Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A ride down A1A or Las Olas Boulevard shouldn’t leave you with catastrophic injuries. Unfortunately, this reality is all too common for motorcycle riders. A negligent driver can cause a serious or fatal accident in a second. You should not be left paying bills for injuries someone else caused.

The Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers team will use our decades of experience to fight for the compensation you deserve. And ours is the experience you want; our team has recovered many multi-million dollar settlements for clients.

Our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorneys are dedicated to you. We can help over the phone or even visit you in the hospital. We take the time to get to know you. You aren’t just a case; you are part of the Chalik family. And our personal injury lawyers in Fort Lauderdale fight tooth and nail for family. Get help today with no up front costs. You only pay if you recover compensation. Call today for a free consultation.

How a Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Injury Lawyer Can Help

The Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can explore how much your civil claim could be worth. If you suffered a catastrophic injury or a loved one’s wrongful death in a motorcycle accident, a civil suit could be well worth the time and expense. This is especially true when you can offload the time and expenses to your motorcycle accident lawyer.

Don’t let someone else’s negligent act go without legal consequences. Our team of motorcycle crash experts can help you receive fair compensation under Florida law. Motorcycling should be as safe as driving, and when we hold negligent parties accountable, our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorneys can work to achieve that goal.

How to Pursue Financial Compensation After a Motorcycle Crash

Pursuing financial compensation after a motorcycle accident begins with determining the fault for the crash. Our team can help determine who is liable for your accident. Liable parties could include:

• A motor vehicle driver
• Another motorcycle rider
• The other driver’s employer
• A government entity (e.g., if dangerous roads caused your injury)

Once we have identified all the liable parties, we will establish the following and file a claim with their insurance company(s):

• The other party owed you a duty of care (e.g., to drive safely and keep you from harm).
• The other party behaved negligently and breached that duty (e.g., speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, failing to check their blind spot before changing lanes, failing to check for oncoming traffic before making a left turn).
• Their negligence caused your accident and injuries (e.g., they sideswiped you while changing lanes).
• You suffered damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Provide Client-Focused Legal Care

Here are just a few client testimonials from people we have helped to go after compensation for their injuries:

• “I really can’t say enough great things about this Firm. Honest, ethical, and great communicators. Dell, made me feel like family and answered all my questions numerous times. The experience that Jason and his team have is quite obvious. They kept me comprised about my case at all times. Very happy client!!”Charles P.
• “I had the best experience with Chalik & Chalik! Accidents are stressful enough so when you need an attorney to help you it’s great to have a team that helps make the whole process as stress-free as possible. Jason and his team handled everything and kept me in the loop at all times. They fought hard for me and I am very happy with the results! Everyone in the office is friendly and helpful- Dell the paralegal on my case was amazing! She always kept in touch and answered any questions I had. Suzie the receptionist was always so cheerful and friendly every time I called! Jason and Debbie are highly competent and hardworking attorneys who I highly recommend!”Jennifer A.
• “Working with Debi was a great and stress-free experience. She is extremely caring. Her staff is amazing and very responsive. Truly grateful to have worked with Debi. I highly recommend Chalik and Chalik to anyone needing an attorney who will fight for you best they can.”Jennifer B.
• “I had a great consultation with a women name Rosa Leton. I had a few questions and a lack of understanding of how to handle my mom’s situation. I have never called a firm before, and she made me feel at ease and answered all my questions. Thank you again for your help.”Tina R.

Mistakes that Could Hurt Your Motorcycle Accident Injury Case

Make sure you protect your right to compensation by avoiding the following mistakes after a motorcycle accident:

• Failing to seek medical attention: If you do not go to the emergency room after a Fort Lauderdale motorcycle wreck or at least see your doctor, the insurance companies will be able to cast doubt on just how severe your injuries are. It is crucial that you follow all instructions from your doctor to show that you are committed to healing and not just looking for a handout.
• Not documenting the accident: Memories fade, and scars heal. It is important that you write down everything you remember about your accident as soon as it happens to ensure your account of the wreck is on paper, and there are no discrepancies in your testimony later. Your lawyer can also help you document the accident with pictures and expert investigation. Be sure you also report the accident if the police did not come to the scene.
• Giving a recorded statement: After an accident, the other party’s insurance adjuster will likely call you to discuss what happened. It may seem like they want to know your side of the story, but that’s not the case. They want to ask you leading questions, so you’ll say something they can use against you. If an adjuster calls, simply tell them the basics of the accident (e.g., when and where, the type of accident) and then direct any further questions to your attorney.
• Signing anything from the insurance companies: Insurance adjusters talk a big game, often telling you they are on your side or looking out for your best interest. Do not believe them. As soon as you turn your back, they will lie and cheat to save as much money as possible. Never sign anything from the insurance companies, and politely direct all inquiries to your attorney.

