Motorcycles provide Tallahassee residents with ample opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Florida climate. Whether you are taking in the city’s sights or using Tallahassee as a starting point for further explorations nearby, it’s a favorite pastime for many people in the city.
Unfortunately, being on a motorcycle means that you could become involved in an accident. While the frequency of motorcycle accidents in Tallahassee isn’t any greater than car accidents, you are more likely to have a serious injury or even die from a motorcycle accident.
Injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents can not only cause pain and suffering, but may lead to a number of expenses, such as surgery costs, ongoing medical care, and lost wages due to time away from work while in recovery.
Filing a motorcycle accident claim can help you recover these losses and begin to rebuild your life following the accident. For the best chances of a successful claim, you may want to hire an attorney.
Florin|Roebig motorcycle accident attorneys can assist with your claim, from answering your questions to reviewing the details of your case, to pursuing your claim in court if necessary.
Common Factors That Affect Motorcycle Accidents
Before filing a claim, it may be necessary to understand what conditions may lead to a motorcycle accident and result in a claim.
There are a number of factors that can affect motorcycle accidents.
Some of these include the following:
- inclement weather
- head-on collisions
- lane splitting
- speeding
- cars making a left-hand turn
- collisions with stationary objects
- drinking and driving
- road hazards such as potholes, dead animals, and/or uneven lanes
A consultation with motorcycle accident attorneys in Tallahassee is the best way to learn which of these factors may lead to a claim.
Understanding Motorcycle Accident Claims In Tallahassee
In Florida, motorcycle accident claims in Tallahassee are likely to result in a personal injury claim if another person has acted in a negligent manner. This hinges on determining which party was at fault in the accident.
Negligence is an extremely important factor to consider. While you may still be able to receive compensation for the accident if you were in some way at fault, the amount could be negatively affected. Being able to prove that the other party was negligent can improve your claim.
Comparative negligence, the standard to which the other party’s behavior will be held, is made of three key parts:
- Duty of care covers those responsibilities that everyone has to not harm others.
- Breach of duty involves a duty of care that someone has for another person and failing to act in a manner that met that level of care.
- Causation comes after both duty of care and breach of duty are proven. It’s then necessary to prove that the accident resulted from that breach of duty.
Elements of comparative negligence can be difficult to understand and tricky to prove. The first thing you need to do after a motorcycle accident in Tallahassee is to seek medical care.
The second is to contact motorcycle accident lawyers to determine if you have a claim. You must file the claim in a timely manner in order to receive compensation.
Reasons People File Motorcycle Accident Claims
There are multiple reasons why people may file a motorcycle accident claim in Tallahassee. One of the most common is so they can obtain monetary compensation and damages.
Compensation allows you to have the means to pay to have your motorcycle repaired or replaced, if necessary. Damages are also designed to pay for your medical bills—both those that you incur immediately after the accident as well as any long-term medical costs.
While receiving compensation for the damage to you and your motorcycle is often considered to be the primary reason that people file motorcycle accident claims, it is far from the only consideration.
Because so many motorcycle accidents in Tallahassee center around the negligent behavior of the other party, ensuring future incidents are avoided and holding the negligent party responsible for their careless behavior are also common motivators for filing a motorcycle accident claim. The desire to prevent other people from going through the same tragedy is often at the heart of these claims.
Damages Awarded For Motorcycle Accident Claims In Tallahassee
There are no one-size-fits-all guidelines when it comes to motorcycle claims in Tallahassee because your situation is different from all others.
However, damages are typically awarded in the following common categories:
Medical Care
Even if you don’t think you were injured during your motorcycle accident, you should still get a check-up. In many cases, injuries aren’t immediately evident. You could be entitled to have your medical care paid for by the responsible party.
Lost Wages
If you miss work or are unable to do the job you had previously because of your injuries, you may be awarded monetary compensation.
Pain And Suffering
No matter how good the medical care is in Tallahassee, if your injuries are serious, it’s likely that you’ll experience pain and suffering. Your attorney will evaluate the severity of your injuries, the potential impact on your life, your age, and other factors to determine how pain and suffering may play a role in your claim.
How Much Is Your Claim Worth?
When you file a motorcycle accident claim in Tallahassee, different factors are considered when determining what your claim is worth.
While these can vary depending on your particular case, they may include:
Type Of Injury
The more serious or debilitating your injuries, the greater your compensation is likely to be. If your injuries are minor and require only an emergency visit and some routine follow-up, chances are you’ll receive monetary damages that pay for those medical costs, if they exceed your personal injury protection (PIP) plan.
For injuries that require extensive care and possible life-long medical services, your compensation is likely to be greater. If your injuries require that you have long-term medical care, your motorcycle accident lawyers will try to estimate the value of those future services.
Finances
Because you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you’ll likely be awarded monetary compensation that addresses any financial issues you’ve incurred. Some examples may include repairs to your motorcycle, lost wages due to your injuries, and medical costs.
Quality Of Life
It’s an unfortunate fact of life that motorcyclists tend to have more serious injuries when they are involved in an accident. Depending on the extent of the injuries, they may affect your mobility, make you unable to work at your previous job, or result in the loss of a limb. Impact on your quality of life is taken into consideration when determining what your claim is worth.
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What Are The Benefits Of Hiring A Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
A motorcycle accident attorney brings a level of expertise, experience, and professionalism to a complex situation. While the United States judicial system is designed to be fair, it requires that you follow certain requirements in order to be heard.
Motorcycle accident attorneys in Tallahassee know which forms must be submitted, the documentation that needs to be included, and the deadlines that must be adhered to.
In addition, your motorcycle accident attorney is compassionate about your plight. You’ll be guided on the best medical specialists to see based on your particular injuries, for example. You’ll also be encouraged to follow up with all your doctor’s recommendations. This ensures that the required documentation is available for your case.
Facts On Motorcycle Accidents In Tallahassee And Leon County
Tallahassee and Leon County are not immune when it comes to motorcycle crashes.
In fact, motorcycle accident rates and related injuries are on the rise in this area:
- There were 130 motorcycle crashes in 2017.
- 115 people were injured in motorcycle crashes that same year.
- Three people lost their lives due to motorcycle accidents.
- All three of these rates increased in from 2016 to 2017.
List Of Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Serving Tallahassee
The experienced, dedicated, and successful legal team at Florin|Roebig services areas throughout Florida, including Tallahassee.
If you need a motorcycle accident lawyer, contact a member of our team today:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S
- Michael L. Walker, B.C.S
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S
- James E. Huddleston, M.D.
- Neil P. O’Brien, M.B.A.
- Shaun M. Cummings
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Get Help With Filing Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Florin|Roebig has the expertise you need to guide you through the complexities of personal injury claims. With their experience and compassion, you’ll have a strong ally assisting you through the entire process and fighting for your rights. To learn more about filing a motorcycle accident claim in Tallahassee, or to discuss the details of your claim, contact us today to set up a consultation.
