What should I do in the days following a Florida motorcycle accident?
In the days following a Florida motorcycle accident, you should:
- Get medical attention for any injuries
- Speak with a Florida motorcycle accident lawyer
- Speak with your insurance company
How long does it take to settle a Florida motorcycle accident case?
It typically takes anywhere from 6 months to a year in order to settle a Florida motorcycle accident claim. However, some claims are more complicated and can take longer.
Who is at fault in most motorcycle accidents?
While every Florida motorcycle accident is unique, car drivers are held responsible for many motorcycle accidents. The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is the failure of other motorists on the road to detect and recognize motorcycles.