Riding a motorcycle is an adrenaline rush for many people in Boynton Beach, Florida. But the number of motorcycle accidents keeps rising with each passing year. Since motorcycles lack the protection of cars, riders are often severely injured or killed.
When you or someone in your family is injured due to a motorcycle accident in Boynton Beach, FL, you are entitled to claim compensation from the at-fault party. But insurance companies often unfairly blame motorcycle riders for accidents. This is why you need a skilled attorney on your side.
There are many personal injury law firms across Boynton Beach and Florida, but all of these firms are not created alike. You don’t have to look further than Steinberg Law when you are searching for a reliable motorcycle accident lawyer in Boynton Beach, FL.
Call one of our personal injury lawyers before you call the insurance company. We have extensive experience in negotiating with insurance companies and getting the maximum amount of compensation you rightly deserve.
Call 877-783-4611 for a free initial consultation with an experienced auto accident lawyer at Steinberg Law in Boynton Beach, Florida!
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help With My Compensation Claim?
Just because you were injured in a motorcycle accident, compensation isn’t automatic. You need to prove the negligence of the other driver in order to claim maximum compensation from them. Proving negligence in a motorcycle accident is far more difficult than in a car or truck accident. Most insurance companies have a negative opinion of motorcycle riders.
They think motorcycle riders are reckless and accident-prone. Hence, claiming maximum compensation for your injuries isn’t easy. That’s where you need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Boynton Beach, Florida.
Motorcycle accident lawyers can help you in many ways to get the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries. Here are some of the many advantages of working with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Steinberg Law.
Case Preparation and Filing a Claim
Our lawyers will evaluate your case and advise whether you have a strong claim against the responsible party. In fact, if we decide to appear on your behalf, our lawyers will build a strong case by interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, checking police reports, and reconstructing the accident scene.
Settlement Negotiations
We have extensive experience in negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of our clients. Insurance companies are biased when it comes to compensating motorcycle accident victims. They think that motorcycle riders are careless and accident-prone and will try to pay out the minimum amount of compensation or deny your claim completely.
The lawyers at Steinberg Law know how to negotiate with insurance providers and obtain adequate compensation for your injuries.
Representation in a Trial
We are prepared to take your case to trial in the event the insurance company tries to pay out the minimum amount of compensation or denies your claim. Our lawyers have taken dozens of cases to trial in the past and have the necessary experience to do so with your case.
The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Boynton Beach, FL
Motorcycle accidents can happen for a diverse number of reasons. Most accidents are avoidable if the rider and drivers on the road are cautious. Here are some of the most common reasons why motorcycle accidents happen in Boynton Beach, FL.
Speeding
Speeding is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents. A speeding driver may not notice a motorcycle in time. Speeding increases the impact force of an accident, and motorcycles lack the surrounding protective structure of cars. Hence, speeding can cause serious motorcycle accidents and injuries.
Distracted Driving and DUI
Drunk or drug-impaired drivers have impaired judgment and slowed reaction times. Distracted driving may result in failing to check blind spots, risky lane changes, shoving a motorcycle rider off the road, or colliding with the back of a motorcycle.
Lane Changes
When a driver changes lanes, they can easily miss a motorcycle if they don’t check their blind spots. A collision is more likely under such circumstances.
Poor Road Conditions
A motorcycle is much lighter than other vehicles. It doesn’t take much to throw a bike off its traction. Roads with potholes can increase the chances of a motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Florida
There were an estimated 620,077 registered motorcyclists in Florida in 2020. More than 11% of motorcycle fatalities in the United States in 2019 occurred in Florida. 52% of riders killed in Florida motorcycle accidents did not wear a helmet. Helmets are optional in Florida unless you are below 21 years of age.
Motorcycle-Specific Laws in Florida
People operating a motorcycle in Florida are required to adhere to the following laws and regulations.
- They should have a motorcycle endorsement to ride a bike in the state. The motorcycle endorsement should be added to your driving license.
- The motorcycle should have properly working headlights, which should be on always.
- The motorcyclist should obey all traffic laws.
- A helmet is mandatory if you are below 21 years of age and optional for older people.
- You should wear protective eyewear.
- Both wheels of the motorcycle should be on the ground at the same time.
- The handlebars should be at shoulder height or lower.
- You should keep both hands on the handles at all times.
- You should display the license plate on the back of the motorcycle.
- You should only carry a passenger if the motorcycle has an additional seat.
Common Injuries Seen in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often cause serious injuries or death. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Brain injuries
- Leg injuries
- Head injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones and limb amputations
- Foot injuries
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Burns and lacerations
- Spinal injuries
- Road rash or serious skin injuries
- Biker’s arm
How Is Fault Determined in a Motorcycle Accident in Florida?
Even if you have played a part in causing the accident, you will be entitled to claim compensation from the other party depending on your percentage of fault. Florida is a pure comparative negligence state. If you were 30% responsible for the accident and the other party 70%, you can claim up to 70% of the total compensation.
But you need to prove 4 important elements to claim such compensation.
- The defendant had a duty to care for the other drivers and passengers on the road to drive his/her vehicle responsibly and carefully.
- The at-fault driver breached his or her duty of care by driving the vehicle carelessly.
- The accident was a result of this breach of the duty of care.
- You were injured as a direct result of the accident.
What Type of Compensation Could I Receive for My Motorcycle Accident?
Damages is a legal term for the money awarded to victims in a lawsuit. There are three categories of damages you could claim in a motorcycle accident lawsuit.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are compensation for financial losses. Examples include past/future medical bills, lost wages, hospital stays, doctor visits, prescribed medications, physical therapy charges, and more.
Non-Economic Damages
This type of compensation includes the pain and suffering you experienced as a result of the accident. The accident and subsequent injuries can lower the quality of your life. You can claim compensation for the loss of quality of life, physical pain, emotional distress, and more.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages aren’t meant to compensate the victim but to punish the defendant for especially reckless behavior. These damages are only awarded in some cases and are limited to $500,000 or three times the plaintiff’s compensatory damages.
Why Was My Motorcycle Accident Claim Denied?
There can be many reasons for the denial of your motorcycle accident claim in Florida. Here are some of the most common reasons for denying an accident claim in FL.
- You delayed seeking medical help for your injuries. The insurance company may state that the injuries are from another incident and not from the accident.
- The insurance company believes that you caused the accident. Many insurance companies stereotype motorcycle riders as reckless and accident-prone.
- You didn’t file the claim in a timely manner.
- If this type of accident isn’t covered or the other driver didn’t have adequate insurance coverage, the insurance company can deny your claim.
Are There Time Limits to File a Claim in Florida?
You should file the claim within 4 years of the date of the accident or injuries. This is known as the statute of limitations. Work with our personal injury lawyers to make sure you do not miss this deadline.
Don’t Delay in Calling a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Boynton Beach!
When you are injured in a motorcycle accident in Boynton Beach, FL, you are entitled to claim maximum compensation from the at-fault party. You should hire an experienced personal injury lawyer to handle your claim. Steinberg Law is one of the best personal injury law firms in town.
We represent accident victims on a contingency fee arrangement. This means you pay nothing out of pocket. We only get paid if we win you compensation.
Call 877-783-4611 for a free initial consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at Steinberg Law in Boynton Beach, Florida!
