Have you or someone you love been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the action or inaction of a negligent motorist? You may be eligible to bring a case against that individual and receive compensation.
With over 100 years of combined legal experience, Shapiro | Delgado | Hofmann law firm is the staunchest ally in your fight for justice. Millions of dollars in successful settlements and trial verdicts demonstrate our commitment to getting you restitution.
The more you or your loved one waits in the aftermath of a motorcycle injury case, the more challenging it will be to get the damages you seek. Don’t wait – reach out to a Sarasota motorcycle accident lawyer today for your free case review. Call (941) 954-4000 or fill out our online form.
Motorcycle accidents happen for many of the same reasons as other Florida motor vehicle crashes. However, motorcycles’ unique features like their small size, lack of safety equipment, and difficulty to see on their road make motorcycle accidents more dangerous for riders than motor vehicle occupants.
The following are common causes of Florida motorcycle accidents. These may apply to motorcycle riders themselves or the vehicles with which they share the road.
The majority of Florida’s motorcycle accidents are caused by human error. Do your part to avoid becoming an accident statistic, maintain safe riding practices, and stay alert on Florida’s roads and highways. If you ever find yourself in an injury, contact the Sarasota motorcycle accident lawyers at Shapiro | Delgado | Hofmann to ensure you get a fair settlement in your motorcycle accident case.
Florida had the second-highest number of motorcycle registrations in the United States in 2020, trailing behind California with just over 100,000 registrations. Considering California has over 18 million more individuals, Florida has a substantially higher ratio of motorcycle riders.
In Florida, a motorcycle crash is defined by law as “a crash involving any motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, excluding tractors and mopeds. There were 9,126 motorcycle crashes, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), resulting in 586 fatalities in Florida in 2022 alone.
Motorcycles do not offer the same safety equipment as motor vehicles. There are no airbags, seatbelts, or reinforced barrier walls to protect a motorcycle rider. Without these life-preserving devices, motorcycle accidents frequently result in serious injuries and can even be deadly.
Many motorcycle accidents are often catastrophic. Catastrophic injuries are life-changing injuries. They are usually permanent and affect an accident victim’s quality of life and ability to work.
Catastrophic injuries include:
Not all Sarasota motorcycle accident injuries are physical. Some motorcycle accident victims suffer from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
An accident victim may never resume their pre-accident life. Any long-term injuries may preclude a serious accident sufferer from regaining meaningful employment.
Sarasota motorcycle accident victims injured through no fault of their own may qualify for compensation to pay for the following and more:
The amounts available in a motorcycle accident personal injury claim vary. Any award is heavily based on a victim’s severity of injuries, the prognosis for recovery, total medical bills, and the overall impact of the accident on their life. An experienced Sarasota motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover from your sever injuries.
For more information about compensation available in a motorcycle accident claim, contact an experienced Sarasota personal injury attorney.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that motorcycle helmets effectively reduce the deaths of motorcycle operators and passengers. Helmets reduce fatalities by 37% for riders and 41% for passengers. The risks associated with riding a motorcycle without a helmet are too significant to ignore.
In Florida, there is a mandatory helmet law that applies to all motorcycle operators. This law not only ensures compliance with legal requirements but also serves to protect individuals in the event of an accident. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the Florida Statute regarding helmet use, which includes the following exceptions:
Regardless of whether an individual is wearing a helmet, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to perish in a motor vehicle crash versus an occupant of a standard car, truck, or SUV, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Riding on a motorcycle is a privilege in Sarasota. With this privilege comes the responsibility to ride safely, obey any traffic rules and regulations, and stay alert while on Florida’s roads and highways.
Motorcycle riders can do their part to prevent accidents in Sarasota by:
Not all motorcycle accidents are preventable. In the event of a motorcycle accident, call 911 for medical and police assistance immediately.
Do not deny medical attention. Always receive follow-up accident care and be assessed for head and brain injuries. Helmets do not protect the brain from all types of injury.
