If the negligence of another person caused you to suffer serious injuries in a motorcycle accident, you may have the legal right to financial compensation.
Faced with a growing pile of medical bills and no way to pay, you need the assistance of a compassionate legal advocate. The Law Firm of Anidjar & Levine can provide that assistance, protecting your legal rights and helping you get the medical treatment you need. We can investigate your case and submit your claim and pursue a fair settlement for your injuries.
Contact us today at 800-747-3733 for help from a motorcycle accident lawyer in Punta Gorda.
How Common Are Motorcycle Crashes in Punta Gorda?
Florida weather makes riding a motorcycle very popular in our state. Consequently, bike-related crashes are more common.
Data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV) shows that motorcycle crashes exceeded 10,000 in 2015. More than 500 of these wrecks resulted in the death of the motorcyclist involved.
HSMV reports that most motorcycle crashes occur for one or more of these reasons:
- Tailgating;
- Aggressive driving;
- Speeding;
- Distracted driving;
- Illegal lane changes;
- Illegal turns;
- Failure to yield; and
- Failure to see motorcyclists.
Poor road conditions, road construction, and related hazards also contribute to many motorcycle crashes in Punta Gorda. Any of the following hazards can cause a motorcycle wreck:
- Poorly marked roadways;
- Roadway construction;
- Debris in the roadway;
- Poor road maintenance;
- Poorly designed traffic control; and
- Temporary signage.
What Injuries Are Common After a Motorcycle Crash?
The nature of motorcycle design provides little protection for the rider in the event of a crash. Consequently, accident victims often sustain permanent disability or life-threatening injuries, including:
- Burns;
- Contusions;
- Fractures;
- Sprains and strains;
- Dislocations;
- Head injuries;
- Nerve injuries;
- Spinal injuries;
- Neck injuries;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Loss of digits or limbs;
- Internal injuries;
- Crushing injuries; and
Wearing a helmet is the most effective way to protect yourself while riding a motorcycle. However, Florida law allows riders and passengers over 21 to forego a helmet.
If you prefer to ride without a helmet, you must carry $10,000 of insurance for medical expenses. However, if you sustain even a minor injury, your medical pay policy will likely not cover the expenses you incur.
How Can I Determine Fault for My Motorcycle Accident?
Often, the accidents that injure motorcycle riders most seriously occur because of someone else’s negligence. If your injuries occurred because some failed to use a reasonable level of care while driving or failed to maintain the road in a safe manner, they may have liability for your damages.
We can get to the bottom of how your crash occurred to establish fault for your accident. Through extensive investigation, talking to witnesses, and recreating the accident scene, we will legally demonstrate the cause of the crash.
If we determine that someone’s negligence led to your accident and injuries, you will likely have legal grounds for filing a claim and seeking fair financial compensation.
What Is the Value of My Claim?
The basis for your claim’s value is the nature and extent of the injuries and damages you suffered. We cannot provide you with an exact number until we examine the details of your case.
We will begin by totaling your medical bills to date along with your lost income. Next, we will talk to doctors and medical experts to determine your prognosis and long-term care costs. Your claim will also include estimates for your anticipated lost wages and loss of earning potential. You may also be eligible for compensation for pain and suffering and your lost ability to enjoy life.
If you sustained any long-term injuries or permanent physical damage—such as the loss of a limb or paralysis—we will determine the appropriate amount of compensation and add that to your total claim.
How Do I File My Claim?
After establishing the legal basis and dollar amount of your claim and gathering the necessary evidence and documentation to support it, we will submit the claim to the responsible party.
In most cases, this will be the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. In some cases, however, multiple parties may have fault for your accident. For example, if your motorcycle crash involved a commercial truck, the driver may carry some portion of the fault and the trucking company may carry the rest.
After your claim goes to the insurance company, you can expect to hear from their corporate attorneys. We will handle all the negotiations, protect your legal rights, and prevent the insurance company from pressuring you into settling for less than your claim is worth. In the event that the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement for your damages, we can prepare to present your case in court.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
Having one of our attorneys at your side provides several key advantages. We understand the complexities of building a strong case and pursuing a settlement from the insurance company. We will protect your legal rights and hold the at-fault party accountable for your injuries and damage.
More importantly, we will advocate for you during this challenging time, helping you get the medical treatment you need so you can focus on healing. A settlement may not make up for what happened to you, but it will give you peace of mind that your bills will get paid.
How Can I Find a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Punta Gorda?
Start by looking for a lawyer who:
- Will fight for you and your legal right to compensation;
- Will answer your questions and help you understand your options; and
- Understands the complex process of pursuing an injury accident settlement on your behalf.
The attorneys with the Law Firm of Anidjar & Levine fit that bill. Our legal team stands ready to fight for you by protecting your rights and obtaining the best possible outcome for your case. We provide a free consultation and case review so that you can make an informed choice for your future. Contact us today at 800-747-3733 to schedule an appointment with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Punta Gorda.
We Can Help.