Types of Recoverable Damages in Motorcycle Accidents

When you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident by a negligent driver, you have the legal right to collect damages. In these cases, you could recover:

• Medical bills
• Ongoing care
• Lost income
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life

If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, your family shouldn’t have to suffer in their absence. Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, FL, can seek financial recovery for:

• Your loved one’s medical expenses
• Your loved one’s funeral and burial expenses
• Your loved one’s lost income
• Loss of support and services
• Pain and suffering

Other damages may apply. Our legal team can determine what damages you can recover, as well as who in your family can file a lawsuit.

Common Motorcycle Accident Causes in Florida

Driver error is one of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes.

• Passenger vehicle drivers might not look carefully enough for motorcycles before changing lanes or pulling out into traffic-especially when making left-hand turns.
• In other cases, drivers may be texting and driving or otherwise distracted at the time of the crash.
• Drivers who speed, drink and drive, or ignore the rules of the road can easily cause deadly motorcycle accidents.

In these cases, injured motorcyclists may have the right to pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

Some motorcycle accidents stem not from driver error but from bike part failure or dangerous roadways.

• If a component of the motorcycle failed and caused the accident, the product manufacturer may be liable for damages.
• In the event of a dangerous obstacle on the road, such as a pothole or fallen tree, the entity responsible for roadway maintenance – the city of Fort Lauderdale – may have to pay for victims’ losses.

You may need help from a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney to assign fault and pursue compensation in Broward County.

Types of Motorcycle Accident Claims We Can Help You With

Florida is a no-fault state, which means that injured parties first turn to their own insurance after an accident. However, these laws don’t apply to motorcycles. Instead, injured motorcycle riders would file a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company to recover compensation.

Product Liability Claim

If a motorcycle manufacturer released a defective vehicle or a parts manufacturer sold defective parts, these situations could lead to accidents and subsequent product liability claims against the manufacturer. Once a manufacturer becomes aware of a product defect, they must take adequate steps to recall affected products and offer replacements to customers.

In some cases, the manufacturer may simply stop production of the affected product until a fix is available. However, if the defects cause harm to customers, those customers can file product liability claims against the manufacturer to recoup their losses.

Unlike a personal injury case, a plaintiff in a product liability lawsuit does not necessarily have to prove the manufacturer was negligent. The plaintiff must simply prove that the product in question was defective and the defect caused the plaintiff’s damages. Products can be defective in three possible ways:

• Defective design: There is an inherent flaw with the design of the product, making it unsafe.
• Defective production: There was a flaw during the manufacturing process, which may only affect certain items or lots of items.
• Defective marketing: The manufacturer did not accurately represent the product in marketing materials or did not include adequate instructions for use or safety warnings.

Claims Against Negligent Drivers

Succeeding in a personal injury claim hinges on the plaintiff’s ability to prove the defendant was at fault for the accident.

Claims Against the Government

Some motorcycle accident claims may result from poorly maintained roads or roadway hazards. In these situations, injured motorcyclists may need to file a lawsuit against the government agency responsible for maintaining the location where the accident took place.

Avoiding Side-Impact/Broadside Motorcycle Collisions

Side-impact collisions are some of the deadliest types of motorcycle accidents. They are, unfortunately, also some of the most common. When motorists don’t watch for motorcycles before entering intersections or making left-hand turns, they can cause broadside collisions.

The vulnerability of motorcyclists in broadside accidents makes it important to understand how and why these collisions happen. The more you know about side-impact accidents, the better your chances of avoiding them become.

What Is a Side-Impact Accident?

A side-impact accident or a broadside or T-bone accident is one in which a vehicle strikes a motorcycle from the side – hitting the motorcycle’s broadside. It can also describe when a vehicle drives out in front of an oncoming motorcycle at a perpendicular angle.

Intersections are the most common settings for side-impact motorcycle accidents. They are also common at places where vehicles need to pull out of side streets, driveways, or parking lots, and drivers fail to check for or see oncoming motorcycles.

Common Causes of Broadside Collisions

Like all accident types, side-impact collisions have common causes and reasons they occur. Understanding these reasons is the first step in avoiding these types of accidents in the future.

Learning the most common causes can also help you understand who might be liable for your recent motorcycle accident. While many different acts of driver negligence can cause T-bone accidents, the most common are:

• Failing to yield the right of way when making a turn
• Running a red light or stop sign at an intersection
• Distracted driving/texting and driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol
• Making unsafe lane changes or merges
• Lack of visibility
• Bad weather

All broadside motorcycle accidents are preventable. If drivers pay proper attention to the road, yield at stop intersections, look both ways for oncoming motorcycles, follow the speed limit, and obey other roadway rules, they can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Motorcyclists should also be wary of side-impact accident risks, drive through intersections with care, and always watch for vehicles waiting to pull out or make left-hand turns.

