Gainesville Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Many drivers don’t give motorcycle riders the space or respect they deserve on the road. Those
who ride motorcycles know the risks of the road, but even with the best preparation and caution, an accident can still occur. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Gainesville, Florida, you need someone on your side who understands your situation.
What Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do?
When you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help navigate the legal intricacies of filing an insurance claim. These experienced attorneys have a primary goal: to protect your rights and interests while seeking fair compensation for your losses. They can expertly guide you on how to file a motorcycle accident insurance claim and assist you through the process.
Tips for Protecting Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident
Acting quickly after a motorcycle accident is important to protect yourself and your claim. Follow these tips to safeguard your rights:
Contact emergency medical services.
The moments following an injury are a critical time for medical care. Even if you feel fine after an accident, make sure to get a full examination as soon as possible. Some injuries may not show up for hours or days after an accident. An examination should catch any problems, help you protect your health, and provide essential documents for your claim.
Get police on the scene and give them an honest account of what happened.
When you contact emergency services, they will send police to manage the accident and create a report. Don’t apologize or accept blame from anyone else. Give the police the facts of what occurred and don’t speculate on the cause of the accident.
Collect the contact information for any witnesses to the accident.
Witnesses may provide key testimony, however they frequently disappear before anyone asks them for their insights. Protect your claim and get their names and numbers so your dedicated attorney can contact them later.
Take photographs and video of the accident scene.
Make sure that you capture the entire scene and details such as license plates and damage to the vehicles. Accident scenes can change quickly as bystanders and emergency personnel get involved. Take pictures of the area around the accident, including lighting, signage, and other vital details that can inform the investigation.
Don’t make any recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer.
After a motorcycle accident, you may receive calls from insurance adjusters, and they may ask you to make a statement. You may not clearly remember the accident, or you may be dazed while you recover from your injuries. If you make an honest mistake or misspeak, insurance companies may use your statements against you later on.
Talk with a motorcycle accident lawyer.
It’s essential to have the right lawyer in your corner from the start after a motorcycle accident. Don’t wait to start your claim. Get help from the experienced personal injury attorneys at Fine, Farkash and Parlapiano, P.A., as soon as possible.
Proving Fault for a Motorcycle Crash in Florida
A motorcycle crash claim requires strong proof if it’s going to succeed. In many cases, it can be straightforward to prove what happened, but in other cases, fault may be difficult to establish. Your lawyer will collect evidence and work to prove you should be compensated for your injuries.
Assessing the Situation
A motorcycle accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to gather all relevant facts and details. This includes accessing road conditions, weather, traffic signals, and other factors that may have contributed to the accident.
Establishing Liability and Negligence
Lawyers prove fault in a motorcycle crash by looking at two things: the law and evidence about the accident. In a motorcycle accident claim, attorneys may use police reports, photographs, witness statements, and other types of evidence. A lawyer will review these for proof of fault and look for inconsistent statements that may point toward liability and negligence.
Identifying Contributing Factors
Motorcycle accidents can involve multiple factors that contribute to the crash. These may include speeding, reckless driving, driving under the influence, distracted driving, or other traffic violations. A motorcycle accident lawyer will work to identify any factors that may have played a role in causing the accident.
Analyzing Blind Spots and Other Hazards
Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable on the road, often hidden in blind spots or overlooked by other drivers. Lawyers will examine the accident’s details to see if there were any blind spots or hazards that caused the crash.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida
In Florida, some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Failure to yield when making left-hand turns in front of oncoming motorcycles.
Motorcycle accidents caused by failure to yield is one of the most common and dangerous situations for motorcycle riders. When a car turns left, they may not see an oncoming motorcycle, and the motorcycle could strike the car.
Drunk and drugged driving.
If a drunk or drugged driver strikes a motorcycle, the rider may end up severely injured or killed.
Inattention by other drivers.
Sometimes, drivers fail to notice a motorcycle. Other times, they don’t take the effort to check the blind spots in their mirrors. When other drivers fail to pay attention to motorcycles, they often injure the rider.
Road hazards.
Due to their size, motorcycles are more susceptible to road hazards than cars and other motor vehicles. When motorcycle riders find themselves on bad roads, it’s easy for an accident to occur.
Tailgating.
Many drivers don’t leave enough space between themselves and others on the road. A car hitting a motorcycle from behind can cause severe harm or death to the rider.
