Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
Motorcycle accidents are dangerous and often deadly due to the fact that motorcyclists are simply not as protected as the drivers of cars. Many times, the car drivers involved in motorcycle crashes claim they never saw the motorcycle when, in reality, the driver never even looked.
Motorcycle Safety Tips from Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Florida is second only to California for motorcycle ownership in the United States but also tops the list for the number of motorcycle accidents every year. Motorcycle accidents can lead to severe injuries such as spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, joint injuries, and scarring.
Motorcycle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, and many are not the fault of the person riding the motorcycle. While a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for injuries caused by another driver’s negligence, there are actions you can take to help reduce your chances of being involved in an accident in the first place. Taking these steps can also make it easier to demonstrate the liability of the at-fault driver if an accident does occur.
Here are some tips that every motorcycle rider can introduce to make their journeys safer.
How do You Stay Safe on a Motorcycle?
There are several elements involved in safer motorcycle riding. Motorcycle Safety includes the way you dress, your awareness of other drivers, and weather conditions, but there are other considerations, too. Consider the following:
- Avoid driving a motorcycle while intoxicated or fatigued, even if you believe you are not legally impaired at the time.
- Keep to the speed limit.
- Monitor the weather conditions and drive more slowly if the weather worsens.
- Check your motorcycle before each drive. Look for signs of wear or tear that may cause your motorcycle to perform poorly.
Taking these actions can help protect you while you are on the road and can demonstrate that you are a careful, considerate driver if you are injured in a motorcycle accident through no fault of your own. For legal information contact our motorcycle accident attorney Fort Lauderdale.
Our Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Demonstrate the Liability
Every motorcyclist should be geared up for safe driving. Wear protective gear such as pads to cushion your elbows and knees and protective eye gear in case of an accident.
In addition, choose reflective gear so other drivers can see you more easily. Research published in the British Medical Journal suggests that motorcyclists who are visible are less likely to have their rights encroached upon by other drivers. Brightly colored motorcycle gear is especially important at night and during heavy fog.
Wearing protective equipment and ensuring both you and your motorcycle are as visible as possible to other drivers can help you demonstrate the liability of the other driver if you are involved in a motorcycle accident later.
What are the Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Fort Lauderdale?
Stay aware of other motorcyclists and drivers and of the conditions you are driving in. According to the National Highways Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the top causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- A driver suddenly changing lane
- Drivers turning left
- Inexperience
- Lack of awareness at intersections
- Poor Weather
Being aware of others on the road can help you anticipate their actions, which may give you a better chance of avoiding a motorcycle accident. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident and don’t know what to do next contact our motorcycle accident attorney Fort Lauderdale.
Introduce a Proper Maintenance Schedule
Your owner’s manual will usually provide some guidance on how often you should take your bike in for checks and inspections. This can ensure your motorcycle is operating as it should while you are riding it.
If you have questions that are not answered in the owner’s manual, speak to your manufacturer or supplier for specific advice regarding the make and model of your motorcycle.
Motorcycle Accident Liability in Fort Lauderdale
There are several ways to figure out who is at fault in a motorcycle accident. Once liability is proven, an injured rider may be entitled to compensation for expenses such as medical bills and lost pay. Contact our motorcycle accident lawyer Fort Lauderdale for your fair compensation.
How to Determining Liability for Motorcycle Accidents in Fort Lauderdale?
In some cases, it is a straight-forward process to assign liability in a motorcycle accident. For example, a truck driver loses control and veers into a motorcycle rider’s lane, forcing him or her to crash. Other times, it is more challenging to figure out who is at fault. To determine liability in a motorcycle accident contacts our motorcycle accident attorney Fort Lauderdale.
What Evidence was Used to Determine Who Is At Fault for a Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident?
A motorcycle accidents lawyer in Fort Lauderdale will collect evidence and facts that might include:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Photographs and evidence from the accident scene and involved vehicles
- Traffic cameras
- Accident reconstruction
- Your injuries and medical report related to the accident
It is also helpful for you to write a detailed account of the accident as soon as possible.
Establishing Negligence for Recovering Compensation in Fort Lauderdale
It is important to find out what caused the accident for a couple of reasons. First, the police may file charges against a driver who was intoxicated or acting unlawfully. Second, finding out who is at fault will show negligence. This is necessary if you want to pursue available compensation for your injuries and damages.
The four steps in proving negligence in a bike lawsuit are:
- Determine if the other driver had a duty of care to act in a lawful, safe manner, and to take reasonable care to avoid the collision.
- Prove that the other driver did not uphold this duty of care and his or her actions led to the accident.
- Establish that you were injured in the accident.
- Show how these injuries have caused you physical, mental, or financial damages.
Seeking Recovery in a No-fault Insurance State
Florida is a no-fault insurance state. The laws can be confusing for most people. That is why you should not hesitate to contact a Fort Lauderdale bike accident lawyer to help you recover compensation.
What Type of Compensation Should I Get in a Motorcycle Accident?
