Being involved in a motorcycle accident in Florida is an incredibly traumatic experience. The sudden impact, the sound of screeching tires, and the feeling of helplessness can haunt you long after the crash.
Immediately after the accident, you may struggle to recover from your injuries and return to work. Your bike might be broken beyond repair, and your medical bills rising at an alarming rate. Even worse, creditors may come calling – adding even more stress to you and your family. When this occurs, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to face this uphill battle alone.
At Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys, PA, we recognize the pain you may be feeling, both physically and emotionally, and the overwhelming stress that comes with dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and legal proceedings.
As experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in Florida, we have dedicated our practice to helping motorcyclists like you who have suffered injuries in horrific accidents that could have been prevented. No matter how overwhelming or complex your situation may seem, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are fully committed to helping you rebuild your life after a devastating motorcycle accident in Florida.
Why Choose Our Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Bikers need someone who understands what they’re going through after a motorcycle crash. Insurance adjusters often have biases against motorcyclists, making it difficult to collect the compensation you deserve. At Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys, PA, we don’t let those biases stand in the way of your recovery. We push back to help you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.
Prosper Shaked is an award-winning personal injury attorney who focuses on helping injured accident victims in Florida. He was born and raised in the Sunshine State and has recovered millions for his injured clients. He is a a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Super Lawyers Rising Star, a National Trial Lawyers – Top 40 Under 40, and has a Superb 10 rating by Avvo.
Our Florida motorcycle accident attorneys are committed to providing compassionate, personalized legal representation for all our injured clients. Let our legal team handle the legal complexities so that you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery. Every individual deserves justice and fair compensation for their injuries, and we leave no stone unturned in seeking justice for you.
We Help Injured Florida Motorcyclists Like You
At Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, our Florida motorcycle accident attorneys have helped injured motorcyclists just like you recover the money they needed to put their lives back together again. We know that no two injuries are ever quite the same. That’s why we take the time to work with your medical team to determine how your injuries will impact your life and future.
We’ve helped motorcyclists who suffered a wide range of injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Road rash
- Disfigurement and amputation
- Fractures
- Burns
- Internal organ damage
How Much Is My Florida Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
Many injured motorcyclists want to know how much their accident case might be worth. This is understandable. You want money to put your life back together and repair your bike. You need compensation to pay for your medical bills and rehabilitation expenses.
Unfortunately, determining the exact value of a Florida motorcycle accident settlement is complex and depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of damages and expenses you’ve suffered, the pain and suffering you endured, and the insurance coverage of all liable parties.
The best way to uncover how much your specific case is worth is to contact our law firm immediately. Our Florida motorcycle accident attorneys will meet you for a FREE initial consultation. We take the time to learn more about your case and your injuries and can give you a better idea of how much compensation you might receive.
As experienced motorcycle accident attorneys, we will gather evidence, consult with experts if necessary, and negotiate with insurance companies to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. While no two injury cases are ever quite the same, in general, we can seek various types of compensation, including:
- Economic Damages: These are quantifiable financial losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future medical costs.
- Non-Economic Damages: These damages are more difficult to quantify and include pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur in Florida?
In 2020, there were 555 motorcycle fatalities in Florida, making up 20 percent of all fatal crashes in the state. Sadly, 61 percent of these riders were not wearing helmets during the crash. Even worse, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported that motorcycle accidents were on the rise across the state.
Motorcycle accidents can occur anywhere throughout Florida. While specific accident hotspots may vary, some common areas where motorcycle accidents are more likely to happen include:
- Urban Areas: Motorcycle accidents are more prevalent in densely populated urban areas with heavy traffic, such as Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. The increased congestion and higher number of vehicles increase the risk of motorcycle accidents.
- Intersections: Intersections are known to be high-risk areas for all types of accidents, including motorcycle accidents. Factors such as red light violations, failure to yield the right of way, and distracted driving can contribute to collisions at intersections.
- Highways and Freeways: Due to higher speeds and increased traffic volume, motorcycle accidents on highways and freeways can be particularly dangerous. Factors such as lane changing, merging, and speeding can lead to serious accidents. Some of the most common highways and freeways where motorcycle accidents occur in Florida include:
- I-75 “Alligator Alley,” which stretches 470 miles across the state from Lake City to Miami.
