Motorcycles are welcome on America’s highways and side roads, but they provide little protection when things go wrong. If you or someone you love has been injured while operating or riding a motorcycle in the Sarasota area, the Florin|Roebig trial attorneys can provide information on how we can help you receive just compensation for your injuries.
Leading Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In Sarasota
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly 80 percent of all motorcycle accidents result in injury or death of the driver.
Major causes of motorcycle crashes in the United States include:
- operator error on the part of the cyclist
- other vehicles turning into the motorcycle’s path
- impaired driving
- inclement weather
- roadway imperfections
- speeding
- changing lanes without signaling
- road rage
Any time you choose to operate a motorcycle on the open road, your risk of death increases 35 times more than it does when you sit behind the wheel of a car. That’s because motorcycles provide little in the way of protection in the unfortunate event of a motorcycle accident.
If you elect not to wear a helmet or protective clothing, your risk of injury or death increases even more. Still, driving a motorcycle is a right that American motorists enjoy, and if you choose to take advantage of that right, you shouldn’t have to worry about being injured or killed by another driver.
If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident, we may be able to help you win compensation to cover your medical expenses and other losses.
What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident In Sarasota, Florida
In the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident, there are things you can do to help prevent further injury to yourself and to others, as well as to set yourself up should you choose to later file a claim.
These include:
- Move out of harm’s way — This includes distancing yourself and others from oncoming traffic, smoke, or fire.
- Call 911 — As soon as you’re able, ensure help is on the way.
- Check for injury — If you or someone else is injured, do what you can to alleviate pain and slow bleeding.
- Remain at the scene until help arrives.
- Take photos — If you’re not injured, it’s a good idea to document the scene.
- Take witness information — Get contact information from witnesses, if possible.
- Contact motorcycle accident lawyers in Sarasota, who will help you reach out to your insurance provider and more.
More points to remember include not accepting or assigning blame at the scene of the accident. This is the job of the police and of the investigators hired by your attorneys. Worry about caring for yourself and helping to ensure nobody else becomes injured before help arrives.
You should also be cautious about what you say to your insurance representative immediately following an accident. Many motorcycle accident claims are negatively impacted by recordings taken by insurance representatives before a lawyer has been consulted. For this reason, it may be a good idea to hold off speaking to your insurance provider until you’ve contacted an attorney.
Should You File A Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Yes, you should absolutely file a claim for compensation if you were injured in a motorcycle accident. The average trauma center costs associated with motorcycle accidents run upwards of $40,000. This can take a serious toll on your finances and may even make it difficult to make ends meet.
This can be tough to face, especially if the accident wasn’t your fault. But if you fail to contact motorcycle accident attorneys in Sarasota, the only one on the line for these major expenses will be you.
Injuries from accidents such as these may also take more than a physical toll. Mental anguish, loss of companionship, and post-traumatic stress may all linger in the wake of a devastating accident.
You deserve financial help to deal with the emotional as well as the physical fallout. Filing a claim can also help keep the other negligent driver off the road, lessening the opportunities for other innocent victims to become injured or killed.
What Types Of Damages May Be Awarded?
When you file a motorcycle accident claim after being involved in a crash, you may be eligible to receive compensation in more ways than you initially thought.
Motorcycle accident lawyers in Sarasota can help you decide which damages may pertain to your individual case, but options may include:
- property damage — compensation for the cost of repairs to your motorcycle or for a replacement if it becomes totaled in the crash
- medical expenses — restitution and help for your medical expenses incurred from the accident, including long-term expenses such as rehabilitation, trauma therapy, and more
- loss of income — compensation for loss of income and for future loss of income from injuries you sustained in the accident
- pain and suffering — financial assistance for physical, mental, and emotional health issues that stem from the incident
- punitive damages — punishment doled out to the offender, such as large fines, jail time, or seizure of driver’s license
- wrongful death — compensation sought if you’ve lost a loved one due to another driver’s negligence
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What Factors Impact The Amount You Can Win In A Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Many factors may impact the amount awarded for damages in a motorcycle accident claim. Many have to do with how you pursue and handle your claim. Claimants who obtain attorneys average nearly double the amount during out-of-court settlements. Claimants who negotiate settlement offers also tend to receive larger payouts.
Claimants who receive the highest awards are typically those who have been hurt more severely. The average payout is around $50,000. This may sound like a lot, but in reality, it’s often barely enough to cover the medical expenses of an average hospital stay. You can receive a more just settlement by attaining the services of a motorcycle accident lawyer and relying on them to negotiate on your behalf.
Is It Necessary To Hire A Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
It is not necessary to hire an attorney to pursue compensation from a negligent driver who has caused you or your loved one injury. But, unless you have a wealth of knowledge concerning personal injury law, it’s highly recommended.
If an insurance company is willing to settle with you without the services of an attorney, this means they likely do not have your best interest in mind. You may receive payouts in the thousands without representation, but you will likely at least double that amount when you retain a lawyer.
Motorcycle Accident Rates In Sarasota County, Florida
Sarasota, Florida has epidemic-proportion problems with impaired drivers. Drivers who got behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Sarasota were responsible for the deaths of 839 people in 2017.
Since then, numbers have only grown. Identified as the binge-drinking capital of the nation in 2015, Sarasota has kept this position four years later, despite aggressive steps taken by local law enforcement.
If you’re on the road in Sarasota, Florida, you stand a greater risk of becoming injured by an impaired driver than you would in another town. If you’re on the road on a motorcycle in Sarasota, you stand a greater risk of becoming more severely injured than you would be in a car.
Take steps to protect yourself, such as wearing a helmet and protective clothing, avoiding areas inundated with drinking establishments, and not practicing buzzed or impaired drinking.
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Serving Sarasota
For 35 years, the experienced trial attorneys at Florin|Roebig have been settling personal injury cases like yours and securing just settlements for clients who were hurt by the negligence of others.
When you’re ready to pursue a personal injury claim, trust Florin|Roebig motorcycle accident attorneys to guide you through the process from beginning to end.
Our experienced and knowledgeable attorneys are ready to fight for you:
- 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.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Luca G. Esposito
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- Taylor D. Roebig
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
- Lawrence J. Najem, O.C.
- Andrew M. Leone, O.C.
- Nollys R. Solarte, O.C.
Contact our Florida offices today in Palm Harbor, Jacksonville, and West Palm Beach. We’re here to help you receive the compensation you deserve for your motorcycle accident claim.
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