More than 7,000 motorcyclists were severely injured on Florida roadways in 2021, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) data. That number continues to increase with the number of intoxicated, distracted, and reckless drivers on the road.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Oakleaf Plantation, FL, we can help. An Oakleaf Plantation motorcycle accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine is ready to investigate your case, identify the liable party or parties, and file an insurance claim or civil lawsuit on your behalf. Our Oakleaf Plantation personal injury lawyers can hear your account of what happened during an initial free case consultation.
The Reality of What Motorcycle Accidents Can Do to You
Motorcyclists lack many protections that other drivers may take for granted, such as an airbag, seatbelts, a cabin, and roof. Additionally, a two-wheeled vehicle is much less stable, resulting in serious injuries even in slow-speed accidents.
Motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic, leading to costly medical treatment and pain and suffering. The body’s most vulnerable parts are most often affected, including the head, neck, and internal organs.
Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash
- Broken facial bones
- Broken arms or legs
- Fractures
- Burns
Whether superficial or disabling, your injuries can result in a hospital stay and months of rehabilitation. As you rack up medical expenses, you also take time away from work, leaving you wondering how you will pay your bills. When this happens, our attorneys will be there to fight to get the compensation you deserve.
How to Calculate Compensation in a Motorcycle Accident Case
Compensation is based on the losses you’ve sustained, and it’s important that you accurately account for future and past expenses to ensure that you can comfortably move forward. But calculating the value of a motorcycle accident claim isn’t a skill most people know.
Our motorcycle accident team will calculate it for you by assessing your economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses (prescriptions, emergency services, physical therapy, etc.)
- Lost income (missed time from work, reduced hours)
- Reduced earning capacity
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of activities
- Loss of consortium
However, insurance policy limits can be as low as $10,000, which may barely cover your emergency room bill. Our attorneys can help you recover the most for your claim by negotiating with insurers on your behalf.
What Happens If You Represent Yourself in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
Whenever you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s always a good idea to consult a personal injury lawyer about your options. Representing yourself means dealing with the insurance companies and trying to file all documents on time while going to doctor’s appointments and focusing on your recovery. Other items to be aware of include:
- Motorcycle accident lawsuits can be expensive. Winning your case can require access to resources like economic and vocational experts and other professionals, which can be expensive to secure on your own. Our firm has the resources to build a strong case on your behalf. And you will pay nothing upfront or out of pocket.
- You have limited time to file a lawsuit. Florida gives injury victims four years to file a personal injury lawsuit per Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), notwithstanding the time spent in the hospital, investigations, or unexpected events. While you recover, you need a team working on your behalf to get the ball rolling.
- The insurance company may act in bad faith. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, meaning your needs come second. They may be unresponsive, require unnecessary paperwork, or deny your valid claim outright. You need someone who knows the law to fight back for you.
While representing yourself is possible, it may not be the best option for your claim. We can review your claim during a free case evaluation and help you determine what happens next.
Timeline for an Oakleaf Plantation Motorcycle Accident Case
During tough times, the path forward is not always clear. Our attorneys can guide you through the next steps and be your advocate through the entire process. Here’s an overview of what your case might look like.
Free Case Evaluation
We will have a one-on-one phone call where you detail the events of your accident and any information you collected. We will also answer your questions, provide legal advice, and let you know how we can benefit your claim.
If we’re a match, we can begin working on your case.
Independent Investigation
With the details you provide, we will begin work right away investigating your accident. We will weed out evidence and build a case for compensation.
Demand Letter/Negotiations
We will calculate the value of your damages and detail them in a demand letter to the insurance company. This triggers negotiations where we will discuss what fair compensation would be. If we agree, we’ll settle and wrap up your case.
File a Lawsuit
If your case doesn’t settle, we can promptly file a civil lawsuit on your behalf. While most cases settle out of court, we are prepared to take your case to trial and stand by your side until a verdict is reached.
Protecting Your Right to Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, you have the right to be compensated fairly. Protect yourself and your financial future by doing these four things following your accident.
- See a doctor immediately. Do not refuse medical attention at the scene; if not offered, see a doctor immediately.
- Don’t speak to anyone about your accident (except your lawyer). Don’t give an official statement, post on social media, or express fault regarding the accident.
- Gather information from the scene. Get identifying information from everyone involved, including the driver and witnesses. Document footage of the accident, if possible.
- Contact our law firm. Let us help you get the most for your claim.
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Can Help With Your Case
When you’ve been injured, don’t leave it up to the insurance company to do the right thing. Be proactive – call the team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine. We want to see you win.
We Can Help.
