If you are facing the devastating aftermath of a motorcycle accident, it is important to talk to a motorcycle accident attorney. They can focus on fighting for you and securing a larger settlement while you focus on your health. With the help of a Palm Harbor personal injury lawyer from Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner, you do not have to go through this alone.
The motorcycle accident lawyers at Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner are ready to represent you when you have been injured because of another driver’s negligence. We provide compassionate support when you face serious losses, and we are committed to securing the results you need.
When you hire our motorcycle accident attorneys in Palm Harbor, you receive:
According to the most recent report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on motorcycle safety, 6,228 motorcyclists were killed in accidents across the country. An estimated 40% of motorcycle fatalities were due to alcohol impairment. Like many other types of crashes, the causes contributing to these accidents are often preventable and due to error, carelessness, or recklessness.
Some common causes of motorcycle accidents in Palm Harbor may include:
Motorcycle accidents tend to cause serious harm. Without the same exterior protection as a car, motorcyclists are more likely to sustain direct impact and absorb all the energy transferred during a collision. They may also suffer a second impact with the road.
The injuries that can result from these types of accidents may include:
After a Palm Harbor motorcycle accident, motorcyclists should seek medical care as soon as possible. Many of these types of injuries require swift treatment. Medical professionals can assess your condition, document the scope of your injuries, and ensure you get the care you need. Insurance adjusters will also need to review your medical records when processing your claim, so keep thorough documentation.
Understanding what to do and having a motorcycle accident guide can help you know what steps to take after a crash. Your safety is a top priority, so make sure you receive medical attention after a crash. You should also document the accident by filing a police report and taking photos. If witnesses were present, get their contact information for a statement.
Additionally, notify your insurance company about the accident and work with a Palm Harbor motorcycle accident attorney to prepare and submit your claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Motorcyclists are expected to follow Florida’s motorcycle laws to legally ride within the state. This includes adhering to gear and equipment rules. For example, riders under the age of 21 must always wear helmets, while it is optional for those over 21 with the right insurance.
Additionally, all riders must wear protective eyewear, have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license, meet all requirements for motorcycle specifications, and must not lane split at any time.
While motorists do not have to establish fault after an accident because of Florida’s no-fault insurance laws, motorcyclists do because they are not required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This means that they must demonstrate that an at-fault party owed them a duty of care, acted carelessly, and caused an accident as a result. A liable party is then responsible for paying for your damages. This process is required for resolving your claim.
Losses from a Pal Harbor motorcycle accident can be extensive and very costly. Not only do you have to think about your medical care, but you must also consider how to provide for your family and get other resources essential for your recovery. Since motorcycles are exempt from Florida’s no-fault laws, you may be able to pursue compensation for a wider range of losses from the at-fault party.
These losses may include:
It is important to talk with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Palm Harbor about your losses and financial needs, especially if you have sustained catastrophic injuries. Our team can not only outline all of your losses in a demand letter, but we can also talk to medical professionals to determine the value of any future care costs. We are committed to the success of your case and negotiate tirelessly for you.
Personal injury claims, such as motorcycle accidents, are subject to time limits that restrict when you can take action. In Florida, the statute of limitations (Florida Statutes 95.11(5)) is two years from the time of the accident. It’s important to start your claim as soon as possible so you can have peace of mind that you can recover your losses. Our motorcycle accident attorneys can discuss your options with you based on the deadline for taking action in your case.
The motorcycle accident attorneys at Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner can talk to you about your options after a motorcycle accident and make a strategic plan to move forward. We’ll answer your questions and provide clarity on your situation so you know what to expect during your case. To talk with our Palm Harbor motorcycle accident lawyers, contact us today at (727) 761-0340 to schedule a free consultation.