St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Our team proudly supports injured clients after motorcycle accidents caused by negligent drivers.
Summary
- Florida laws mandate helmet use for riders under 21 and require insurance for those over 21 who forgo helmets. Lane-splitting and financial responsibility laws also affect motorcycle accident claims.
- Speeding, unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, hazardous road conditions, mechanical defects, and negligent drivers cause numerous motorcycle accidents.
- Motorcycle accidents result in injuries like road rash, fractures, spinal and head trauma, crush injuries, and emotional trauma such as PTSD.
- Compensation is available for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain, suffering, disability, and wrongful death depending on the case’s severity.
Our team understands that St. Petersburg motorcycle accidents can have devastating consequences. We can help you to rebuild.
At Jones Law Group, we understand that after a motorcycle accident, it can be overwhelming handling your recovery as well as whatever issues arise due to your inability to work, let alone any legal issues.
Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help you every step of the way. Contact an experienced St. Petersburg motorcycle accident attorney today to set up a free consultation.
Give us a call at (727) 571-1333, fill out a contact form, or use our Chat feature. Learn how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.
Key Florida Motorcycle Laws and Regulations
Florida has specific laws that all motorcyclists must follow, many of which are outlined in Florida Statutes Chapter 316.
Ignoring Helmet Laws Can Limit the Strength of a Personal injury Claim
Anyone under the age of 21 is required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. Riders over 21 can forgo a helmet only if they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage.
This regulation plays a vital role in motorcycle accident claims because not wearing a helmet may reduce the amount of compensation you receive for injuries to your head or neck.
Motorcycle Insurance Offers Compensation After a Crash
Florida also has strict insurance requirements. Motorcycle riders are not required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) like car drivers, but they must demonstrate financial responsibility.
If you’ve failed to comply with this, it could affect your ability to recover damages after a motorcycle accident.
Lane Splitting Can Leave Motorcyclists Partially Liable for Damages
Another important law is the prohibition of lane splitting, which is riding a motorcycle between lanes of stopped or slow traffic — it is illegal in Florida. If a rider is involved in an accident while lane splitting, this could lead to reduced or denied compensation due to shared fault.
How Can a St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help You?
After a motorcycle accident, you may need a motorcycle accident attorney for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you suffered catastrophic injuries, and your associated costs are high.
Alternatively, maybe your insurance company denied your claim or your damages exceed the limits of your insurance policy, or maybe the other driver was negligent but is claiming you were at fault.
An experienced St Petersburg motorcycle accident attorney can help. Schedule a free consultation with our team at Jones Law Group to see how we will gain your rightful compensation for damages.
Here are the benefits you get from working with our seasoned motorcycle accident attorneys in St. Petersburg, FL:
Extensive Experience in Motorcycle Accident Claims
The seasoned attorneys at Jones Law Group bring years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases in St. Petersburg, FL. We understand the nuances of motorcycle accident laws, local regulations, and common challenges riders face when filing claims.
Our expertise helps us anticipate potential legal hurdles and build a strong case tailored to your unique situation. With our knowledge and expertise, we can identify liability, gather evidence, and negotiate effectively with insurance companies or opposing parties.
Skilled Guidance in Negotiations with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and negotiating a fair settlement can be tough. Our motorcycle accident attorneys know their tactics well and are skilled at countering them.
We will analyze your case thoroughly to determine the true value of your claim, including medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. By presenting well-supported arguments, we push for a settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries and damages.
Access to Valuable Resources
Handling a motorcycle accident claim requires more than just legal expertise; it demands access to resources. Jones Law Group offers this by collaborating with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists to strengthen your claim.
These resources are critical when proving fault, demonstrating the extent of your injuries, or calculating the long-term impact of the accident on your life.
Personalized Attention and Compassionate Support
Pursuing a claim after a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. At Jones Law Group, our lawyers offer personalized attention and treat clients with care and respect.
