How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?

A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you in multiple ways, including investigating the accident, identifying the negligent party, negotiating with the insurer, preparing your case for trial, and representing you in court to recover compensation for your losses.

A Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyerwill have experience handling these complicated cases and fight for your family to receive the compensation you need and deserve.

What Can a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Do to Help You?

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 9,542 motorcycle accidents statewide in 2023. Moreover, nearly every crash involving a motorcycle was an injury crash—which makes sense considering riders are more at risk due to a bike’s open nature.

However, if you sustain severe injuries in a motorcycle crash, you don’t have to fight your personal injury case alone. You can obtain legal representation from a motorcycle accident lawyer to take advantage of these benefits.

Independent Accident Investigation

A lawyer can investigate the accident to understand better what happened. They’ll use their findings to identify the negligent party and build a case for recovering compensation.

Evidence Collection

You must be able to prove negligence by the other party to recover compensation. Your lawyer will collect evidence to establish the at-fault party’s liability and support your claim, including the following items:

• Police reports
• Photographs
• Medical records
• Traffic camera footage
• Forensic test results
• Witness statements
• Expert opinions

Protecting Your Rights

You have rights that your attorney can safeguard. For example, the negligent party and their insurer will try to elicit a statement from you where you appear to accept blame for the accident. We will work to prevent that from happening.

Communicating With Insurance Providers

The insurance process can be complex, and it can become frustrating and time-consuming to deal with insurance representatives while trying to recover from injuries. Working alone, you might grow so discouraged that you accept an offer that insufficiently covers your losses. Your lawyer can talk to the adjuster on your behalf and weigh every offer, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Preparing Your Case for Trial

Your lawyer will prepare your case for trial and argue it before a judge and jury to recover the money you deserve. Most personal injury cases settle out of court, but many motorcycle accident lawyers are unafraid of litigation if that’s what it takes to maximize your compensation.

Working on Contingency

Everyone should have access to legal representation regardless of financial status. That’s why most personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning you don’t pay attorney fees unless your lawyer wins compensation.

What Types of Damages Can a Lawyer Help You Recover?

A lawyer can help you recover three types of damages (economic, noneconomic, and punitive) after a motorcycle accident if you suffered an injury or lost a loved one.

Economic Damages

Economic damages have a verifiable monetary value and include:

• Medical bills (e.g., emergency treatment, surgery, and hospitalization)
• Lost income, bonuses, raises, and other benefits
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Child care and transportation services
• Home modifications to help you adapt to your injuries
• Hiring a service to maintain your home and yard

Noneconomic Damages

Noneconomic damages are subjective in value and include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional and mental trauma
• Disfigurement
• Intellectual and physical disabilities
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Lost companionship

Punitive Damages

Your attorney might find during their investigation that the at-fault party’s actions were “intentional misconduct or gross negligence,” per Florida Statutes § 768.72. If so, you could receive punitive damages.

Wrongful Death Damages

Did you lose someone you love in a motorcycle accident? A wrongful death lawyer can help you get justice for your loved one and protect your future. They will fight for wrongful death damages to cover funeral expenses, medical bills, mental pain and suffering, and lost income.

Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me Meet the Statute of Limitations?

Yes, your motorcycle accident lawyer can help you meet the statute of limitations in your case. The statute of limitations is a deadline to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Florida Statutes § 95.11 states that you only have two years starting from the accident date to file a lawsuit.

However, specific circumstances could extend the deadline:

• The negligent party lies about the accident
• One of the victims was a minor when the accident occurred
• Your doctors discover an unknown injury caused by the accident
• You were incapacitated in the hospital for an extended period

Your attorney will work to meet the deadline in your case, so you don’t lose your right to file a lawsuit.

What Causes a Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle accidents happen for various reasons, and negligence is a leading cause. Here are some examples:

• A driver opens a car door without failing to notice an oncoming motorcyclist.
• A driver backs into a motorcycle without checking behind them.
• A driver switches lanes without looking in their blind spots.
• A speeding driver cannot stop in time for a bike ahead of them.
• A mechanic fails to seal the drain plug after changing your oil.

Motorcycle riders have the right to share the road, and you should hire an attorney who will stand up for your rights. We also strongly urge all motorcycle riders to wear protective gear to prevent injury or death if an accident occurs.

Learn More About How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Today

You have the right to obtain legal representation after a motorcycle accident to protect your rights and recover compensation for your injuries and financial losses. Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers has helped clients since 1995 and won multiple seven-figure settlements for accident victims.

Were you in a recent motorcycle accident and have questions about how a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you get the money you deserve? We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and advise you on the best course of action. Don’t wait to get justice. Please get in touch with us today.