Belle Glade Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle riders are especially vulnerable to the impact of a collision compared to those traveling in cars. As such, a motorcyclist would be more likely to suffer serious and even life-threatening injuries when another driver’s negligence causes an accident.If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash, a personal injury attorney from our firm could help protect your rights and build a strong claim to obtain compensation for your losses. A Belle Glade motorcycle accident lawyer could assist you in holding the negligent party responsible for causing your injuries.

Local Motorcycle Laws

Florida Statutes §322.01 defines motorcycles as vehicles that have no more than three wheels. State motorcycle safety laws stipulate the following requirements for riders:

• Riders over 21 with valid medical insurance coverage of at least $10,000 are not required to wear a helmet
• All first-time licensees must take a rider education course
• Motorcyclists are required to wear eye protection
• Handlebars must not be higher than the shoulders of the seated rider
• The motorcycle must have turn signals, mirrors on both sides, and mufflers to reduce sounds to a maximum of 86 decibels
• Lane-splitting is forbidden
• Motorcyclists must carry the minimum liability insurance as required by state law
• It is mandatory to use headlights during the daytime

Common Injuries

Motorcycle crashes are likely to leave a rider with serious or even catastrophic injuries. Some injuries commonly associated with motorcycle collisions include:

• Severe head trauma
• Spinal cord damage
• Bone fractures
• Road rash
• Burns

It is important to visit and follow up with a medical professional after an accident to document any injuries sustained therein. Medical records are an important resource for Belle Glade motorcycle wreck attorneys during litigation against responsible parties.

Recoverable Damages for an Injured Motorcyclist

Depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding a motorcycle accident, a lawyer in Belle Glade could help an injured claimant recover many damages. For example, compensable losses in a civil claim include:

• Lost income from missed time at work
• Past and future medical costs
• Mental anguish or emotional trauma
• Pain and suffering

In rare circumstances, punitive damages could be awarded where the at-fault party was willfully or maliciously negligent. A judge typically only awards punitive damages to punish a defendant for particularly egregious misconduct and to discourage others from exhibiting similar behavior in the future.

Legal Deadlines

FL Stat §95-11(3)(a) imposes a time limit on an injured biker’s right to bring a lawsuit in civil court. Motorcycle accident victims have four years from the date of the crash to file a claim for damages. Those who file after the statutory deadline has already passed risk losing the right to pursue any compensation whatsoever.

Determining Liability

A motor vehicle operator who engages in aggressive, distracted, or drunk driving or who violates traffic laws could be held liable in the event of a motorcycle collision. Local courts must use comparative fault to determine liability in civil cases. This means that if the plaintiff is found to be partially responsible for causing their own injuries, they may still recover compensation, but their damages would be reduced in proportion to their share of blame.

A claimant who is found to be more responsible for the crash than the other party may also still recover some damages. A motorcycle collision lawyer in Belle Glade could help an injured biker demonstrate the opposing party’s negligence and protect their legal rights to compensation.

Call a Belle Glade Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

If another person caused your motorcycle crash, you may be able to hold them financially responsible for the losses and injuries you have suffered as a result. A Belle Glade motorcycle accident lawyer at Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa could evaluate your situation and advocate for your interests in and out of the courtroom. To schedule your initial consultation, call us today.