Stuart & Treasure Coast Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The beauty of owning a motorcycle in Florida is that the weather conditions are ideal for year-round riding. However, according to a 2017 Orlando Weekly article, Florida is the most dangerous state to ride a motorcycle in. In an attempt to increase safety, Floridas Department of Motor Vehicles does require all new motorcyclists to take a basic rider course before receiving their motorcycle only license or motorcycle endorsement on their drivers license. Unfortunately, many motorcycle crashes are caused by another driver on the road. If you have been injured during a motorcycle crash and someone else was responsible for causing the collision, they need to be held accountable. The Stuart & Treasure Coast motorcycle accident lawyers at Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather Injury Lawyers know how traumatic these events can be and want to help you seek justice for you through a personal injury claim.
Common Motorcycle Injuries
Motorcyclists face severe injuries in the event of a crash, simply because the motorcycle does not offer the same protection as an enclosed vehicle. When a collision occurs the motorcyclist can be ejected from their seat, be trapped under the motorcycle, or face direct impact with the other vehicles exterior. Injuries that are common include:
- Lower body crushing injuries;
- Broken bones;
- Lacerations, contusions, and abrasions;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Paralysis;
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs); and
- Death.
Florida Helmet Laws
Florida motorcyclists who are over 21 years of age are not required to wear a helmet but must carry an insurance policy of $10,000 for medical payments if they choose to ride without one. Motorcyclists who are under 21 years of age must wear a helmet regardless of their insurance. Helmets protect riders from serious head injuries and death. If you do not follow Floridas helmet laws and end up with head injuries after a crash, insurance companies will try to place some of the fault back on you.
Filing a Claim with Insurance
A knowledgeable attorney can help you collect all of the information you will need to file a personal injury claim with any applicable insurance companies. In addition to the at-fault drivers insurance, your own policy may help pay medical expenses. Furthermore, if the car is a rental or an Uber or Lyft car, or used for business, there may be additional policies that need to be explored. Police reports, witness statements, medical records, and other documentation will be compiled to help show the full extent of the damages. You can seek financial compensation for damages such as:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Disfigurement;
- Pain and suffering;
- Property Damage; and
- More.
Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather Injury Lawyers Handles Motorcycle Accident Cases along the Treasure Coast
If you have been involved in a crash while riding your motorcycle in Stuart or along the Treasure coast in Florida, it is important you begin a personal injury claim. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather Injury Lawyers have represented clients in many motorcycle injury claims in the past and have the experience needed to guide you to the best compensation possible.
Contact us at (561) 500-HELPfor a free consultation where we can discuss your case further.
