Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Jacksonville

If you or a family member has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Jacksonville, we understand the range of emotions you may be experiencing, from shock and fear to anger and frustration. 

Partner with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Jacksonville. From here, your attorney provides legal guidance and support as you deal with the aftermath of your motorcycle crash. 

Blakeley Law Firm has recovered over $200 million in compensation for our clients. Our experienced attorneys understand the challenges that motorcycle accident victims and their families face.

rust us to fight for your much-deserved compensation. To get started, meet with a Jacksonville personal injury lawyer from our team. 

Why Should You Choose Blakeley Law Firm?

At Blakeley Law Firm, we know how quickly a motorcycle crash can change your life. If you’ve suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident in Jacksonville or anywhere in Northeast Florida, you deserve a legal team that will safeguard your legal rights. Below are some of the reasons to choose us as your legal representation for your motorcycle collision case.

We Stand Up for Motorcyclists When Others Won’t

Motorcyclists often face an unfair bias after a crash, with insurance companies quick to assume you are at fault for your accident. The Jacksonville motorcycle accident lawyers at Blakeley Law Firm know that most riders are safe, responsible, and experienced. As such, we make sure your side of the story is heard. 

Our law firm provides you with insights into what to do after a motorcycle accident to boost your chances of getting the desired case results.

Plus, we work tirelessly to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct your accident. That way, we can build a strong, fact-based case and hold an at-fault driver or other liable parties accountable for their actions.

We Have Proven Experience with Serious Injury Claims

Motorcycle accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord injuries (SCIs). If you go through the legal process after a motorcycle accident alone, you risk mistakes that can hurt your chances of getting the money you need to cover your injury costs and stay afloat financially.  

We have decades of experience handling complex personal injury cases and advocating for clients who need long-term care, compensation for lost earning capacity, and support through a difficult recovery. Our legal team works with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to ensure your claim reflects the true value of your losses today and in the future.

We Offer Personalized Service from Start To Finish

At Blakeley Law Firm, you’re never just another case. We treat our clients with the respect and compassion they deserve. From your first phone call to the final resolution of your motorcycle crash case, you’ll work directly with your attorney and have a dedicated team ready to answer your questions, keep you informed, and support you every step of the way.

We Use Our Local Knowledge to Get Outstanding Case Results for Our Clients

Our legal team knows Jacksonville’s roads, traffic patterns, insurance adjusters, and courtrooms. We understand the local legal landscape, which gives us an advantage as we argue your case. Whether negotiating a settlement or going to trial, we’re prepared to help you and your family in any way we can.

There Are No Legal Fees Unless We Win

We represent motorcycle accident victims on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. It’s that simple. Our focus is on your recovery, not on billing hours.

Let a motorcycle accident attorney in Jacksonville from Blakeley Law Firm serve as your legal representation. Our personal injury firm has received many positive client reviews. We will do everything we can to ensure that you are compensated fairly for your motorcycle crash losses. Contact us for more information.  

Types of Motorcycle Accidents In Jacksonville

Jacksonville’s roads can be perilous for motorcyclists, leaving them vulnerable to accidents caused by careless drivers. Let’s explore some of the common types of motorcycle accidents reported in Jacksonville and its surrounding communities.

Left-Turn Accidents

A common scenario involves vehicles turning into the path of motorcyclists, often when a rider has the right of way. These motorcycle accidents can lead to paralysis and other catastrophic injuries due to the speed and impact involved.

Lane-Change and Sideswipe Collisions

Drivers sometimes fail to check their car’s blind spots before changing lanes or merging, resulting in collisions with motorcyclists. These collisions can cause riders to lose control of their vehicles and suffer severe injuries.

Rear-End Collisions

Motorcyclists are at a high risk of being rear-ended, especially at red lights and stop signs. Drivers who get distracted or fail to maintain a safe distance may not notice a motorcyclist in front of them, leading to accidents in which riders are badly injured.

Intersection Crashes

Failure to yield or distracted driving can result in intersection crashes involving motorcyclists. These accidents often occur when a driver fails to see a motorcyclist approaching and proceeds to make a turn, causing a collision.

Dooring Incidents

In urban areas like downtown Jacksonville or Riverside, dooring incidents are a concern for motorcyclists. These accidents happen when a driver opens their car door without checking for oncoming motorcycles, resulting in a collision.

Single-Vehicle Crashes

Hazardous road conditions, such as potholes or debris, can cause motorcyclists to crash. These accidents are particularly dangerous due to the lack of protective barriers on motorcycles.

Blakeley Law Firm team gives your motorcycle collision case our undivided attention. We will discuss Florida’s motorcycle laws with you and explain how they apply to your case. On top of that, we will work hard to secure compensatory damages for your motorcycle crash injuries. 