Florida Motorcycle Laws – Motorcycles are Entitled to Full Use of the Road in Florida
In the state of Florida, motorcycles have the same rights and privileges as any other vehicle on the road. They are entitled to full use of the road, and other motorists must treat them with the same respect and courtesy.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Law Does Not Apply to Motorcycle Accidents
Is motorcycle accident law the same as a car accident law? In Florida, there are significant differences between the two. The no-fault insurance system governs car accidents, but it does not cover motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists must pursue compensation directly from the insurance of the at-fault party.
Are Motorcycles Required to Use Daytime Headlights in Florida?
Florida law requires motorcycles to use their headlights during daytime hours. In a motorcycle accident, a civil case won’t deem the absence of headlight usage as evidence of negligence. If the lack of a headlight is the direct cause of the crash, a civil case may see them as negligent.
Deadline for Filing an Accident Lawsuit in Florida
In Florida, motorcycle accident injury victims have two years from the accident to file a lawsuit. This suit can cover both personal injuries and any property losses. If a motorcycle rider passes away due to the injuries they received in an accident, a representative of their estate may file a wrongful death suit within two years of the day they died.
Common Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can have catastrophic consequences, often resulting in injuries for riders and passengers involved. Common injuries include:
Severe Injuries & Broken Bones
Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of getting hurt because they don’t have protective barriers like cars do. They can easily collide with other vehicles, objects, or the road. These accidents can lead to fractures, dislocations, and severe soft tissue injuries. Serious injuries may require extensive medical treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation, leading to prolonged recovery periods and disruptions in the victim’s life.
Traumatic Brain Injury & Spinal Cord Injuries
Motorcycle accidents carry a heightened risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Even when wearing helmets, riders are susceptible to head and neck trauma upon impact. However, in cases of motorcycle accidents with no helmet, the risk of severe head injuries increases significantly.
TBIs can vary from mild concussions to severe brain damage, affecting cognitive abilities, memory, and motor functions. SCIs, on the other hand, can result in partial or complete paralysis.
Medical Expenses & Bills
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can lead to overwhelming medical expenses and medical bills. Emergency medical care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other necessary treatments can quickly add up.
Non-Economic Damages & Physical Pain
Motorcycle accident victims may also experience non-economic damages like physical pain and suffering. The emotional toll of recovering from severe injuries and facing the uncertainty of long-term consequences can be devastating. Victims may also experience emotional distress, mental anguish, and a reduced quality of life due to their injuries.
Compensation for Losses in a Florida Motorcycle Accident Case
In Florida, there are many types of compensation available after a motorcycle accident. Some of these include:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
A motorcycle accident attorney can advocate on your behalf and help you pursue a comprehensive claim. This claim will address all the damages you have suffered as a result of the motorcycle accident.
Types of Cases Handled by Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle accident attorneys specialize in representing victims involved in many types of motorcycle-related incidents. Some cases typically handled by these attorneys include:
- Single Motorcycle Accidents
- Collisions with Motor Vehicles
- Lane Splitting Traffic Accidents
- Intersection Accidents
- Distracted Driving Accidents
- Drunk Driving Accidents
- Hit-and-Run Accidents
Knowing who can file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident is critical in finding the right legal representation. This will ensure you receive the rightful compensation you deserve for injuries or damages sustained.
Finding an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been in a motorcycle accident, it is essential to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. Having an attorney with expertise in this area can make an impactful difference in the outcome of your case.
When Life Changes, We’re There for You
After a motorcycle wreck, you may be facing severe injuries and a long recovery. A personal injury law firm can help you find the resources you need to move forward and heal. At Fine, Farkash and Parlapiano, P.A., we have over 100 years of combined legal experience.
Our dedicated motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to fight for you and the recovery that you deserve. We represent motorcycle accident victims in Gainesville, Alachua County, and throughout Florida.
Call Us Today. We Are Ready To Help.
If you or someone you know was injured in a motorcycle accident, reach out to us for a free case review. Our Gainesville motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help. We will listen to you, evaluate your case, and offer guidance and support during this difficult time.
FAQs:
Can I Collect Damages if I was a Passenger on a Motorcycle During an Accident?
If you were a passenger on a motorcycle involved in an accident, you may be eligible for compensation. This compensation could cover any injuries or losses that you experienced. In motorcycle accidents, passengers are often innocent parties who suffer the consequences of another’s negligence. You have the right to seek compensation, regardless if the motorcycle operator or another driver’s actions caused the accident.