Motorcycles are an efficient mode of transportation and a great source of recreation in the Sunshine State. However, motorcyclists are also at a significant risk from negligent motorists while on the road.
If you have injuries from a recent motorcycle accident, you need a personal injury lawyer in Fort Myers to help you through the injury claim process. Motorcycle accidents are exceptionally destructive, and the injuries can last a lifetime. Blakeley Law Firm can help you file a claim for compensation to recover the extraordinary losses associated with motorcycle crashes.
We have recovered over $250 million for clients from all walks of life. Contact us today to speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Fort Myers.
Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents
The dangers of motorcycles on Florida roads are well known. Motorcycles lack the cabin protections and other safety features of passenger vehicles, so riders are at a significantly higher risk of injury if they crash.
The blunt force of being struck by a vehicle and the impact of striking the pavement can cause permanent or fatal injuries, including:
- Bruising and soft-tissue injuries
- Road rash and abrasions
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations
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Negligent Motorists are Responsible for Many Motorcycle Accidents
Negligent motorists are behind a significant number of motorcycle accidents. Because motorcycles are small, many motorists may not notice them in blind spots and can pull into their path when not paying attention.
Below are some common negligent motorist behaviors that can cause motorcycle accidents:
- Distracted driving
- Not signaling before changing lanes
- Aggressive driving and speeding
- Ignoring stop signs
- Tailgating and following too closely
- Driving intoxicated
Other possible causes of motorcycle accidents include large truck activity, bad weather, poor road conditions, and road hazards created by third parties. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Fort Myers will investigate your case to identify all liable parties who contributed to your injuries.
Do Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Laws Apply to Motorcycle Accidents?
Drivers in Florida are required to carry no-fault insurance that pays for injury losses, regardless of who caused the accident. No-fault insurance will pay for medical bills and lost work income, but it won’t cover pain and suffering damages.
However, motorcycles are not included under Florida’s no-fault laws. This means that motorcycle riders must rely on filing a traditional liability claim against the liable party. The upshot of this rule is that riders in Florida do not have to meet an injury severity threshold to sue for non-economic pain and suffering compensation.
Through a motorcycle accident claim, you can demand financial compensation for the following kinds of injury-related losses:
- The cost of emergency medical care and continuing medical care
- Lost work income and other types of employment compensation
- Reductions in your lifetime earning capacity due to disability
- Miscellaneous injury-related expenses
- Pain, suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress
- Loss of convenience from scarring and disfigurement
What if I Share Fault for My Motorcycle Injuries?
If you are partly to blame for a motorcycle accident, you don’t automatically lose your ability to sue. Comparative negligence laws in Florida still allow you to file a claim for damages as long as you are no more than 50% responsible for your injuries.
Any final award received will be reduced by your percentage of fault—e.g., if your award is $100,000 and you are 30% at fault, you will receive $70,000 after accounting for comparative negligence.
The structure of this system means you need to avoid judgments of partial fault to maximize your recovery. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Fort Myers can present evidence and your case to minimize your shared liability.
Call or text 800-602-5000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Time Limit to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Florida
Florida Statutes 95.11 gives you no more than two years to file a lawsuit for a motorcycle accident. After two years pass, you will forever lose your chance to seek financial compensation through legal means. This timer starts counting from the injury date or date of injury discovery.
Two years is not a significant amount of time, so you should start as early as possible. By contacting an attorney, you can promptly initiate your case and bring about a speedy resolution while avoiding payment complications.
Contact a Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Injuries from a motorcycle accident can change your life forever, but you are not alone, and there are options for relief. The team at Blakeley Law Firm collectively has over 40 years of legal experience and can be your advocate when you need it most. We can help you pick up the pieces after a motorcycle accident and move forward with healing and rebuilding.
Fill out our contact form to hear back from a Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyer. We are available 24/7 and don’t charge any fees for consultations, so don’t hesitate to reach out online or by phone.
