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Ride Smart Florida, an advocacy group for motorcycle safety, has observed that motorcycle accidents have doubled over twenty years. It also reports that general vehicle deaths have increased by thirteen percent over five years, and motorcycle fatalities have increased by fifteen percent. Bad weather is a common factor; icy or wet roadways make it challenging to negotiate traffic and can impair braking abilities. Collisions are also common when a driver changes lanes and doesn’t see the rider.
Our team of skilled Bradenton motorcycle accident lawyers at Kogan & DiSalvo can help you pursue the justice and compensation you need after a motorcycle crash in Manatee County or anywhere in the surrounding region. As Florida’s premier personal injury law firm, we have the experience, skill, and resources these complex claims require. Schedule a free consultation so we can assess your case and answer your questions.
Overcoming the Dangers of Motorcycle Travel
While motorcycles were involved in only two percent of traffic accidents in Florida, they accounted for seventeen percent of traffic deaths. Motorcyclists can reduce their likelihood of injury by following commonsense safety tips such as:
- Staying home during inclement weather
- Being conspicuous by maintaining lights and reflectors
- Wearing appropriate safety gear
- Taking a safety course
- Inspecting motorcycles before each ride
When accidents do occur, know your rights. If it was due to driver negligence or another at-fault party, you have the right to pursue fair and just compensation for your losses.
Common Forms of Negligence by Other Drivers
Injured motorcyclists generally know when their serious injuries result from the negligence of drivers of cars, trucks, and other passenger vehicles, which can include the following:
- Turning left in the path of an oncoming motorcycle
- Failing to check blind spots when changing lanes
- Tailgating a motorcycle
- Stop sign and red light violations
- Distracted driving
- Failing to understand hand signals
If a reckless motorist has caused your accident, ensure you are treated fairly by retaining skilled legal counsel. A dedicated Bradenton motorcycle accident lawyer will work tirelessly to prove fault so the at-fault motorist is held accountable to the full extent Florida law allows.
The Severity of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
The injuries suffered by motorcyclists and motorcycle passengers are often catastrophic. Motorcycles lack the protections of four-wheeled passenger vehicles like cars and trucks. When a motorcycle is struck by another vehicle, the rider is often ejected from the bike at high speeds, with no protection other than a helmet and riding gear.
Resulting injuries often include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries such as paralysis, spinal fractures, and herniated discs
- Abrasions from sliding across the pavement (road rash)
- Broken arms, legs, hips, and other fractures
- Whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries
No matter how serious your injuries are, Florida personal injury laws offer a pathway to a financial recovery. We can help you pursue compensation for all expenses relating to your medical treatment, including emergency room treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, physical therapy, and doctor’s visits.
Fighting for Full Compensation for Your Motorcycle Accident
While you deserve compensation for your medical expenses, you may face many other hardships. For example, lost wages are compensable. If your accident results in a permanent disability that limits the amount you can work or prevents you from working at all, this could be reflected in your damages award. You may also be eligible for pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and property damages, e.g., fixing or repairing your bike.
How a Lawyer Can Help Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Contact a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in Bradenton who can advocate for you. Our team at Kogan & DiSalvo could do the following:
Help You Understand the True Value of Your Claim
The at-fault driver’s insurance company will not tell you the true value of your claim, but your personal injury lawyer will. By thoroughly assessing the many ways this accident has changed your life, an experienced Bradenton personal injury lawyer at our firm can give you an estimate of the amount of compensation you could obtain for your losses and damages.
Gathering Evidence
It takes concrete evidence to sway a judge or jury—or to convince an insurance company to settle. Your attorney knows how to compile and present evidence that paints an accurate picture of the accident scene, the at-fault driver’s actions, and the hardships you have endured as a result of those actions.
Evidence in a motorcycle accident case may include photos of vehicle damage, a damaged helmet, skid marks, CCTV or dashcam footage, eyewitness testimony, 911 calls, and police reports. It’s best to obtain this evidence immediately after the accident. This is why consulting with a motorcycle accident lawyer is crucial.
Negotiating a Favorable Settlement
Facts and preparation are key during this process. If the insurance company knows you have a poorly prepared case lacking concrete evidence, they may deny or minimize your damages and offer a lowball amount or nothing at all. On the other hand, if your attorney presents a strong argument supported by evidence on day one of the negotiations, it tells the insurance company to offer a reasonable amount, or the case will be litigated in court.
Representing You at Trial
Your attorney will be prepared for trial if the negotiation fails to deliver the desired result. They will present evidence of the at-fault party’s negligence, medical documentation and testimony showing the severity of your injury, and other information supporting your claim. Remember, a case can still be settled after the trial begins.
Contact Kogan & DiSalvo for a Free Consultation
A motorcycle accident lawsuit may seem daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our Bradenton motorcycle accident lawyers are here to answer your questions, handle all the paperwork and legal details, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free legal consultation. There is no obligation to hire us, and since we work on a contingency fee basis, there are no upfront legal fees.
