You’ve just been in a motorcycle accident, and your world has been turned upside down. You’re in pain, confused, and overwhelmed. The last thing you want to think about is dealing with legal issues, especially when the insurance company is telling you that you don’t need a motorcycle accident attorney. It’s tempting to take their word for it and try to handle everything on your own, but is that really the best course of action?
The truth is, navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident in Florida can be a complex and daunting process, particularly if you’ve suffered severe injuries. While the insurance company may claim to have your best interests at heart, their ultimate goal is to minimize their own financial losses. They may try to downplay the severity of your injuries, shift blame onto you, or offer you a lowball settlement that doesn’t begin to cover your expenses.
This is why it’s so crucial to have a knowledgeable and experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side. Your lawyer will be your advocate, fighting to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. They’ll handle all the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters most: your health and recovery.
Why is hiring a lawyer after a motorcycle accident in Florida so important? What benefits can they provide?
Why Hire a Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
You might be thinking, “Do I really need a lawyer? Can’t I just handle this on my own?” While it’s understandable to want to simplify the process, going it alone can be a costly mistake. Here’s why:
Motorcyclists Don’t Have Pip
In Florida, car drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault. However, this coverage doesn’t extend to motorcyclists. Without PIP, you’ll be on the hook for all your medical bills unless you can prove the other driver was at fault.
The only way to recover these costs is to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. This means demonstrating that their negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions directly caused the crash and your injuries. Proving fault can be complex and challenging, requiring a thorough investigation, gathering of evidence, and expert testimony.
This is where having a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer on your side can make a world of difference. Your lawyer will know how to build a strong case to prove the other driver’s liability, giving you the best chance of recovering the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Injuries Can Be Severe
Let’s face it: when a motorcycle collides with a car, the motorcyclist almost always comes out worse. Without the protection of a metal frame, airbags, and seatbelts, riders are exposed to the full force of the impact. This often results in catastrophic injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and even death. The sheer vulnerability of motorcyclists in these accidents cannot be overstated. Even a seemingly minor collision can have life-altering consequences for the rider, leaving them facing a long and arduous road to recovery.
Medical Costs Can Be Astronomical
The cost of treating these severe injuries can quickly spiral out of control. Emergency room visits, surgeries, lengthy hospital stays, physical therapy, and ongoing care can easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. You may also require specialized medical equipment, home modifications to accommodate your injuries, and long-term assisted care. These expenses can add up to an astronomical sum, leaving you and your family facing a financial crisis on top of the physical and emotional trauma you’re already enduring.
Without proper legal representation, you could be left drowning in medical debt, struggling to pay bills that keep piling up. This is where a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can make all the difference. They’ll work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to, taking into account not just your immediate medical bills but also your long-term care needs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. They’ll negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, fighting for a settlement that truly reflects the severity of your injuries and the impact they’ve had on your life.
Insurance Companies Are Biased
It’s an unfortunate reality that insurance companies often have a bias against motorcyclists. This bias stems from the common misconception that motorcyclists are inherently reckless and prone to taking unnecessary risks on the road. Insurance companies may try to capitalize on this stereotype to shift blame onto you, even when the evidence clearly points to the other driver’s negligence. They may argue that you were speeding, weaving through traffic, or engaging in other risky behaviors, even if eyewitness accounts and physical evidence contradict these claims.
This bias can manifest in the way insurance adjusters handle your claim. They may ask leading questions designed to trap you into admitting fault or twist your words to make it seem like you’re contradicting yourself. They might also delay processing your claim, hoping that you’ll become desperate enough to accept a lowball settlement offer.
This is why it’s so crucial to have a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer on your side. Your lawyer will be familiar with these bias-driven strategies and know how to counter them effectively. They’ll gather evidence to support your claim, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a strong case on your behalf. They’ll also handle all communication with the insurance company, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally saying something that could be used against you.
