Does it surprise you that Florida is one of the most dangerous states for motorcycle riders? The beautiful weather is a significant inducement to get out and hit the road, and the combination of big city traffic and the state’s still rural areas presents various challenges to bike drivers. Motorcycle crashes can be caused by such things as wildlife, drunk and/or distracted driving, and reckless driving on the part of the person on the bike or another driver on the road.
Motorcycle accidents can be severe.
Motorcycle accidents can result in life-threatening injuries. These injuries can result in significant medical bills and may require physical therapy for years to come. In addition, you may have to miss work or may not be able to return to work after an accident. The injured party may claim these expenses through their personal injury claim. An experienced Stuart attorney can help you navigate the claims process.
Do you have a claim?
If you’ve been in an accident, once you’ve gotten medical assistance, one of your first questions often is, “ Do I have a legal claim?” If someone has injured you and there are damages involved, the answer is usually “yes.” In Florida, you can recover compensatory damages, an amount of money intended to restore you to where you were before the injury. These can include economic damages and non-economic damages.
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Exchanging information is essential.
It’s crucial to exchange information with the other driver and obtain witness information. Photos and videos of the accident scene can be helpful evidence, and these can prove the cause of the crash and the extent of damages incurred by the injured party. Also, you must report the accident to the Stuart or Port St. Lucie police department, and the police will investigate the scene and collect evidence to support your claim.
Get a police report for your motorcycle injury accident.
A motorcycle accident can change a person’s life forever. Fortunately, personal injury law allows victims to file a claim for damages, losses, and pain and suffering. The sooner an accident is reported, the better, and failure to do so can result in the loss of evidence or witnesses or less compensation. A police report is significant, especially in cases of motorcycle accidents. A police officer will respond to the scene and fill out a report identifying the parties at fault, and the report is important evidence to support your injury claim.
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Limited time to file a lawsuit
There is limited time to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident. The statute of limitations varies by state, but it is generally four years. Your claim will be dismissed unless you file a lawsuit within this timeframe. Additionally, Florida law applies the rule of comparative negligence, which means that the percentage of fault you share in an accident will be deducted from the compensation you receive.
Some of the damages you may receive from your lawsuit
Economic damages can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Estimated future medical expenses
- Out of pocket costs
Non-economic damages can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium (the loss of a relationship with a partner)
- Inconvenience
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
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Free Consultation and Case Evaluation
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, call the Law Office of Gloria Seidule in Stuart, Florida, for your free consultation at 772-287-1220.