- I-95, which runs 382 miles along the east coast of Florida from Jacksonville to Miami
- I-4, which stretches 132 miles through Tampa, Lakeland, and Orlando
- Florida’s Turnpike extends 309 miles from Miami to Wildwood, Florida.
- Rural Roads: Rural areas in Florida also see their share of motorcycle accidents. These accidents can occur due to narrow roads, lack of proper signage, and unexpected wildlife crossings.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida
There are many causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida. Due to the nearly perfect year-round weather, these accidents occur 365 days a week on all roads and freeways. Several common causes contribute to motorcycle accidents in the state of Florida. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida include:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, or eating, poses a significant risk to motorcyclists. Distracted drivers may fail to notice motorcycles on the road, leading to collisions.
- Lane Changing and Merging: Accidents often occur when drivers fail to check blind spots or use turn signals properly while changing lanes or merging. Motorcycles, due to their smaller size, can be easily overlooked by other drivers, leading to dangerous situations.
- Left-Turn Collisions: Left-turn accidents are a common scenario where a motorist making a left turn fails to yield the right of way to an oncoming motorcycle. This type of collision can result in severe injuries for motorcyclists.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Excessive speed and reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and aggressive maneuvering, increase the likelihood of motorcycle accidents. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug impairment significantly impairs a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to accidents caused by drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Road Hazards and Poor Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, potholes, debris, loose gravel, and uneven surfaces can harm motorcyclists. These hazards can cause a motorcycle to lose control and lead to accidents.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Florida?
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Florida, taking certain steps to protect your well-being and legal rights is important.
- Ensure Safety: Prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved. If possible, move to a safe location, and activate the hazard lights on your motorcycle.
- Seek Medical Attention: Call for emergency medical assistance if you or anyone involved in the accident is injured. Even if you don’t have immediate symptoms, obtain a medical evaluation because some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Contact Law Enforcement: Report the accident to the police, especially if there are injuries, significant property damage, or disputes about the fault of the crash. Request a copy of the police report for your records.
- Document the Scene: If you can do so safely, gather evidence by taking photos or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, and any visible injuries. These visual records can be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Exchange Information: Obtain the contact information, names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details of all parties involved in the accident. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses present.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not apologize or admit fault for the accident, even if you feel it was partially your fault. Even something as simple as “I’m sorry” can be twisted to show you admitted blame for the accident.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Promptly notify your motorcycle insurance provider about the accident. Cooperate with their investigation and provide accurate information.
- Consult an Attorney: Motorcycle accidents are rarely cut and dry. For that reason alone, you should hire an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Florida. They can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you pursue any compensation you may be entitled to.
- Keep Records: Maintain records of all medical treatment, expenses, and documentation related to the accident, including repair estimates, invoices, and any correspondence with insurance companies.
- Be Cautious with Insurance Adjusters: If contacted by insurance adjusters representing other parties involved, consult with your attorney before providing any statements or accepting settlement offers. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim without a lawyer present.
How Can a Florida Motorcycle Lawyer Help?
From the start, having an experienced Florida motorcycle accident lawyer is invaluable. Your attorney will assess the unique circumstances of your case, evaluate the potential value, and provide you with a realistic understanding of what you can expect. Your Florida motorcycle attorney will also communicate with insurance adjusters, ensure you provide the necessary information, and negotiate on your behalf to seek a fair settlement.
If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare and file a lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations. In Florida, injured motorcyclists only have two years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit or settle their claim. If you miss this deadline, you cannot seek future compensation.
Dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident is stressful. A knowledgeable attorney handling your motorcycle case lets you focus on your recovery and well-being, knowing that your legal rights are being protected.
Contact Our Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
Don’t face the aftermath of your motorcycle accident alone. Our experienced team of motorcycle accident lawyers is here to guide you through the complexities of the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Schedule your free consultation with our dedicated Florida motorcycle accident attorneys. We’ll listen to your story, assess the details of your case, and provide you with a clear understanding of your rights and options.
Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA handles cases like yours with the compassion and tenacity you deserve. Your success is the firm’s success, and the ultimate goal is to get you back on your feet again. Call Prosper Shaked at (305) 694-2676 for a free case evaluation. Together we can seek justice and get you the compensation you need – and deserve.