You might qualify for compensation to help with accident-related expenses, including:
- Medical bills including ambulance, hospitalization, and doctor visits
- Motorcycle repair or replacement
- Reimbursement for alternative transportation
- Ongoing treatment
- Lost pay
- Temporary or permanent loss of earning ability
- Also if you recognize the Sign of a defective tires
In addition to these economic losses, you might also have medical non-economic damages, such as:
- Mental Anguish
- Pain and Suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of Companionship or Consortium
Ways Uninsured Motorist Coverage Helps if Hit By Uninsured Driver in Fort Lauderdale
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) provides protection when you are injured after being hit by an uninsured driver or a hit and run driver. This may be a bigger problem than some think, as the Insurance Research Council (IRC) estimates a one in seven chance across the country that a driver is not insured. If you were the victim of a crash, contact our bike accident attorney Fort Lauderdale at the law offices of Wolf & Pravato.
Fort Lauderdale Uninsured Motorist Coverage Can Help: Bills and Earnings
No one can predict when he or she will be involved in an accident and what the outcome will be. Suddenly you could find yourself carrying a heavy financial load. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM coverage) may help individuals who are hit by an uninsured driver recover compensation to pay for damages.
A second way that uninsured motorist coverage can help is with your earnings. While you are unable to work you may be without income, which may be covered through your policy. To know more about your coverage call our motorcycle accident lawyer Fort Lauderdale.
Hit By Uninsured Driver: Disabled, Property Damage, and Emotional Trauma
This type of coverage may also help if you are declared permanently disabled and won’t be able to return to work. This can be especially devastating if you haven’t truly begun your career yet. Your potential earning capacity may be covered through your UM policy.
If you carry uninsured motorist property damage coverage, your property damage may be covered. Car repair or replacement can be costly, leaving some with a heavy financial burden. UM, coverage helps to lessen or remove that burden.
Finally, you may find that your coverage can cover emotional trauma as well. This may not come with a specific financial link, but emotional distress caused by the accident may impact earnings, medical bills, and general quality of life in some cases.
Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Protect Your Rights
Riding motorcycles requires more skill than driving a car, so it is important a motorcyclist receives proper training. Juries tend to hold a bias toward motorcyclists, unjustly claiming that they are more prone to high-risk behavior simply by riding a motorcycle. Motorcyclists need to follow the rules of the road explicitly in order to protect themselves in the event of an accident.
There are many factors that need to be examined in order to determine liability in a bike accident. The court will look at whether or not the people involved were obeying traffic rules, the conditions of the vehicles after the accident, past histories of reckless driving, witness testimony, physical evidence, and whether or not the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet.
Don’t Suffer Financial Hardship Because of a Negligent Driver in Fort Lauderdale
After a bike accident caused by the negligence of another, you may be able to receive damages. The law offices of Wolf & Pravato can guide you through the complicated legal process and help you deal with insurance companies.
You may be able to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, repairs, and more. The amount of recovery will depend on the nature of the crash, so it is imperative that you work with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale in order to gather the evidence you need.
Consult With a Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Fort Lauderdale, contact the motorcycle accident lawyer at the law offices of Wolf & Pravato – 1-954-633-8270. A motorcycle vehicle lawyer will review your uninsured motorist coverage as you file your claim if you are hit by an uninsured driver. For a serious car accident in Florida, you’ll want to protect your claim. Find out how on our website using our free eBook.
Read The FAQs Related to Motorcycle Accident
1. How much will it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
The costs to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale vary widely. In many cases, accident victims work with a lawyer who works on a contingency basis. Contingency means you only pay attorney’s fees contingent on if they bring you compensation for your losses through a settlement or trial award. Other lawyers charge by the hour or have flat-rate fees.
2. Is It Worth Hiring A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale?
A motorcycle accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale may be able to:
- Investigate your accident quickly
- Speak with witnesses
- Work with accident-reconstruction specialists
- Take over communication with insurance agents
- Negotiate on your behalf for a strong settlement
You may feel more comfortable in your ability to secure fair compensation for your medical expenses and other losses if you work with a lawyer.
3. What happens when you get hit by a motorcycle in Fort Lauderdale?
If you get hit by a motorcycle in Fort Lauderdale, you may need to contact law enforcement to report the accident. After your accident, you may need to inform your insurance company. If you were hurt, you will need to seek medical attention for your injuries. A Personal Injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale may be able to help you navigate the legal challenges associated with getting compensation after a motorcycle accident.
4. What are the chances of dying in a bike accident in Fort Lauderdale?
Motorcyclists have a higher chance of experiencing a fatal accident than other drivers. In 2017, there were more than eight million motorcyclists across the country. Over 5,000 of these motorcyclists experienced a fatal bike accident. This means that around 60 motorcyclists out of every 100,000 were killed in the year 2017. This is a much higher number than drivers of other vehicles.
5. How much should motorcycle insurance cost in Fort Lauderdale?
The cost of motorcycle insurance in Fort Lauderdale varies based on the driver’s experience and the motorcycle make and model. However, in general, the price for insurance may be around $1,000 in Fort Lauderdale. This represents the yearly cost of insurance, and it is higher than the average cost for the state.
Motorcycle Accident Locations Served
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