Finally, speak with an experienced Sarasota motorcycle accident lawyer before making any recorded or written statement to the insurance company. Doing so could protect any right to recover future compensation for your medical expenses and other accident-related losses.
Estimating a potential financial settlement or court verdict for a motorcycle accident case is complex and depends on various case-specific factors. However, it’s common for individuals to seek compensation in the form of economic and non-economic damages in these cases.
Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses such as medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. These damages aim to provide reimbursement for the direct financial impact of the accident.
Conversely, non-economic damages address intangible aspects like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. While a precise calculation can be challenging, consulting a seasoned motorcycle accident attorney is crucial to understanding the potential range of damages you may be eligible to pursue based on the unique circumstances of your case.
After a motorcycle accident in Florida, following these steps is crucial: First, call 911 and the police to report the incident, even if it appears minor, as leaving the scene prematurely can result in criminal charges. Seek immediate medical attention and document the accident by taking photos of the vehicle, injuries, and road conditions. Gather information about the other driver, vehicle, witnesses, and bystanders. Keep your safety gear on and avoid giving statements to insurance companies. Inform the insurance companies about the accident but refrain from detailed statements. It’s advisable to hire a Florida motorcycle accident attorney for legal assistance. Additionally, resist the urge to discuss the accident on social media, and prioritize follow-up medical care to ensure your well-being.
If you’ve experienced a motorcycle accident, it’s recommended to reach out to an attorney who specializes in handling motorcycle accident cases. Seeking counsel from an experienced attorney can be beneficial as they possess the knowledge to safeguard your rights, navigate intricate insurance claims, compile crucial evidence, and advocate for equitable compensation to address medical costs, property damage, and the emotional toll of pain and suffering. An attorney’s expertise in this area can significantly enhance your chances of securing a just resolution.
Motorcycle accident lawyer fees can vary, but at Shapiro | Delgado | Hofmann, we operate on a unique payment model. Like many personal injury law firms, we typically work on a contingency basis. This means that we only charge a percentage of the compensation if we successfully resolve your case. For instance, if your case concludes before a lawsuit is filed, our fee is 33% of the gross settlement, and it’s 40% if a lawsuit is filed. However, what sets us apart is our commitment to client well-being. We don’t charge you for our costs if we can’t secure a recovery, and we don’t pass on costs if we’re unsuccessful. Our aim is to relieve the claims process burden so you can focus on your recovery.
The statute of limitations for filing a claim in Florida has undergone recent changes due to House Bill 837, a tort reform bill passed on March 24, 2023. Under this new legislation, the statute of limitations for negligence claims has been reduced from four years to two years. However, it’s important to note that this change is not retroactive. If your accident occurred before March 24, 2023, you still have four years from the date of the incident to file your injury claim. If your injury resulted from the negligence of another party, it’s critical to act swiftly.
Our Sarasota motorcycle accident attorneys serves all over Sarasota County including:
Sarasota Springs, Englewood, Fruitville, Gulf Gate Estates, Bee Ridge, Laurel, North Sarasota, Venice Gardens, Southgate, Osprey, Siesta Key, Warm Mineral Springs, South Sarasota, Lake Sarasota, The Meadows, Kensington Park, Vamo, Desoto Lakes, Nokomis, Plantation
Our portfolio of motorcycle accident case results at Shapiro | Delgado | Hofmann highlights our dedication to obtaining positive outcomes for our clients. Through diligent investigation, strategic representation, and unwavering advocacy, we have consistently achieved successful resolutions in motorcycle accident cases.
Our track record underscores our expertise in navigating the complexities of these cases, ensuring that our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries, damages, and losses.
Our legal team is standing by to offer our condolences to you and your loved ones during this trying time. We’re ready to work to fight for your right to maximum compensation during your personal injury case.
Don’t go through the legal process alone. If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, reach out to Shapiro | Delgado | Hofmann. Call us at (941) 954-4000 or contact us online to speak with and experienced motorcycle accident attorney to get the compensation you deserve.
