Because of the small size and limited protection of a motorcycle, motorcycle accidents can have serious consequences. These crashes are much more likely than vehicle crashes to end in serious, life-altering injury or fatality. Because of this, victims who are involved in a crash need to understand their rights and the claims process.
Getting fair compensation for damages after a motorcycle accident is often complicated, and insurance companies sadly are not on the side of victims in many instances.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, the team of motorcycle accident lawyers at Florin|Roebig has the knowledge and skills to compassionately lead you through the claims process.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents In Hollywood
Motorcyclists face a big risk when they take to the road. These risks involve both other vehicles on the road and risks from the motorcyclist directly. The majority, or 55 percent, of the fatal accidents that occurred in 2016 involved motorcycles colliding with another motor vehicle.
Motorcycles are hard for other vehicles to see because of their small size. In 41 percent of the two-vehicle fatal crashes that occurred in 2016, the other vehicle involved was turning left when the motorcycle continued straight.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a common cause of motorcycle accidents according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2016, 37 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents were due to riders who were alcohol-impaired.
Other common reasons for motorcycle accidents include:
- failing to follow traffic signs
- riding in urban areas
- neglecting to wear a helmet or other protective gear
- not having a motorcycle license
- not yielding when required
- not paying attention to other drivers
Sometimes, even the safest motorcycle riders find themselves involved in an accident. In these instances, the rider could not have controlled the outcome or prevented the accident.
Understanding legal options for motorcycle riders or the families they leave behind helps ensure victims are properly compensated.
What Are Your Rights After A Motorcycle Accident?
After a motorcycle accident, victims have several rights.
These include:
- the right to seek help from motorcycle accident lawyers
- the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver or party
- the right to seek immediate medical care for injuries
- the right to refuse to talk about the accident without an attorney or another representative present
Immediately following an accident, take care of any urgent medical needs. Then, assess the situation, taking pictures if possible, and contact your insurance company. Get the name, contact information, and insurance information of other drivers.
As soon as possible, enlist the help of motorcycle accident attorneys in Hollywood. This will help protect your rights as you move forward with a claim after the accident.
When To File A Motorcycle Accident Claim
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious physical injury, mental or emotional trauma, and even death. They can also cause property damage. Individuals who are facing these repercussions in the aftermath of a serious accident may wish to file a motorcycle accident claim.
Generally speaking, an individual can file a motorcycle accident claim when:
- another driver was the at-fault party in the accident
- the motorcycle manufacturer is the cause of the accident
- negligence of another party led to the accident
Facing serious medical issues after an accident can make it difficult, if not impossible, to continue working, leaving an individual with serious financial trouble. If the motorcycle accident was the fault of another driver, filing a claim can help the individual recoup some of those losses.
Motorcycle accidents can also cause psychological pain and suffering. The psychological impact of the accident may earn a person compensation as well. People who lose a loved one in a motorcycle accident may also face financial repercussions and mental or emotional trauma. In these cases, a wrongful death motorcycle accident claim may be in order.
List Of Damages Awarded For Motorcycle Accident Claims In Hollywood
Motorcycle accidents in Hollywood, Florida, can lead to a number of types of damages. The most obvious is compensation for physical injuries, which is used to cover medical bills, therapy, and the loss of income due to injuries.
Some common injuries which may earn compensation in motorcycle accidents include:
- traumatic brain injuries
- road rash
- broken bones
- loss of limbs
- spinal cord injuries
- disfigurement
- paralysis
Other common types of damages may include:
- property damage, including damage to the motorcycle
- loss of earning capacity due to injuries or medical care
- pain and suffering
- mental anguish
In some instances, motorcycle accident claims can include awards for punitive damages. These damages punish the at-fault party for their part in the accident, such as adding more compensation to punish the driver for reckless driving behavior. A skilled motorcycle accident attorney can help victims understand whether they are good candidates to push for punitive damages.
In the event of a fatal motorcycle accident, the victim’s family may have the right to seek a wrongful death claim. While no amount of money can remove the pain from a fatal motorcycle accident, wrongful death damages seek additional compensation to cover the loss of a loved one, their potential income, and the pain and suffering their family experiences.
How Much Compensation Can You Win?
The amount of compensation possible in a motorcycle accident claim varies from one accident to the next. The specific details of the crash and the resulting case, including the losses claimed, will impact the value of the claim. Some are difficult to quantify, such as the value of pain and suffering claims.
The best way to get an idea of the value of a claim is to speak to motorcycle accident attorneys in Hollywood. After looking at the details of a particular claim, an attorney can provide families with a fair estimate of the value of their claim.
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Do You Need To Hire A Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
A motorcycle accident claim does not require the help of an attorney. People involved in an accident can work with their insurance provider to get compensation for their injuries. However, working with an attorney can help victims ensure that their compensation is fair.
There are also many ways an attorney can help with your motorcycle accident claim, such as:
- digging into the details of the case to ensure all aspects are considered when figuring compensation
- pushing for coverage for emotional suffering
- getting fair compensation for loss of income
- enlisting help negotiating with insurance companies
Victims and their families need to remember that insurance companies are not looking out for the best interests of injured parties. Working with an attorney helps ensure that you get adequate compensation and can hold the guilty parties liable for their actions.
Motorcycle Accident Rates In Hollywood And Broward County
Florida has a high rate of motorcycle accidents, with 606 fatal accidents recorded in 2015. Of those, Broward County, which includes the community of Hollywood, had the third-highest number of fatal crashes. In 2015, 42 people in Broward County died in motorcycle crashes.
Because this is such a high risk for people living in Hollywood, understanding the options victims have after a crash is critical.
List Of Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Serving Hollywood
The team at Florin|Roebig has served many victims in Hollywood and the rest of Broward County who are struggling after a motorcycle accident. Since 1985, these motorcycle accident attorneys have been providing sound legal advice to those who need it most.
This team includes these highly qualified individuals:
- 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.
- Nicholas S. Costantino
- Taylor D. Roebig
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
- Lawrence J. Najem, O.C.
- Andrew M. Leone, O.C.
- Nollys R. Solarte, O.C.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Reach Out For Help With Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
In the aftermath of a motorcycle crash, the right legal guidance is critical to a fair claims process. For help filing motorcycle accident claims in Hollywood, trust the attorneys at Florin|Roebig. Reach out today to discuss your case with skilled motorcycle accident lawyers.