We take time to understand your story, explain your options, and guide you through the legal process. This compassionate approach ensures you feel supported and confident throughout your case.
Adept Representation in Court
If negotiations fail and your case goes to trial, you’ll benefit from Jones Law Group’s proven track record in litigation. Our attorneys are skilled courtroom advocates prepared to fight vigorously for your rights.
By presenting compelling evidence and arguments, we work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, ensuring justice is served.
Understanding Car and Motorcycle Accidents: Risks and Realities
Motorcycle and car accidents differ due to the levels of risk involved with operating the respective vehicles. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to hazards on the road and sustain more catastrophic and fatal injuries in accidents than car occupants.
This discrepancy in safety partially accounts for why in 2017, NHTSA Crash Stats show motorcyclists were 27 times more likely to die in an accident than car occupants.
Motorcyclists are also more likely to endure injuries to their extremities, as they’re the most exposed. Road rash, crush injuries, breaks, fractures, and amputation are all common injuries associated with motorcycle accidents.
What Should I Do After I’m in a Motorcycle Accident?
The first thing you need to do after a motorcycle crash is check yourself and others for injuries and then move to safety and call for medical assistance if needed. Take photographs of any injuries or property damage.
If possible, have your motorcycle removed from the road. Gather information from everyone involved in the accident, including insurance information, details about the vehicles and drivers involved, and a police report.
Then call your insurance company and report the facts of the motorcycle accident, but don’t speculate. Finally, contact a St. Pete motorcycle accident attorney to discuss rightful compensation.
Don’t Skip Medical Treatment Following a Motorcycle Crash
Once you leave the scene of the accident, you should immediately receive medical attention. This is important, even if you believe that you aren’t injured. Some injuries don’t present right away, or they may be masked by adrenaline.
Injuries like internal bleeding or damage may only show up after an X-ray. If you fail to seek immediate medical attention, the insurance company might use this against you.
They may claim that your injuries must not have been that serious if you didn’t seek immediate attention. They may also claim that your injuries are unrelated to the accident. However, an experienced personal injury attorney will be able to negate these claims.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
There are many ways a motorcycle accident can happen. Drivers can sometimes have limited visibility of motorcyclists, and there is risk involved in being so exposed while navigating the streets.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes include:
Speeding
A leading cause of all types of accidents, speeding greatly reduces a driver’s ability to react safely to prevent an accident. Speed also contributes to the severity of injuries in most types of accidents.
Speeding can result in rear-end accidents, t-bone accidents, and sideswipes. Speeding is one of the most dangerous habits for motor vehicle drivers, as it reduces reaction time, making it much more difficult to respond to changes in traffic.
Sudden Stops
Abrupt stops can result in rear-end accidents, which cause severe injuries and can be fatal for motorcyclists. Rear-end accidents occur when a driver is speeding and doesn’t have enough time to slow down.
Usually, this is because they were distracted or following too closely. Therefore, they must slam on their brakes to prevent crashing into the car or motorcyclist in front of them. Unfortunately, sometimes there isn’t enough time to brake fast, and an accident occurs.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Unsafely switching lanes can create a risk of collision if the driver of a car fails to use a turn signal or to check their blind spots before switching lanes.
Lane Splitting
The practice of riding between two lanes of traffic is not only extremely dangerous, but it is illegal in the state of Florida. Lane splitting is one instance in which a motorcyclist may be at-fault for an accident.
However, as Florida is a no-fault state, you can still recover your damages even if the accident was your own fault.
Car Door Opening
If a driver parks on the side of the road and opens their door without checking oncoming traffic, they could cause an accident. A sudden car door opening leaves little time for a motorcyclist to react.
If there isn’t enough time, they may crash into the door head-on, causing serious injury.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Dangerous road conditions contribute to motorcycle accidents. Damaged or littered roads, inadequate road signs, and inclement weather all increase a motorcyclist’s chances of injury.
