Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles on the road and offer less protection. As a result, accidents involving motorcycles tend to be more severe than auto accidents. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be dealing with pain, disability, and a variety of other symptoms.
However, if your accident was caused by another driver or party, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. If you are thinking about filing a motorcycle accident claim in Bradenton, the law offices of Florin|Roebig can help you in the claims process, discuss your legal options, and provide an estimate for your possible settlement amount.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In Bradenton
A variety of different factors can contribute to a motorcycle accident, but not all of these factors qualify you to file a personal injury claim.
Below are some of the motorcycle accident causes most likely to result in a claim:
- distracted driving
- driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- poorly maintained roadways
- vehicle malfunctions
- road rage
- failure to yield right of way to a motorcycle
Other factors that may lead to a motorcycle accident but won’t usually qualify the motorcyclist to file a claim include fault on the part of the motorcyclist, as well as inclement weather conditions. Keep in mind that the presence of either of these factors will not prohibit you from being able to file a claim if other factors are also present.
Common Injuries Caused By Motorcycle Accidents In Florida
Motorcycles are different from the average motor vehicle in that they often provide much less safety protection for their riders. In the event of a crash, this can lead to severe injuries.
Common injuries from motorcycle accidents include:
- severe head injury
- road rash
- broken bones and fractures
- eye and neck injuries
- traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- spinal cord injury
- damage to internal organs
- wrongful death
Understanding Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcycle accident claims fall under the category of personal injury law. This means that, in order to file a successful claim, you must be able to show that the motorcycle accident injuries and other losses you sustained because of the accident were the direct result of the defendant’s negligence. Someone is guilty of “negligence” when they fail to exercise the level of care that would be expected from a reasonable party.
Florida law uses the concept of comparative negligence to determine fault and calculate damages in motorcycle accident cases. The court will assign levels of fault to all parties involved in the case and then use these proportions to determine settlement amounts.
Under this system, you will be able to collect damages even if you are found to be partly responsible for the incident, but the amount of money you can receive will be reduced proportionally based on your level of fault.
If you are planning to file a motorcycle accident claim, you must file your claim within the state’s established statute of limitations. For this reason, it is important to move quickly. As soon as you know you want to file a motorcycle accident claim, you need to make an appointment with an experienced Bradenton motorcycle accident attorney.
Reasons People File Motorcycle Accident Claims
People may file a motorcycle accident claim in Bradenton for a variety of different reasons. One of the most common reasons injured motorcyclists file a claim is to collect damages from the party responsible.
This money is typically used to make up for specific losses victims have experienced because of the accident. For example, you may use the settlement you receive to cover the cost of your medical treatments, replace lost wages, and pay for any additional medical services you may need in the future.
Settlements may also compensate you for intangible losses, such as the physical pain you experienced because of your injuries, as well as psychological trauma.
Another reason a motorcycle accident victim may choose to file a claim is to hold the defendant responsible for their negligence. When you file a motorcycle accident claim, the person or organization responsible for the crash is forced to acknowledge the effects of their actions, as well as to pay a settlement for the damage they caused.
Defendants who have been forced to acknowledge the effects of their negligence are also less likely to be negligent in the future, which may protect others from becoming victims.
Damages Awarded For Motorcycle Accident Claims In Bradenton
If you win your motorcycle accident claim, the court may award different types of damages. The exact damages you will receive depends on the specific details of your case.
Some of the different types of damages available in motorcycle accident cases include:
- compensation for medical expenses, both past and present
- reimbursement for lost wages
- benefits to cover lost earning ability
- payments designed to compensate you for pain and suffering
- property damage benefits
- punitive damages, in cases where negligence was extreme
Knowing What Your Claim Is Worth
Different factors can affect the exact amount of compensation you will receive for your motorcycle accident claim, so it is difficult to estimate your potential settlement amount.
Some of the factors that may affect the final amount include the amount of your verified bills, the severity of your injuries, whether you expect to be able to return to work and the competency of your legal team. If you want a customized estimate of the worth of your claim, please contact our team of experienced motorcycle accident lawyers to discuss your case.
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Benefits Of Hiring A Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Hiring a motorcycle accident attorney to help with your case offers you a variety of advantages.
Some of the benefits of hiring a motorcycle accident attorney include:
- expertise — Motorcycle accident attorneys are familiar with the laws that apply in personal injury cases. They can help you collect the evidence you need and present it in a way that is easy to understand.
- experience — Motorcycle accident attorneys have already represented multiple clients in cases like yours. Your attorney will use their experience to guide you throughout the litigation process.
- better chance of a positive outcome — Having guidance and representation from a qualified motorcycle accident attorney ensures that the defendant will take you seriously. In addition, the arguments you present in mediation and/or litigation are likely to be stronger. As a result, you will have a better chance of getting a fair and appropriate settlement.
Motorcycle Accident Rates In Bradenton And Manatee County
The majority of recent motorcycle accidents in Bradenton and Manatee County led to injuries, while several were fatal:
- In 2017, Manatee County recorded a total of 166 motorcycle crashes.
- These motorcycle crashes resulted in a total of 7 fatalities and 148 non-fatal injuries.
- The incidence of motorcycle crashes, motorcycle fatalities, and motorcycle injuries fell from 2016 to 2017.
List Of Top-Rated Bradenton Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Filing a motorcycle accident claim on your own is not recommended, as this process can be lengthy and complicated. If you are thinking of filing a claim, one of the attorneys at our firm will be happy to help you.
Florin|Roebig motorcycle accident lawyers serving areas throughout the state of Florida include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- John J. Hart
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
Reach Out For Help With A Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, help is available. Please contact the personal injury lawyers at Florin|Roebig today to schedule a free case evaluation or to learn more about filing a claim. Call us today at (800) 226-6581.
