Motorcycle Accident Lawyer West Palm Beach, FL

Life happens in an instant. One moment you’re going through West Palm Beach, and suddenly a driver turns in your path or makes an unsafe lane change. Things happen quickly on a motorcycle, which can result in a quick crash, but the aftermath can be devastating. Costly medical bills and months of recovery, lost wages, damage to your bike, and the astounding stress of determining who to hold at fault, and dealing with your insurance can quickly compound the situation. Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer in West Palm Beach, FL can take the burden off of you by handling the investigation, insurance, and answering your legal queries.

After the Crash: Steps That Matter

Your actions after the accident can affect your recovery and impact your right to recover from the person who caused your injuries. First of all, your most important concern should be your health. Then, you should collect evidence, avoid making any statements that may harm your case later, and hire an attorney.

Get Checked Out, Even If You Feel Fine

Call 911 and seek medical attention, even if you think you were not injured. Some injuries, including concussions and soft-tissue injuries, may not become apparent immediately. Medical treatment also creates a report to document your injuries and correlate them with this incident.

Capture the Details Before They Disappear

Take photos of your motorcycle and the other vehicle, the road and traffic signs, visible injuries, and any debris. Collect the names and phone numbers of witnesses. Get the other driver’s info. Also, ask for a copy of the police or accident report. That may show additional info about the crash.

Think Before You Give a Statement

Don’t say or write anything that suggests you were at fault, or say/write anything that may be perceived as an opinion about how the accident may have happened. Tell your insurance company about the crash, and be honest. Don’t talk to the other driver’s insurance adjuster. They will ask you things that may influence the outcome of the claim. A motorcycle accident lawyer West Palm Beach, FL can step in for you and make your case stronger.

Why Motorcycle Crashes Happen in West Palm Beach

Motorcycle accidents are common for many reasons, but the most obvious is the negligence of other drivers on the road. The following are some of the more common reasons for motorcycle accidents:

• Drivers who fail to see motorcycles – blind spots count, as do heavy traffic conditions
• Unsafe lane changes – drivers may not see motorcycles when changing lanes.
• Left Turn accidents – drivers making left turns do not see oncoming motorcycles.
• Distracted driving – caused by texting, phone calls, etc.
• Right-of-Way accidents – caused by failing to yield
• Speeding – increases the severity of the accident.
• Road Hazards – caused by poor road conditions, potholes, and/or debris in the road.

Often, motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of another driver, and the evidence that remains at the scene can be crucial in finding liability.

Florida Rules Every Injured Motorcyclist Should Know

There are many Florida laws that can influence your right to compensation and the extent to which you can get compensation after a motorcycle accident.

What Happens If You Share Fault?

Under Florida law, the Comparative Fault law is modified. If you are found to be partially at fault for an accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation or may have your compensation reduced. So long as you are less than 50% at fault, you maintain your right to recover compensation. Learn more about Florida Statute § 768.81.

Does Florida Require Motorcycle Helmets?

Florida statutes require most motorcycle riders to wear protective headgear and have protective eyewear on. However, motorcycle riders who are 21 years or older may choose not to wear a helmet if they have health insurance that will provide at least $10,000 to cover injuries sustained from motorcycle accidents. For the specific details on these requirements and exceptions, review Florida Statute § 316.211.

How Long Do You Have to Take Legal Action?

Generally in Florida, you have two years to bring a negligence cause of action. Failing to bring a claim within this time may risk your claim and make important evidence unavailable. Learn more about the statute of limitations and review Florida Statute § 95.11.

What Can an Injured Rider Be Compensated For?

Factors that affect the outcome of a personal injury case following a motorcycle crash may include the extent and severity of your injuries, the economic loss suffered as a result of the injury, who was at fault, and the limits of the insurance policy. A personal injury case may include the recovery of the following:

• Medical costs: Hospital expenses, costs associated with treatment, prescription medications, and rehabilitative care and treatment for injuries caused by an accident.
• Costs of future medical treatment: Medical treatment and care that is needed for injuries.
• Lost wages: Income that was lost as a result of the motorcycle accident.
• Decreased earning potential: The loss of the ability to earn the same income as before the motorcycle accident.
• Pain and suffering: The physical pain that one suffers as a result of injuries.
• Physical impairment: An impairment that was caused as a result of an accident.
• Property damage: The cost of repairing, or the cost of replacing, your motorcycle and other personal property that was damaged as a result of an accident.

The types of damages that may be recovered may vary depending on the circumstances of your case.

How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

A motorcycle accident lawyer West Palm Beach, FL will advocate for your rights while you heal. An attorney will investigate the crash before gathering evidence and even talking to possible witnesses. Your attorney will evaluate your medical records to help determine the extent of your injuries and possible compensation. The lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf as well as communicate with the insurance company to ensure a fair settlement is met. Lastly,  the motorcycle accident lawyer West Palm Beach, FL will represent you in court if a reasonable settlement is not offered.

Questions Motorcycle Riders Often Ask

How much is a motorcycle accident claim worth?

Motorcycle accident claim values differ depending upon the medical costs, property damage, lost wages, and the extent of injuries that occurred as a result of the accident, as well as the degrees of fault and insurance coverage.

Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault?

You may recover compensation according to the modified comparative negligence law of Florida. However, if your degree of fault will cross the threshold of 50 percent, you will lose the right to recover any compensation from the court.

What if the driver who hit me has no insurance?

If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage for your accident, then you may have some options for compensation. An attorney would be able to help you determine if coverage is available.

Do I need a motorcycle accident lawyer?

A motorcycle accident lawyer West Palm Beach, FL will be beneficial to you if you have serious injuries, a dispute, or a clear case of negligence, and an insurer offering a low settlement amount.

Choose the Right Legal Firm to Fight For You

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, Jacobson Injury Firm can help. The firm offers free reviews of cases, and you are not obliged to retain services if you do not pursue a case. To learn more about your rights, call Jacobson Injury Firm today.