And while you can’t sue the road for being dangerous, you can still sue another driver who doesn’t take proper precautions in dangerous situations. For example, if your accident occurs in the rain, the driver may still be liable for failing to slow down during a storm.
Motorcycle Defects
A motorcycle malfunction due to poor design or a defective part can render a manufacturer liable for any injury or death resulting from the use of the motorcycle or part in question.
In the case of a motorcycle defect causing your accident, the manufacturer of the motorcycle or part could be liable. You would then file a lawsuit against the manufacturer instead of another driver.
Services a Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Offers
Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and damages. A skilled Florida motorcycle accident lawyer from Jones Law Group can provide invaluable support, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Below are key ways in which an experienced St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyer can assist you after a motorcycle accident in Florida.
Making an Insurance Claim
Filing an insurance claim can be a complicated and daunting process. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will guide you through each step, ensuring all necessary documentation is submitted accurately and on time.
This professional support can significantly enhance your chances of a favorable outcome, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Proving Negligence
Establishing negligence is crucial in any motorcycle accident case. A proficient lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photos.
They’ll work diligently to build a strong case that proves the other party’s fault, which is essential for securing fair compensation.
Negotiating for a Higher Settlement
Negotiating with insurance companies can be intimidating, especially when they aim to minimize payouts. A seasoned Florida motorcycle accident lawyer possesses the negotiation skills needed to advocate for a fair settlement.
They will handle all communications with the insurance adjusters, ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and damages.
Representation in a Lawsuit
Taking the case to court may be necessary to get a fair settlement. An experienced lawyer will represent you throughout the legal proceedings, presenting a compelling case to the judge and jury. Their expertise in litigation protects your rights and increases the likelihood of a favorable verdict.
By seeking the assistance of a knowledgeable St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyer, you can navigate the complex legalities of motorcycle accident claims with confidence, securing the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Common Damages from a Motorcycle Accident
The damages that you incur depend on a variety of factors, such as the severity of your accident and injuries. Here are a few of the different types of damages that you may be able to recover motorcycle crash compensation for.
Medical Bills
After an accident, you may be stressed about your financial situation. Medical debt can often be incredibly high, and while your health insurance may cover some of it, the rest is left up to you.
Compensation for your medical debt can be a large help in your recovery process. Not only can you receive compensation for hospital bills but also surgery costs, doctor’s visits, in-home health care, and any therapy you may need.
Lost Wages
Following a motorcycle accident involving injuries, you may have to spend a lot of time out of work. This includes the time you may spend in the hospital receiving treatment as well as the time you may spend recovering at home.
You may be eligible for compensation to help recover some of the wages that you may have lost while you were out of work. You may also be able to recover future lost wages as well as loss of earning capacity if you’re no longer able to work because of disability.
Property Damage
After your motorcycle accident, you may be faced with paying repairs costs to your motorcycle or even replacing it entirely. Your insurance may cover some of these costs.
However, you may still have a high deductible to pay, or you may even have to pay for the cost of your replacement. This compensation can help to repair or replace your motorcycle after the accident.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages change based on each individual accident. They’re based on the injuries that one has sustained and are given in order to provide some relief to the plaintiff for what they’ve experienced.
We know this compensation can’t erase what happened to you, but we hope it will help to ease the pain you have gone through.
Permanent Loss and Disability
Unfortunately, motorcyclists are more likely to have a permanent disability in comparison to people who get into car accidents. If your accident was caused because of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation for your disability or even your loss of income.
Wrongful Death
When someone is killed because of another person’s negligence or intentional action, this is referred to as wrongful death. This death can occur on the site of the crime or later on because of injuries sustained from the accident.
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil lawsuit and differs from a criminal lawsuit and the charges the defendant may face.
Common Injuries from a Motorcycle Accident
Some common injuries caused by a St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident include:
Spinal Injuries
Spinal injuries can cause loss of reflexes and movement in your extremities, depending on where the injury occurred. Injuries that occur higher up put the victim more at risk for paralysis, while injuries that occur lower in the spine tend to be less cause for concern.
