When a motorcycle accident injury case becomes complicated, it’s important to rely on experienced legal counsel. A motorcycle accident lawyer can be invaluable in navigating complex cases, from identifying the at-fault party in multi-vehicle accidents to building a case based on negligence. Their expertise could make the difference between receiving fair compensation for your injuries or walking away empty-handed.
The best part of working with seasoned legal counsel is that they assist you with every aspect of your case. The role of a Florida motorcycle accident lawyer starts well before filing a lawsuit and continues until your case is resolved.
A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Investigate Your Accident
In complex motorcycle accident claims, a thorough investigation is crucial. Before negotiating a settlement or taking legal action, your lawyer will need to understand how the accident happened.
Investigating a motorcycle accident can be tricky, especially when multiple vehicles are involved, the injuries are severe, or insurance coverage is unclear. Early in the investigation, your lawyer will discuss the crash with you and obtain crash reports from law enforcement or the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
Your Lawyer Will Investigate Your Case and Calculate Your Damages
There are two main objectives during the investigation phase. First, your attorney will work to identify the cause of the accident and who is at fault. In complex cases, multiple parties may share fault.
The second goal is determining the value of your case. While calculating the worth of a personal injury case is challenging in straightforward situations, it becomes even more difficult in complex cases with severe injuries and multiple responsible parties.
How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Define Negligence and Financial Liability
Complex liability cases often involve shared responsibility. Florida’s comparative negligence laws mean the court will assign a percentage of fault to each involved party. If the court determines that you are 50% or more at fault, you won’t be able to recover any compensation.
A Fort Myers motorcycle accident attorney will investigate the causes and contributing factors of your case in detail. In more complex cases, they may consult relevant experts, including:
- Accident reconstruction experts
- Motorcycle mechanics and manufacturers
- Economists and financial planners
- Medical experts and specialists
Your lawyer will gather expert testimony and statements to build a comprehensive case against the responsible parties, while you focus on your recovery.
Financial Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Handling complex liability cases includes determining the compensation you may be entitled to. This can be difficult to assess on your own, especially if you or a loved one is recovering from common injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal injuries or bleeding
- Neck injuries
- Nerve damage
- Bone fractures
- Road rash
A Florida motorcycle accident lawyer can help secure compensatory damages for:
- Ongoing medical costs (including emergency care and rehabilitation)
- Loss of income
- Repair or replacement of your motorcycle or property
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Compensation for disabling or disfiguring injuries
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death compensation (if a loved one was fatally injured)
You don’t have to face this process alone. Your lawyer will help you navigate state laws and file your injury or wrongful death lawsuit within the applicable deadlines.
Your Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Negotiate a Settlement
For most people, the goal in a motorcycle accident case is to reach a settlement without going to trial. While settlements are often possible, complicated circumstances such as insurance coverage disputes or severe injuries can make it difficult. Having an attorney to negotiate with insurance companies can significantly improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement.
In motorcycle injury cases, insurance companies may offer lowball settlements or refuse to act in good faith, knowing that the claimant doesn’t have an attorney. An experienced lawyer can push the insurance companies to negotiate fairly, and their involvement may encourage a better settlement offer.
How Complex Liability Affects Financial Recovery After a Motorcycle Accident
If the at-fault driver’s insurance provider needs proof of negligence before considering your compensation request, it can complicate matters. Recovery may be challenging if the at-fault driver argues you were:
- Lane splitting (driving between two lanes)
- Disregarding traffic signals or driving recklessly
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving
If you were driving responsibly, an attorney can help you prove it. A detailed investigation into liability can prevent you from losing out on compensation you deserve.
Resolving a Motorcycle Accident Claim: Settlement vs. Trial
Anything you say or post on social media about the accident could be used against you. Avoid making statements or contacting the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Let your attorney handle all communication.
Your lawyer will gather evidence to negotiate a fair settlement, helping you avoid a lengthy trial or a smaller settlement.
A Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorney Could Litigate Your Case
In complex cases, filing a lawsuit and pursuing litigation may be necessary. Legal action doesn’t always lead to a prolonged trial or jury involvement. Often, filing a lawsuit can pressure the other side to offer a reasonable settlement.
Litigating a motorcycle injury case involves more than just filing a lawsuit. It may also include considerations like the statute of limitations. According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. An attorney can help navigate the state’s changing negligence laws.
While most motorcycle injury cases settle without going to trial, it’s important to approach your case as though a trial is inevitable. Aggressively preparing your case for trial may encourage the insurance company to offer a fair settlement.
Learn More About the Role of Lawyers in Motorcycle Accident Cases
If you need legal representation for a motorcycle accident, don’t delay. Every day you wait makes it harder to secure the compensation you deserve.
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, our team is ready to provide the legal assistance you need. Don’t just take our word for it—our client testimonials highlight our successful approach. Contact us today or call (954) 633-8270 for a free consultation.