Injuries Related to Side-Impact Accidents

Broadside accidents can be deadly for motorcyclists. The crash can eject the motorcyclist off the bike, resulting in injuries at the time of impact and when the motorcyclist’s body strikes the ground or vehicle. The motorcyclist could possibly fall beneath the oncoming vehicle and suffer crush injuries. Almost any type of injury is possible in something as serious as a side-impact motorcycle wreck. Some injuries a victim might experience include:

• Lacerations from broken glass, debris, or metal can require stitches and permanently scar motorcycle accident survivors.
• Road rash: This common motorcyclist injury occurs when the rider hits the road and slides before coming to a stop. The asphalt can tear and burn the skin, causing permanent scarring and disfigurement.
• Bone fractures: Breaks can occur when an external force exerts too much pressure on the bones. For example, if the motorcycle pins the rider’s leg beneath it, the pressure could fracture one or more bones. Broken bones are painful and temporarily disabling.
• Head and brain injuries: Motorcyclists over the age of 21 with proper insurance do not legally have to wear helmets in Florida. This greatly increases the risk of serious or fatal head and brain injuries in broadside accidents.
• Spinal cord injuries: If a side-impact crash fractures or damages the spinal cord, the rider could suffer permanent or partial paralysis below the area of impact.

Do your best to avoid serious injuries and accidents through safe, defensive motorcycling. Never assume the driver of a vehicle sees you, is going to stop at an intersection, or will yield the right of way. Instead, assume the opposite and continue with care. If you do end up being the victim of a side-impact motorcycle accident, contact a personal injury lawyer from our firm right away.

Helmet Laws in Florida

According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), you must be at least 21 years old and have at least $10,000 worth of medical coverage to be able to ride or operate a bike without a helmet.

Motorcycle owners should be aware that the $10,000 doesn’t cover any pain and suffering; it only covers medical bills, which is just a fraction of the total bill. Riders 21 and under are required to wear a helmet at all times.

Wearing a helmet can save your life, and our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorneys always strongly encourage riders to wear a helmet even if they are over the age of 21.

Florida’s Comparative Negligence Laws

Florida follows a modified comparative law, which holds that injured parties can recover compensation even if they contributed to the accident. However, if they were more than 50% responsible, they are unable to recover compensation from another party.

The Deadline for Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Cases in Florida

The statute of limitations in Fort Lauderdale for a personal injury lawsuit, which you may file after being injured in a Fort Lauderdale motorcycle wreck, is two years, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a). If you are filing a wrongful death suit, the limit is two years from the time of passing, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d). It is important that you are timely, or you could end up not being able to seek compensation at all.

You will want to begin your case well before the deadline. It takes time to perform an investigation into factors like who caused the accident through negligence. After the filing deadline expires, the insurance company may stop negotiating since the court can dismiss your lawsuit.

Motorcycle Riding and Safety Tips

The following safety tips can help you prevent a motorcycle accident or injury:

Drive Defensively

Motorcycle riders should obey all traffic laws on the road and drive defensively around other cars. Many wrecks are caused by drivers who do not see motorcyclists, so anticipating their mistakes may help you avoid a costly crash.

Never Drink and Ride

Having even a single drink before getting on a motorcycle slows your reactions and makes you unstable, posing a substantial risk to yourself, your passengers, and others around you on the road.

Always Wear a Helmet and Protective Clothing

A helmet can significantly reduce your chances of dangerous and life-threatening head injuries, while protective clothing (such as goggles and a heavy jacket) can prevent eye injuries, cuts, and road burns.

We Can Help If You Were Injured at Bike Week or Another Event

We wait all year to let loose at Bike Week, Summer Bike Fest, and other rallies. Unfortunately, biker rallies and other events across the state bring their fair share of accidents. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bike accident, our team can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Depending on who caused or contributed to the accident, we might end up holding another biker, a bar or club, or a driver liable.

Our team will investigate your accident to identify all responsible parties and hold them liable.

Get Legal Help with Your Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim

At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we treat our clients like family. We take pride in providing honest, personal representation. Our attorneys and staff members are relatable and will treat you with respect. You will get to work directly with one of the partners of the law firm on your case.

We are happy to offer a free initial consultation. We do not think that you should have to pay to find out if we can help you. If we take your injury claim, you will not have to pay us any upfront legal fees. Instead, we will receive a percentage of the insurance settlement or court award at the end of the matter. We have a “no win unless you win” guarantee. Contact us today.