Road Rash
Road rash is one of the most common injuries a motorcyclist can experience. It occurs when the rider skids along the pavement. The abrasive asphalt tears the skin, causing a “rash” or burn-like appearance.
Road rash may require skin grafts or surgery to heal. In severe cases, road rash can even cause nerve damage.
Crush Injuries
If a motorcyclist is pinned against or between something, crushing injuries can occur. Crushing injuries can affect the extremities as well as the torso.
Crushing injuries can cause compartment syndrome, which can shock the entire system and lead to life-threatening consequences like kidney failure.
Fractures
A motorcyclist’s legs are usually a point of contact in accidents, and broken legs are a common injury in motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists may also try to absorb shock or prevent themselves from falling by reaching out with their hands, resulting in broken wrists and arms.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding often occurs alongside other obvious injuries and is likely to be seen and stopped upon a first visit to the hospital. Although some internal bleeding may be delayed by a few hours or even a few days.
This bleeding may stop on its own, but on occasion, it may continue. In these cases, surgery is required to stop the bleeding.
Head Injuries
The likelihood of a head injury is high in the case of a motorcycle accident, even if wearing a helmet. Traumatic brain injuries caused by the impact of the accident are an example of such an injury.
Immediate symptoms may present as confusion, blurred vision, and variations in consciousness. It is important to seek immediate medical attention to mitigate the risk of permanent brain damage.
Emotional Trauma
The experience of being in a motorcycle accident can be harrowing and traumatic. Survivors of motorcycle accidents can develop post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and a number of other debilitating mental issues as a result of their injury’s effects on their lives.
Safety Tips for Motorcyclists
Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom and adventure, but it also comes with its own set of risks. To ensure a safe and enjoyable ride, motorcyclists must adhere to certain safety guidelines.
Below are six essential safety tips for Florida motorcyclists to keep in mind:
- Wear Proper Gear: Always wear a DOT-approved helmet, protective clothing, gloves, and boots. Proper gear can drastically reduce the severity of injuries in the event of an accident.
- Stay Visible: Make yourself visible to other motorists by wearing reflective clothing and using your headlights. Position yourself in lanes where you are easily seen and avoid riding in blind spots.
- Follow Traffic Rules: Adhere to all traffic regulations, including traffic signals, speed limits, and road signs. Obeying Florida motorcycle laws and traffic rules helps prevent accidents and ensures a safer riding experience.
- Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions: Keep your focus on the road and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid using your phone or engaging in other distractions that can take your attention away from riding.
- Maintain Your Motorcycle: Regularly check your motorcycle for any maintenance issues. Ensure that brakes, lights, tires, and other essential components are in good working order to prevent malfunctions while riding.
- Take a Safety Course: Enroll in a motorcycle safety course to improve your riding skills and knowledge. These courses teach valuable techniques for handling various road conditions and emergency situations.
By following these safety tips, motorcyclists can minimize risks and enjoy a safer ride. Prioritizing safety not only protects the rider but also contributes to the overall safety of the roads.
Contact an Experienced St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact one of our attorneys here at Jones Law Group. Not only will we take on your case, but we will do everything we can to get you the compensation and justice you deserve.
You can reach us by calling (727) 571-1333, filling out our online contact form, or using our Chat feature below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet during my motorcycle accident? Can I still receive compensation?
In Florida, you can still receive compensation if you weren’t wearing a helmet, but it may make it more difficult to negotiate for a fair and full settlement, meaning you should absolutely hire an attorney to ensure you get the best compensation possible.
How is fault determined in a motorcycle accident case?
Fault in motorcycle accidents is determined through evidence like police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction. Legal expertise is often essential in establishing fault accurately.
How long will it take to resolve my motorcycle accident case?
The duration varies based on the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and whether a settlement is reached or the case goes to trial. A lawyer can provide a better estimate based on your specific circumstances.