Strict Court Rules for Filing a Lawsuit
One reason to hire an experienced motorcycle accident attorney is that filing a lawsuit requires that a plaintiff adheres to the court’s strict rules for filing a lawsuit. For example, a court may require that a case be presented in a certain manner in order to be filed. Additionally, if a victim is rushing to file their case, they could make a serious error or could even file the case in the wrong district.
At Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys, PA., we can ensure that your complaint is drafted correctly and submitted to the appropriate court to get you on track for pursuing the compensation you need after a motorcycle accident.
Lawsuits are Often Time-Consuming
Another reason to hire a motorcycle accident attorney is that personal injury lawsuits are rarely resolved in a few weeks. Instead, you may have to endure various steps of the legal process, like discovering evidence or interviewing witnesses. This can be extremely time-consuming for a person who is dealing with a severe injury and possibly other problems after a motorcycle crash. Our firm can manage every step of the case and constantly keep you informed of how your case is progressing.
Lawyers are Experienced in Arguing Before a Court
Arguing a lawsuit in court requires days and possibly weeks of preparation. If an injured motorcyclist enters a courtroom unprepared, they could do more harm than good. For example, a person not familiar with court proceedings could easily miss a timely objection or fail to submit evidence properly. Missing a timely objection could mean that your case is defeated on appeal, even with the help of an experienced attorney.
Additionally, before you can argue before the court, you must submit intensive legal briefs that describe how you intend to argue the case and the laws that support your lawsuit. These briefs must also adhere to the court’s filing requirements. Even highly experienced motorcycle accident lawyers could take days to draft a legal brief that contains all relevant laws that support their claim.
As you can see, hiring an experienced Florida motorcycle accident attorney can make all the difference. They know the tricks insurance companies play, and they won’t let them get away with it. Your lawyer will gather evidence, interview witnesses, consult experts, and build a rock-solid case to prove the other driver’s negligence. They’ll fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on what really matters: your recovery.
The Benefits of Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Florida
Still not convinced? Consider these compelling reasons to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer:
- No upfront costs: Most motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. You won’t have to pay a dime out of pocket for their services.
- Free consultations: Not sure if you have a case? No problem. Many lawyers offer free initial consultations so that you can get expert advice without any obligation.
- Peace of mind: Dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident is stressful enough without having to navigate the legal system on your own. With a lawyer by your side, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.
- Maximum compensation: A skilled lawyer will know how to maximize your compensation, taking into account not just your current medical bills but also your future expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Faster resolution: Insurance companies are notorious for dragging their feet when settling claims. With a lawyer advocating for you, you’re more likely to get a fair settlement promptly.
But what if you’re worried about the cost of hiring a motorcycle crash lawyer? Don’t be. As mentioned earlier, most motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Typically, they’ll take a percentage of your settlement or jury award as their fee. This arrangement gives your lawyer a strong incentive to fight for the best possible outcome, as they only get paid if you do.
How To Choose The Right Florida Motorcycle Attorney For Your Case?
Now that you understand the importance of hiring a lawyer, you might be wondering how to choose the right one.
When choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer in Florida, Prosper Shaked stands out as an exceptional choice. With extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases, Prosper Shaked deeply understands the unique challenges these cases present and has built a track record of success in securing favorable outcomes for his clients.
As a personal injury lawyer with considerable experience handling motorcycle accidents, Prosper Shaked brings a wealth of specific knowledge to the table. He understands the intricacies of Florida’s motorcycle laws, the common tactics used by insurance companies, and the most effective strategies for building a strong case on behalf of his clients.
After a motorcycle accident in Florida, you deserve a lawyer who understands that a motorcycle accident can be a life-altering event. At Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys, PA, we approach each case with the sensitivity and dedication it deserves. When you work with Prosper Shaked, you can trust that you have an advocate who truly cares about you and your future.
Contact Our Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
A motorcycle accident can be a life-altering event, but you don’t have to face it alone. By hiring a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer at Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys, PA., you can level the playing field against the insurance companies and ensure your rights are protected.
You do not have to fight your case alone. Contact Prosper Shaked at (305) 694-2676 to schedule a free legal consultation. You can also contact the firm by using our online submission form.