Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
With many picturesque coastal roads and miles of winding rural roads, it’s no wonder Florida is a popular state for motorcycle riders. However, Florida is also one of the deadliest states for accidents. Motorcycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers on the road, yet other motorists treat them differently. If a motorcycle rider survives an accident, they are often left with severe to catastrophic injuries. If you or someone you love was injured in a Florida motorcycle accident, speak to the skilled Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers at Palmer| Lopez today.
Pursuing a motorcycle accident claim is challenging. You need a lawyer who understands the nuances of these types of claims and who knows all the applicable laws. Insurance companies know victims don’t have legal experience or negotiation skills. They will try to use your inexperience to their advantage by either placing all the blame on you or offering you an amount far less than your claim is worth. Don’t let yourself get taken advantage of by an insurance company—you need an attorney who has the skills and experience to protect your rights.
At Palmer | Lopez, we have years of experience handling Florida motorcycle accident claims. We will be there for you every step of the way and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries in a Tampa Motorcycle Accident
During a collision, motorcycle riders are sometimes thrown from their bike, land under their motorcycle, slide across the pavement, or even get run over. Injuries are wide-ranging depending on the circumstances. Some of the more common injuries we see in motorcycle collisions include:
- Severe road rash.
- Bone fractures,
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI),
- Strains, sprains, or contusions,
- Lacerations,
- Spinal cord damage,
- Third-degree burns,
- Crush injuries,
- Scars and disfigurement, or
- Amputations.
Many of these injuries can require significant treatment, resulting in high medical bills and extended leave from work. It can be thousands upon thousands of dollars for treatment. That is one reason why it’s crucial to have a skilled attorney on your side.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Collisions
Drivers are most likely to cause serious injury to motorcyclists when they engage in one of the following behaviors, which are all too common these days:
- Distracted driving;
- Aggressive driving;
- Impatient driving;
- Drunk driving; and
- Drowsy driving or falling asleep at the wheel.
Receiving Fair Compensation in a Florida Motorcycle Accident
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you could be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, future medical expenses, loss of earnings, and more.
While most states handle car insurance and motorcycle insurance laws the same, Florida law has significant differences you need to know. Florida law requires drivers to carry PIP or “Personal Injury Protection.” This coverage will compensate you for your medical bills, no matter who is at fault. However, the PIP laws don’t apply to motorcycles. Instead, an injured victim can only receive compensation if the accident caused the following:
- Permanent, severe disfigurement;
- Serious impairment of a body function; or
- Death.
If the other driver was uninsured, you could file an uninsured motorist (UM) claim with your insurance company, provided you have purchased coverage.
Unfortunately, Florida is the Most Dangerous State for Motorcyclists
Florida’s great all-year weather makes it one of the best states for motorcycle commuting and joy riding. There are just under 600,000 registered motorcycles in Florida, the second highest in the country, according to Statista. Despite so many motorcyclists, drivers are still rarely on the lookout for them, and often fall back on the excuse of “I didn’t see them,” or “They came out of nowhere,” when they hit a motorcyclist. In fact, a study found that Florida is the most dangerous state in which to ride a motorcycle, according to Orlando Weekly.
Motorcycle Crash Victims Face an Uphill Battle Because of Unfair Bias
Motorcyclists are often painted as reckless, dangerous to themselves and others, and overall unruly. However, this is generally far from the truth. Drivers, law enforcement, judges, the general public, and insurance companies are all quick to place blame on the motorcyclist, which is why you need an attorney who will fight for your rights and the compensation that you are owed.
Fighting For The Compensation That You Are Owed
Our attorneys help our clients collect the following forms of damages from the negligent party that caused the collision:
- Medical bills;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Property damage;
- Lost wages and earning capacity;
- Ongoing care;
- Damages for limitations on household or child raising tasks; and
- More.
Contact a Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
The injuries faced by motorcyclists are often gruesome, life-threatening, and life-changing. These injuries may not only impact your ability to earn a living in the future, but may also impact your ability to ride and do the things in life that you love. For economic justice, call Palmer | Lopez today at 813-967-8505 to set up a free consultation with our Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers.