Motorcycle Accident Injuries That You Need to Know About

Your Jacksonville motorcycle accident lawyer wants you to take care of your injuries so you can recover fully. They will share information about the most common types of motorcycle accident injuries and other legal topics with you. Here are common injuries that riders report in motorcycle accidents in Jacksonville. 

TBIs

In Florida, some riders are not legally required to wear a helmet. Yet, not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle increases the risk of a head or brain injury if you are involved in an accident.

If you suffer a TBI in a motorcycle crash, the injury can impact you physically and cognitively and damage your quality of life. 

SCIs and Paralysis

In a motorcycle collision, you could suffer severe damage to your spinal cord, leading to paralysis or other lifelong disabilities. The consequences of these injuries can be devastating and require extensive medical care.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The force of impact from a motorcycle accident can cause a rider to suffer broken bones and fractures. These injuries often require surgery and long periods of rehabilitation. 

A Jacksonville personal injury attorney will encourage you to treat broken bones, fractures, and other injuries. Meanwhile, they can pursue compensation for your current and future medical care costs. 

Severe Road Rash and Disfigurement

Motorcyclists involved in accidents could suffer severe road rash, which can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement. Road rash injuries can require multiple surgeries and ongoing medical treatments.

Amputations

A motorcyclist can lose a limb due to an accident, and this can drastically change the way they live their life. Amputations can require comprehensive physical rehabilitation and cause emotional and psychological impacts.

Organ Damage

A lack of protective barriers can make it tough for a motorcyclist to avoid suffering organ damage. Internal organ injuries can be life-threatening and often require immediate medical intervention.

You wonder what to do if you are disabled after a motorcycle accident. Ultimately, it is in your best interests to have a Jacksonville motorcycle accident attorney on your side. Your lawyer provides aggressive legal representation. They will do everything within their power to help you get fair compensation for your injury costs and other accident losses. 

What Is a Motorcycle Accident Case in Jacksonville Worth?

Your motorcycle crash lawyer in Jacksonville wants you to obtain economic and non-economic damages. The value of your motorcycle accident injury case requires a thorough evaluation of various factors, including:

Medical Bills

The compensation you receive for your medical bills should cover the costs of past medical treatments as well as future care that may be required. It can include money for surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and rehabilitation services.

Loss of Income and Reduced Earning Capacity

If a motorcycle accident results in injuries that prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. Furthermore, if your injuries hamper your ability to earn income, you may be eligible for compensation for your future lost earnings.

Pain and Suffering

Following a motorcycle collision, you may endure physical, emotional, and psychological distress as a result of your injuries. Your personal injury lawyer in Jacksonville wants you to receive a fair settlement for your pain and suffering, as these can affect you for years after your motorcycle accident. 

Permanent Disability or Disfigurement

Sadly, your motorcycle accident leads to permanent disabilities or disfigurement. In this situation, you may be entitled to compensatory damages based on the long-term impact of these issues on your quality of life.

Motorcycle Repair or Replacement

Bring your motorcycle to a mechanic or repair shop if it has been damaged or you are concerned that it is totaled after an accident. Keep track of what you pay to repair or replace your motorcycle, since you may be eligible for compensation to cover these costs. 

Your motorcycle crash attorney in Jacksonville gives you information about special damages in a personal injury lawsuit. They calculate your quantifiable and subjective losses. Next, they build an argument designed to show a judge or jury that a liable party should have to compensate you for the harm that you have suffered. 

How an At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company Will Contest Your Motorcycle Accident Claim in Jacksonville

It is incredibly challenging to deal with an insurance company after a motorcycle accident. Thankfully, your Jacksonville motorcycle accident lawyer negotiates an insurance settlement on your behalf. They know the tactics that insurance companies use to minimize payouts and protect their interests. These tactics include:

Blaming the Motorcyclist

Insurance companies may try to shift blame onto the motorcyclist, suggesting rider error or bias against riders. Alternatively, they may attempt to downplay the liability of the other party involved in a motorcycle accident.

Helmet Usage

Generally, not wearing a helmet can affect your motorcycle accident case. A liable party’s insurance company can argue that the injuries you suffered in your motorcycle collision would have been less severe if you had worn a helmet. Even if you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of your crash, you should still get legal help from a Jacksonville motorcycle crash attorney.

Downplaying the Severity of Injuries

An at-fault party’s insurance company may attempt to minimize the extent of your injuries, arguing that they are not as severe as you say.

It’s common for insurance companies to claim that you were dealing with your injuries before your motorcycle accident or that they are unrelated to the incident. They may also disregard medical information and devalue your claim.

Delaying Processing of a Claim or Denying Coverage

Insurance companies may deliberately delay processing claims or deny coverage outright. They will do so in the hopes of pressuring injured motorcyclists into accepting lowball settlements before completing their full medical treatment.

Remember, you have the right to refuse an insurance company’s offer. Your motorcycle accident lawyer in Jacksonville will advise you to do so if they believe a proposal is worth far less than what you can get if you bring your case to trial. If warranted, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit and take your case in front of a judge or jury.  

