If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle wreck, a Lakeland motorcycle accident lawyer could help you recover damages. Our legal team has a track record of success and offers sound legal advice tailored to your needs.
Led by Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer Dave Dismuke, our Lakeland motorcycle accident attorneys have the proven skills to protect your interests. Our team is committed to helping motorcycle accident victims like you get justice and financial compensation. Contact us today for a free legal consultation.
Why Choose Us for Your Lakeland, FL, Motorcycle Accident Case?
Here are a few reasons Central Florida residents choose our law firm:
- Our legal team has decades of combined legal experience.
- We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
- Our firm has a reputation for success and gets rave reviews from former clients.
- We offer free initial case evaluations to all potential clients.
Our personal injury law firm is fully armed to defend your rights and fight for maximum compensation in your case. Our personal injury attorneys serve Central Florida from our Lakeland and Sebring offices. We handle cases on a contingency-fee basis so that you won’t have to pay upfront.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accidents lawyer serving Lakeland, call 863-250-5050
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Compared to others on the road, motorcyclists are at increased injury risk when involved in traffic accidents. Even while wearing helmets and protective gear, riders are far more vulnerable to an impact than occupants of enclosed vehicles.
Like any traffic accident, a motorcycle collision may have one or more causes. It is important to identify the primary cause so that blame can be assigned to the appropriate party.
Factors That Could Lead to a Motorcycle Accident
The following are factors that could contribute to a crash:
- Speeding
- Heavy weather
- Dangerous roadways
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Defective bike or auto parts
- Lack of skill and licensing
- Aggressive or reckless driving
With our extensive experience in motorcycle accident claims and lawsuits, we are confident in our ability to uncover the cause of your collision.
Lakeland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 863-250-5050
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle crashes can be incredibly dangerous, and the injuries sustained in these accidents can be severe.
Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Road rash: This common injury is caused when the skin comes into contact with the road surface, resulting in abrasions and lacerations. Road rash can range from minor scrapes to deep wounds that cause permanent scarring.
- Broken Bones: Breaks or fractures are some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents. The impact force from a collision can cause fractures to the arms, legs, and other body parts.
- Internal injuries: These injuries can be difficult to diagnose, ranging from minor bruising to life-threatening organ damage.
- Head and neck injuries: These injuries are common in motorcycle accidents, as there is no external frame or airbag to protect the rider. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most serious injuries a rider can sustain.
- Spinal cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause loss of sensation, paralysis, and other long-term complications.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact our experienced Lakeland motorcycle accident lawyers today to discuss your legal options.
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Calculating the Value of Your Motorcycle Injury Claim
After being involved in a motorcycle crash, figuring out how much your injury claim is worth can be complicated. The value of your claim will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the medical bills you incurred, and whether you lost wages due to time away from work.
Economic Damages
The first step in calculating the value of your motorcycle injury claim is to determine your economic damages. These typically include:
- Medical care
- Lost wages
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
Non-Economic Damages
The second step is to calculate the value of your non-economic damages. These are more difficult to quantify and can include the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death (if your loved one was killed)
Don’t let an insurance company settle for less than your case is worth. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you calculate the value of your claim and pursue maximum compensation.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Florida Motorcycle Laws
All motorcycle riders should have a basic understanding of Florida’s motorcycle laws. It’s important to stay current on these laws to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Florida Motorcycle Endorsement
In addition to the helmet and insurance laws outlined below, you must be aware that while you do not need a special motorcycle license, you must have a motorcycle endorsement on your regular driver’s license.
You’ll need to pass a motorcycle safety course offered by a certified instructor to get this endorsement. If you don’t have a normal driver’s license, obtaining a motorcycle-only license with the endorsement is possible.
Florida Headlight Requirement
Additionally, under Florida Statutes § 316.405, all motorcycle operators in Florida must have their headlights turned on at all times, including during the day.
Lane-splitting, or the practice of riding on the lane lines between cars, is prohibited, and, generally speaking, all motorcyclists must follow the same rules of the road and all traffic laws that operators of other types of motor vehicles are subject to.
Florida Motorcycle Helmet Laws
In Florida, any motorcycle operator or passenger under 21 must wear an approved motorcycle helmet. Additionally, all motorcyclists must wear protective eyewear. Those over 21 do not need to wear helmets as long as they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance benefits.
You must wear a motorcycle helmet if you do not have this minimum insurance coverage. Even if you have medical insurance, we recommend wearing an approved motorcycle helmet when riding. Doing so can prevent serious or fatal head injuries in a crash.
Motorcycle Insurance Requirements in Florida
As previously mentioned, any motorcycle rider over 21 who wishes to ride without a helmet must have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage.
Secondly, all motorcycle riders, regardless of age or whether they wear a helmet or not, must carry the state’s minimum liability insurance coverage:
- $10,000 per person in bodily injury coverage
- $20,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage
- $10,000 in property damage liability
Note that motorcyclists in Florida cannot purchase personal injury protection (PIP) insurance; that’s where the $10,000 in medical insurance benefits coverage comes in. This coverage will protect you if you are injured in a motorcycle wreck.
Proving Liability for a Lakeland Motorcycle Accident
Many factors contribute to liability in a motorcycle accident. Florida adheres to comparative negligence as outlined in Florida Statutes § 768.81. This means an individual involved in an accident could be partially at fault and, therefore, liable for a percentage of the damages.
For example, if a motorcyclist were to cause a vehicle to swerve into another lane and hit another car, then the motorcyclist could be held partially liable for that accident.
With that said, often, motorcycle accident victims share no responsibility for a crash. You should not be left paying the bills if you were seriously injured in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence.
Time Limit for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Florida
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash in Lakeland, FL, it is important to understand the urgency of starting your personal injury claim. In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is four years from the accident date.
The statute of limitations sets forth how long an individual has to file a lawsuit. If the deadline has passed, you may be unable to pursue legal action against the at-fault party. Insurance companies may also have time limits.
After a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible. Our motorcycle accident lawyer in Lakeland can help ensure that you meet all applicable deadlines in your case and keep your options open for bringing a lawsuit.
Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Lakeland
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Polk County, an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer with Dismuke Law could evaluate your case. A qualified motorcycle attorney in Lakeland can help you understand your rights and options and provide legal advice on how to proceed.
Don’t let an insurance company take advantage of you during this difficult time. Ask Dave how our motorcycle accident team can help defend your rights and fight for maximum compensation. Contact our law firm today to get started with a free consultation.
Call or text 863-250-5050 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
