The legal complexities of an accident involving a motorcycle and a large vehicle start with determining liability. “Large vehicle” often means a truck, and whenever a truck collides with another vehicle, multiple parties may be liable for the accident victim’s damages. Then, once you know who is responsible for the accident, you might need to build a case against each liable party.
Injured riders are typically uncomfortable handling these legal complexities alone. A motorcycle accident attorney will be far more at ease dealing with these challenges—it’s one of the many ways they help their clients.
Complexity #1: Determining Who Is Liable for the Large Vehicle Accident
Determining motorcycle accident liability can be complicated, particularly when a large vehicle is involved in a crash. Your attorney will determine:
- Who caused the crash
- Whose insurance providers may be financially responsible for accident-related losses
- Who may be a defendant in any lawsuit related to the collision
Points two and three involve what we call “establishing liability.” Some of the parties that could be liable for a crash between a large vehicle and a motorcycle are:
- A truck driver: If the driver of the large vehicle (presumably a truck) caused your accident, they may be personally liable for some or all of your damages.
- trucking company: Trucking companies have many responsibilities that reduce the likelihood of an accident. For instance, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 396.3 demands that “every motor carrier” must “systematically inspect, repair, and maintain” its fleet. These companies must also closely monitor drivers’ behavior, health, and drug and alcohol use.
- Manufacturers: If any defects in a motorcycle or large vehicle led to the accident, one or more manufacturers may share liability for the crash.
- Municipalities: When hazardous road conditions lead a large vehicle to hit a rider, the government entity responsible for fixing those hazards may have to cover the cost of the victim’s damages.
Insurance companies will generally cover some or all of the cost of traffic accidents caused by their clients. Your motorcycle accident attorney will determine which insurance companies you can file a claim with.
It can be challenging to understand your legal rights after a motorcycle collision. A lawyer will inform you who you could sue, which strategy is most advisable for your case, and how your legal team will proceed with your claim.
Complexity #2: Overcoming Bad Faith from Liable Parties
Even after liable parties determine they are responsible, they might fight aggressively to reduce their financial liability. Your lawyer may have to deal with:
- Baseless allegations that you, the rider, are responsible for the accident.
- Attempts by liable parties to contact you directly rather than going through your attorney.
- Intentional undervaluation of your accident-related losses.
- Lowball settlement offers.
- Needless delays during the claims process.
Our motorcycle attorneys have often overcome these complexities on our way to settlements and judgments.
Complexity #3: Securing Fair Compensation From Each Liable Party
It’s one thing to know who is liable for your crash. It’s another to secure the compensation you deserve from those liable parties. Some of the specific complexities your lawyer may face include:
- Dealing with multiple insurance companies that owe you compensation.
- Handling logistics, such as coordinating settlement negotiations, court appearances, and other proceedings with multiple parties.
- Developing multiple insurance and legal strategies specific to each liable party.
Our firm has many resources, including experienced attorneys and paralegals who deftly handle all the responsibilities your case will require of us.
How a Lawyer Balances the Many Complexities of a Motorcycle Accident Case
You deserve to work with a firm equipped to handle all the complexities of your claim. Our team:
- Employs attorneys who confidently craft nuanced legal strategies specific to each case.
- Has paralegals and other support staff who help manage your case’s many responsibilities.
- Relies on experts when doing so will benefit cases like yours.
Our experience handling these challenges makes us unflappable in even the most complex circumstances. Thus, when you hire our team to represent you, it is irrelevant how complicated your case is. We will capably lead the process for you and be by your side until the job is complete.
A Lawyer’s Ultimate Goal: Securing Fair Compensation for Your Damages
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) documented 8,122 injuries from 9,443 motorcycle accidents statewide in 2024. As you can see, when a biker is involved in an accident, there is an overwhelming chance they will suffer injuries.
Some damages that most motorcycle accident victims can collect include the following:
- Medical costs, which can be astronomical due to riders’ high likelihood of suffering severe injuries during traffic accidents.
- Pain and suffering, an all-encompassing term referring to noneconomic damages such as physical pain, emotional anguish, psychological distress, disfigurement, and lost quality of life.
- Property expenses, including repair or replacement of your motorcycle, transportation expenses, and other costs associated with damaged property.
- Lost income and other professional harm caused by the parties who caused your accident.
Another tragic outcome that can complicate a large vehicle accident case is the loss of a motorcyclist to accident-related injuries. We have several wrongful death lawyers on staff. Because riders face such immense risk during accidents, these attorneys have helped many clients affected by fatal motorcycle accidents. If you need us, we are here to help.
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato Today for Your Free Consultation
The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato team has over two decades of service on our record. With more than 5,000 cases won and a 5-star Google rating, we combine excellent results with elite client service.
Look no further when you need a motorcycle accident lawyer. Contact the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today and complete your free, no-risk consultation.