When Should You File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Jacksonville?

Do not wait to hire a motorcycle collision attorney in Jacksonville. Florida’s personal injury statute of limitations is two years. Beyond this period, you are responsible for your motorcycle accident losses.

Unfortunately, how long it takes to receive an offer of compensation in a motorcycle collision case depends on the circumstances of your situation. If you connect with a personal injury lawyer right away after your motorcycle collision, you are well-equipped to get compensation for your losses soon. 

After your motorcycle crash lawsuit is filed, your lawyer crafts an argument that will resonate with the court. They will keep you updated about settlement negotiations and, if an offer is made, share the proposal with you. No matter what happens, your attorney remains accessible and will address your legal concerns promptly. 

Who Is Responsible for a Motorcycle Accident?

In many cases, a motorist is to blame for a motorcycle collision. There are times when someone other than a driver is at fault for an accident involving a motorcyclist.

Outside of a driver, parties that can be liable for your motorcycle crash include:

• Motorcycle manufacturer
• Mechanic
• Employer
• Government entity

Your Jacksonville motorcycle collision lawyer gathers accident scene photos and videos, witness statements, a police report, and other evidence. If your attorney has a wealth of evidence, they can prove that a liable party acted negligently. 

The Role of Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident Case

Negligence can make or break your motorcycle accident case. To prove negligence, your Jacksonville motorcycle collision attorney wants to show a judge or jury that a liable party violated their duty of care, which is a legal obligation to avoid careless or reckless acts. Because of this, you were involved in a motorcycle crash and have suffered injuries and damages. 

Florida has a modified comparative fault statute that applies to motorcycle collision cases. With this, you and another party can share fault for your motorcycle accident. If that happens, your percentage of fault determines if you are eligible for damages. 

The modified comparative fault statute allows you to receive damages if you are 1-50% liable for your motorcycle accident. For example, if the court finds you are 20% at fault for your motorcycle crash, you will get 80% of the damages you request. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages. 

What Are the Legal Requirements for Motorcyclists in Florida?

Speak with a personal injury lawyer if you are worried that you were riding your motorcycle illegally and were involved in an accident caused by someone else.

Your attorney will evaluate your case and discuss your legal options with you. They will teach you about the legal requirements for Florida riders, which include:

Having a Valid License

Florida requires anyone who rides a motorcycle to carry a license. You can have a motorcycle endorsement added to your driver’s license. Alternatively, you can request a motorcycle-only license. 

To obtain a motorcycle endorsement or license, you must: 

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Pass vision and written knowledge tests. 
• Complete a state-approved motorcycle safety course. 

For those under 18, you must have a learner’s permit for one year with no traffic convictions before you can get a motorcycle endorsement or license. 

Operating Your Motorcycle in Accordance with the Law

You are not legally obligated to wear a helmet on a motorcycle as long as you are over 21 and carry insurance coverage that provides at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred in a crash while operating or riding. Those under 21 must wear a helmet on a motorcycle at all times. 

Eye protection is required if you ride a motorcycle, and you can’t wear a headset while riding. Along with these mandates, your motorcycle must have brakes on the front and back wheels.

It needs to have a horn, and its exhaust system can’t be louder than the one initially installed on it. Also, your motorcycle’s handlebars can’t be higher than your shoulders when you ride.

Complying with Passenger Laws

You can let someone ride on your motorcycle with you. If you allow a passenger to travel with you on your motorcycle, there must be a permanent and regular seat for them to use. Footrests are required for motorcycle passengers as well. 

Proving Financial Responsibility in Case of an Accident

Those who ride or register a motorcycle in Florida may not be required to buy insurance. Comparatively, you must be able to demonstrate financial responsibility if you are involved in a motorcycle crash and are liable for the incident. You can do this by purchasing liability insurance or obtaining a surety bond or certificate of self-insurance. 

Florida is a no-fault state for car insurance, but this does not apply to motorcycles. If you are involved in a motorcycle collision and a motorist is to blame, you can receive compensation for your losses from the driver’s insurance company. 

The legal requirements for motorcyclists can be complex and strictly enforced. Thus, it is beneficial to consult with a Jacksonville motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after your crash.

Prompt action allows your attorney to preserve evidence, negotiate with a liable party’s insurer, and file a claim within the required time limit.

Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Jacksonville Handle Your Legal Matters with Care

When you’re confused about what to do after your motorcycle crash, don’t panic. Instead, talk with motorcycle accident attorneys in Jacksonville. This gives you an opportunity to examine what you can do to recover compensatory damages from anyone who caused you to get hurt. 

Blakeley Law Firm is Florida’s most well–known personal injury lawyer. Our team proudly represents motorcycle accident victims and their families. We know what a motorcycle crash case entails. 

Our personal injury attorneys prioritize your case so you can focus on your accident recovery. To learn more, schedule a case consultation with us.