Motorcycles are an economical and practical mode of daily transportation for many Floridians and a great way of relaxing on the weekends for many others. But riding a motorcycle is dangerous, and severe injuries often result when bikers get into accidents.
A Pace motorcycle accident lawyer could help riders recoup their expenses and obtain compensation for their losses if they are injured in a crash. The no-fault rules are different when a motorcycle is involved, so it is beneficial to have the representation of a skilled injury attorney.
Florida is a no-fault state for most vehicle accidents, meaning the owner must show proof of personal injury protection when registering a vehicle. The PIP pays their medical expenses and a partial wage for injuries suffered in an accident, regardless of fault.
Even if a biker has PIP coverage through their car or truck ownership, it will not cover motorcycle accident injuries. All bikers must carry proof of financial responsibility to cover losses they might cause to someone else due to their fault in a crash. However, obtaining compensation when the biker suffers injuries due to someone else’s fault is more complicated.
Injured bikers can file claims with the at-fault motorist’s insurance, but they must show that the motorist’s negligence caused their injuries. Proving negligence typically requires the help of an experienced Pace motorcycle accident attorney.
Motorcycle wrecks often cause severe injuries that sometimes have a permanent impact. A serious collision could cause a biker to suffer:
A rider could seek compensation for all the losses they experienced due to the accident. Damages could include all their medical expenses, including:
The rider could claim their lost income, including diminished future earning capacity, if the injuries impact their ability to earn a living. The rider could seek compensation for damage to or loss of their motorcycle and other personal property.
Riders can also pursue payments for losses that have no price tag. An injured biker could seek compensation for non-economic damages, such as:
A compassionate Pace motorcyclist injury lawyer could help bikers and their families document the accident’s intangible impact.
When a motorcyclist seeks damages after an accident, the issue of comparative negligence often arises. Insurance companies for the at-fault driver or other party might assert that the biker’s conduct contributed to their injuries. The state’s comparative negligence law prevents someone injured in an accident from collecting damages if they are more than 50 percent at fault. If they were not primarily responsible for their injuries, they could collect reduced damages.
This law could significantly impact the damages a rider might claim. For example, Florida Statutes § 316.211 requires bikers to wear an approved helmet while operating their motorcycle but carves out an exception for riders over 21 who buy at least $10,000 in motorcycle injury coverage. If an adult rider suffered head or neck injuries in a crash and was not wearing a helmet, an insurance company for the at-fault driver might claim the rider is entitled to less compensation because they could have avoided the injuries by wearing a helmet.
A seasoned motorcycle collision attorney in Pace understands the arguments insurance companies make against motorcycle riders and knows how to counter them. A skilled legal professional could ensure an injured rider does not carry more than their fair share of responsibility for the crash.
Motorcycle accident injuries are often severe, and you may require an extended recovery period. A Pace motorcycle accident lawyer could investigate the accident and pursue damages against the responsible parties while you focus on regaining your health.
Do not try to manage the claims process without dedicated legal representation. Contact a qualified injury attorney today.