Motorcycle accidents can be devastating for the rider. Severe injuries are common. Proving negligence in a motorcycle accident lawsuit is more difficult than in a car accident. The insurance companies will always try to put the blame on the motorcycle rider in order to pay minimum compensation or deny the claim altogether.
That’s why handling a motorcycle accident claim on your own isn’t the best idea. You need to work with a trusted motorcycle accident lawyer in Jupiter, FL. Our team at Steinberg Law is prepared to help you if you have been injured in a motorcycle collision.
Our attorneys have the necessary expertise, experience, and skills necessary to obtain superior results. Call 877-783-4611 for a free initial consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer in Jupiter, FL!
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help With My Compensation Claim?
Steinberg Law is your trusted partner in Jupiter, Florida, for motorcycle accident cases. Our lawyers have over 10 years of experience helping personal injury victims.
Here are some of the ways our motorcycle accident lawyers help clients who have been injured by careless or reckless drivers.
Case Preparation & Filing a Claim
Your lawyer will start by collecting as much evidence as possible. They will interview eyewitnesses and expert witnesses, and reconstruct the accident scene to learn more about who was at fault for the accident. The professional will do everything possible to build a strong case on your behalf.
Your attorney will handle the legal paperwork and ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.
Settlement Negotiations
Negotiating with insurance companies is one of the most difficult things. Our lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with insurance providers to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible.
The first settlement offer is often way below the amount that you deserve. An attorney will be able to determine how much your case is worth early on and use their negotiation skills to reach a fair settlement.
Trial Preparation & Representation
While most motorcycle accident cases end in a settlement agreement, in some cases, your attorney may determine that the best option is to take your case to court. This is especially when the insurance company is not cooperative or denies your claim.
Your attorney will prepare your case for trial, file the necessary paperwork, and offer experienced representation in court.
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Jupiter?
A motorcycle is a fun way of traveling. But riding a motorcycle can be risky due to the lack of protection. Motorcycle riders are more likely to experience severe injuries and even death in an accident compared to those riding in passenger cars.
Some motorcycle collisions are the result of rider error. But in many cases, a careless driver is responsible. Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Jupiter, FL.
- Unsafe lane changing
- Left turning cars
- Driving while intoxicated
- Lane splitting
- Road hazards and poor road conditions
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Texting while driving
- Defective parts in the motorcycle or car
- Distracted driving
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Florida
Motorcycle accident fatalities have been rising in Florida year after year. In fact, there were over 8995 motorcycle accidents and 550 fatalities in Florida in 2019. The number of fatalities increased to 552 in 2020 while there were around 8,045 motorcycle crashes in 2020.
One reason for the increased fatalities in motorcycle crashes is riders are not required to wear a helmet to operate a motorcycle in Florida. The vast majority of accident victims were not wearing a helmet when they crashed.
Motorcycle-Specific Laws in Florida
Motorcycle riders are expected to obey all general traffic laws as well as motorcycle-specific laws. Here are a few important Florida motorcycle laws.
Motorcycle Endorsement
You must obtain a motorcycle endorsement to ride a motorcycle in Florida. Having a driver’s license won’t qualify you to ride a motorcycle. Once you are 16 years, you should pass the Basic Rider Course offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation in the state to have a motorcycle endorsement added to the license.
Helmets and Eyewear
A rider younger than 21 years of age should wear an approved helmet when riding a motorcycle. The helmet is optional if you are 21 years or older. If you opt to not wear a helmet, you should have insurance with at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage.
All riders should wear protective eyewear. They should wear goggles or other forms of protective eyewear when riding the motorcycle.
Other motorcycle laws include:
- Lane splitting is illegal.
- Riders cannot use listening devices that impair their ability to hear.
- No more than two motorcycles can ride side by side.
Common Injuries Seen in Motorcycle Accidents
A motorcycle lacks the protection of an enclosed vehicle in a crash. In fact, motorcycle accident injuries can be catastrophic in many cases. Any part of your body can be injured in a crash.
Here are some of the most common injuries seen in motorcycle accidents in Florida:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries or TBI
- Bone fractures
- Internal injuries and damage to internal organs
- Serious skin abrasions or road rash
- Facial disfigurement
- Broken and amputated limbs
- Burn injuries and lacerations
- Death
How Is Fault Determined in a Motorcycle Accident in Florida?
Florida follows a system known as pure comparative negligence. In a motorcycle accident lawsuit, courts will take into account the totality of the circumstances before determining who should be compensated for their injuries.
The court will assign percentages of fault. For example, if you are 40% to blame for the accident and the other driver 60%, you can still collect on 60% of your damages. Unlike other states, you can still recover compensation if you are 50% or more at fault.
Here is how fault is determined in a motorcycle accident in Florida:
- The other party (at-fault party) had an obligation (duty of care) to follow traffic laws and drive safely.
- They breached this duty by driving carelessly.
- The at-fault party’s carelessness caused the accident.
- You experienced injuries and losses, such as medical bills, as a result of the accident.
What Type of Compensation Could I Receive for My Motorcycle Accident?
The type of compensation you will receive may depend on the seriousness of your injuries as well as other factors surrounding the case. A motorcycle accident victim is usually entitled to one or more of the following types of compensation.
Medical Expenses
You will be reimbursed for your past and future medical expenses. Medical treatment may include hospitalization, doctor fees, surgery, physiotherapy, medications, and mental health treatments.
Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity
You should be compensated for wages, sick time, vacation, commissions, and bonuses you lost due to the injury recovery period. If you are unable to return to work, or cannot earn as much as before, you can claim compensation for lost earning capacity.
Property Damage
depending on the condition of the motorcycle, You will be reimbursed for the cost to repair or replace it. You can also claim damages for helmets and clothing which were damaged during the accident.
Pain and Suffering
You may suffer long-term psychological trauma or physical pain as a result of the accident. Putting a dollar amount of this pain and suffering may be difficult. Your personal injury lawyer will know how to accurately value this portion of your claim.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim for his or her injuries but to punish the defendant for especially reckless behavior. Punitive damages will also help deter others from engaging in similar actions in the future.
Punitive damages in Florida are limited to $500,000 or three times the plaintiff’s compensatory damages.
Why Was My Motorcycle Accident Claim Denied?
There are many reasons why your motorcycle accident claim could be denied in Florida. Here are some of the most common:
- The policy was canceled or lapsed.
- You waited to get medical care and the insurance company claims that your injuries were from another incident and not the motorcycle accident.
- Your claim had incorrect information, missing information, or other mistakes.
- The insurance company believes the accident was your fault.
Many insurance companies stereotype motorcycle riders as reckless and accident-prone.
If your insurance company acted in “bad faith,” you can file a bad faith claim and sue the insurance provider for the unfair claim denial. Call Steinberg Law today if you believe your motorcycle accident claim was unfairly denied.
Are There Time Limits to File a Claim in Florida?
Riders injured in a motorcycle crash must file a personal injury lawsuit within four years from the date of the accident.
Hire a Top Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Jupiter, Florida!
When you or a loved one is injured as a result of a motorcycle accident in Jupiter, FL, you are entitled to claim compensation from the defendant. Motorcycle accidents are complex cases that require the expertise of an experienced personal injury lawyer in Florida.
The experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Steinberg Law can help you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries. Call 877-783-4611 for a free initial consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Jupiter, FL!
