Motorcycle accidents are some of the scariest types of collisions on the road. Because of the size of the bike and the vulnerability of the driver, it only takes a slight encounter with another motor vehicle to result in serious injuries.
If you’re wondering how motorcycle accident claims in Boca Raton are filed, you may be feeling overwhelmed with the information available. You’re probably also asking endless questions. Should you go through your insurance? Should you start interviewing eyewitnesses? Do you really need a personal injury attorney to help or can you go it alone?
Florida law is designed to protect you from having to shoulder additional burdens after the accident. As the mental and physical stress of your injuries takes hold, it helps to have someone you can trust by your side.
When you’re too exhausted to fight, motorcycle accident lawyers can step in. We can tell you more about how claims work, why claims are filed, and what you can expect from the legal process.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In Boca Raton
Motorcycle accidents can be caused by any number of actions on the road:
- manufacturer error: From faulty brakes to unreliable timing belts, motorcycle manufacturers have been known to release bikes that malfunction on the road. Depending on where and how yours broke down, this can lead to a serious accident.
- drunk driving: It’s no surprise that drugs and alcohol can impair someone’s driving skills. If someone under the influence makes poor decisions, they can endanger the lives of everyone they come into contact with.
- carelessness: Many motorcycle accident claims in Boca Raton are filed due to the sheer carelessness of the at-fault party. A driver may fail yield right of way, or check their blind spot before changing lanes. They may open a parked car door without looking to see if there’s a motorcycle in that lane, or they may not realize how quickly a motorcycle is coming down the road when making a left-hand turn.
Any of these causes can be a potential reason for filing a claim. If you were driving properly and defensively at the time of the accident, then you’re entitled to request damages from the other party.
What You Need To Know About Motorcycle Accident Claims
One of the first things you should know about motorcycle accident claims is that your health comes first. A motorcycle accident can leave you with more than a broken bone; it can lead to serious or even fatal injuries that aren’t always evident at the time of the collision.
Even if a motorcycle rider is wearing a helmet, hitting your head during an accident may seriously endanger your future health. This is why you need to seek medical care directly following the accident.
After you’ve been given an official diagnosis, the next step is to seek an attorney. The best motorcycle accident attorneys in Boca Raton have the experience and determination to put your welfare first. An insurance company is going to push for a fast outcome, so they can quickly pay the settlement and get back to the status quo.
In their haste, an insurance company is unlikely to take into account the extent of your injuries. They will want to pay as little as possible, which can result in you having to make up the difference for an accident that wasn’t your fault.
You should also know how claims are processed in Boca Raton. Florida has a state-specific law called comparative negligence, which essentially means that two (or more) drivers may share fault for the same accident.
Fault is typically assigned by percentages based on the circumstances of the accident. If you were speeding at the time another driver made a lane change, you may be deemed to be 30 percent at-fault, while the other driver would be assigned the remaining 70 percent. This outcome will affect the total payout of your claim, so it helps to have an attorney who can help you decipher the probable outcomes of your case.
Why File A Motorcycle Accident Claim?
People may assume that motorcycle accident claims in Boca Raton are strictly filed for financial reasons, but this isn’t always the case. While the majority of people file a claim to ensure they can cover both the general cost of living and medical bills, some people file to hold the negligent party at fault. Your claim can ultimately reduce the chances of another accident occurring to a future driver.
Others will file for the benefit of making themselves heard. An insurance carrier is unlikely to thoroughly consider the pain and suffering that was endured after an accident. Having the chance to tell your story in court can make it easier to put the accident behind you and move on.
Damages Awarded For Motorcycle Accident Claims In Boca Raton
You can file for the following damages after a motorcycle accident in Boca Raton:
- medical treatments
- lost wages
- aftercare
- pain and suffering
- loss of consortium
- punitive
The court system has devised laws that allow you to file multiple damages under the same claim. They even allow other people to file damages on their own behalf. Loss of consortium refers to a disintegration of a spousal relationship after the accident.
After an accident occurs, the injured party may not be able to work, take care of children, or generally provide support for their loved ones. These damages are given to the other party to make it easier for them to cope with the day-to-day stresses they face.
Understanding What Your Claim Is Worth
To really consider a claim and award just compensation for it, the decision-makers have to take into account all relevant factors. This is not always easy (or fast) to do because each situation is different.
For example, maybe you suffer chronic back pain after your motorcycle injury. While this is not a good diagnosis for anyone to receive, it’s downright devastating if you make your living as a construction worker.
Your claim will also be based on your financial assets, lifestyle, and injuries. If you’ve faced severe pressure after your accident, then you can file this under pain and suffering.
Similarly, if you’ve been studying to become a pilot and your injuries have permanently weakened your vision, then courts will take into account the loss apart from the direct medical expenses for the injury.
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Reasons To Hire A Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Motorcycle accident lawyers do more than just fill out your general information on a few forms. They take the time to understand the situation before bringing it to the courts. They counsel you, answer questions, and work with different legal parties.
If you or someone you love has been severely injured, it’s virtually impossible to learn all the laws that will give you the edge during your fight. Too many people involved in motorcycle accidents settle for far less than what they’re owed. The right attorney won’t let this happen to you.
Motorcycle Accident Rates In Boca Raton And Palm Beach County
The rates for motorcycle injuries indicate the dangerous driving conditions in Boca Raton and Palm Beach City:
- In 2017, there were 479 motorcycle crashes in Palm Beach County.
- In 2016, there were 560 motorcycle crashes.
- About half of all motorcycle crashes involved speeding.
List Of Top-Rated Boca Raton Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
For every year since the inception of the honor in 2010, Florin|Roebig has been selected as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” by “US News and World Report” and “Best Lawyers in America.”
Florin|Roebig has a number of seasoned attorneys on their legal team who can help you take action on your claim:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- Neil P. O’Brien, M.B.A.
- John J. Hart
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Parker Y. Florin, LL.M.
With over 30 years of experience, our law firm has successfully won over $1 billion in settlements from personal injury cases by providing our clients with high-quality legal representation.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Find Help With Your Motorcycle Accident Case
If you’re looking for motorcycle accident attorneys in Boca Raton, Florin|Roebig offers consultation services that can help you get the ball rolling. During your session, you will have the chance to tell your story and get the advice you need.
Should you choose to move forward and file a claim for your motorcycle accident injuries, you will have all the necessary information at your fingertips. To learn more about filing a motorcycle accident claim, call Florin|Roebig today for a free case evaluation.
