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Florida has more motorcycles on its roads than any other state in the country except California, with almost 573,000 registrations. Florida also has a significant number of motorcycle accidents, injuries, and fatalities. These accidents can have serious repercussions, and recovery can be extensive.
If you or a family member have been involved in a motorcycle crash, it is imperative that you seek a Stuart motorcycle accident lawyer right away. An experienced Stuart injury attorney can help you pursue a claim for necessary compensation.
Most accidents involving motorcycles are the fault of people at the controls of cars and trucks, according to research conducted by the South Florida Center for Urban Transportation. The principal reason is that drivers are not looking for motorcycles, so they do not see them. Florida’s motorcyclists were involved in 10,201 crashes in 2015, resulting in 8,231 injuries and 548 deaths, including 38 passengers, reports the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Agency.
The number of fatalities in that year was 72.73 percent higher than the previous year, and Florida has more motorcycle deaths than any other state. The number who were injured was only slightly higher than in 2014. A significant reason for motorcycle injuries and deaths is that riders are not wearing helmets and protective gear. Current Florida law requires protective strapped headgear that meets the Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standard.
However, the law does not apply to people older than 21 years if they are covered by insurance providing a minimum of $10,000 in medical coverage.
When you pursue a civil lawsuit following a motorcycle accident, you do so with the intention of seeking financial compensation. Unlike a criminal case that can lead to jail time or fines, the result of a successful civil lawsuit is a monetary award based on the extent of your damages.
The severity of your injuries will likely play a major role in determining what your case is worth. It is important to understand that a settlement in a motorcycle accident case is made up of several different types of damages. These types of damages include:
Stuart motorcycle accident attorneys legally determine fault in personal injury cases by proving negligence. Florida uses the modified comparative negligence standard. In applying the modified comparative negligence doctrine, all parties involved in a personal injury case bear none, some, or all of the fault in causing the accident. If a plaintiff in a motorcycle accident case is 50% or less at fault for their injuries, their recovery will be reduced in proportion to their fault. If they are 51% or more at fault, they are barred from recovery entirely.
For example, a motorcyclist who is weaving in and out of traffic lanes and is hit by a car changing lanes will share some percentage of fault with the driver of the car. If the motorcyclist is determined to be 40 percent at fault, they are allowed to recover only 60 percent of the damages claimed.
Involvement in a motorcycle accident does not entitle you to compensation on its own. For you to recover a monetary award following a collision, your personal injury lawyer in Stuart must be able to establish that the defendant in your case was negligent. To be successful in claiming damages, all four of the negligence elements must be proven. These are:
Negligence law allows certain defenses, and if one element is disproven, the case is dismissed.
No two motorcycle accident injury claims are exactly alike. These accidents have different facts, result in different injuries, and involve different parties. That said, when these cases result in litigation, they follow a similar process. Understanding this process could be useful when pursuing compensation for your own injuries.
Initiating a motorcycle accident lawsuit involves filing a complaint against the at-fault parties. This complaint is a legal document that spells out the nature of your injuries, identifies the at-fault party, and explains in general detail why they are at fault.
Once the complaint is filed, it must be served on all of the defendants in the case. This means providing the defendant with a copy of the lawsuit and formal notice that court proceedings have begun. All parties have a right to be notified of any legal action before it can move forward, so serving the lawsuit on the defendant in your case is required.
Once the defendant is served, they have the right to file an answer. This answer goes line-by-line with your complaint, either accepting or disputing the allegations made. If the other party fails to respond to your lawsuit, you win by default.
Once the initial pleadings are filed, the next step is a process known as discovery. Discovery involves both sides sharing the documents and evidence they intend to use at trial. This process can take months and involves different methods of sharing information. In addition to written discovery, you could also be required to sit for a deposition. A deposition is similar to a court hearing, but it is not before a judge. Instead, both attorneys can ask you questions under oath, related to the case.
If your injuries allow it, gathering evidence at the scene of the wreck will prove crucial to building a strong argument for negligence on the part of other parties. Evidence in a motorcycle accident case includes photos and videos of the crash scene, eyewitness reports, the police report, medical records, and more. Your attorney can help you gather cell phone records of the drivers involved, any nearby surveillance footage, and reports from professional accident reconstruction experts.
At any time in this process, both sides could come to terms on a settlement agreement, which would resolve the case without having to go to trial. Most motorcycle accident cases do end with a settlement, whereby the plaintiff is paid an agreed-upon amount of damages to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
In a relatively small number of instances, the defendant’s settlement offer is not acceptable to the plaintiff, and the case proceeds past discovery to trial preparation. There can be motions filed by both sides in the lead-up to trial that could shape what evidence is heard by the court. At trial, each side can call witnesses and offer evidence. A judge or jury will consider this evidence and determine which side is entitled to compensation.
Motorcycle accidents can happen under many different circumstances. Some of these collisions occur due to the same factors that lead to collisions involving larger motor vehicles. Other accidents result from circumstances that are unique to motorcycles. If you were injured in a crash through no fault of your own, you could be entitled to compensation regardless of the specific type of collision. Some common types of motorcycle accidents include:
There are countless ways for a motorcycle accident to result in a physical injury. While these vehicles are enjoyed for the freedom they provide, riding them is also known for resulting in serious injuries. Riders have little protection from impact, and a collision with a car or truck could be devastating. These accidents could result in two impacts: the initial impact with another vehicle, and a secondary impact when a rider strikes the ground.
One of the injuries that is frequently associated with motorcycle accidents is road rash. This injury occurs when a rider is thrown from their motorcycle. As the rider slides across the pavement, the friction leaves burn-like injuries across exposed skin. While common, road rash is not one of the most serious injuries related to motorcycle collisions. The other injuries from these accidents could have life-altering consequences. Some of the conditions commonly associated with motorcycle accidents include:
When injuries happen, it is important to seek medical care right away. This is true even if you are uncertain that your condition is serious. Motorcycle injuries can worsen over time, and your chances of a full recovery increase by seeking immediate medical care.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in Florida, you face a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. The deadline that applies to your case is known as the statute of limitations.
The statute of limitations exists in every state. However, the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit not only differs across jurisdictions, but also varies depending on the type of case you file. In Florida, the statute of limitations generally gives you two years to pursue your injury claim.
The two-year period that applies to your case begins to expire the day your accident occurs. If you do not file your case on time, you could face serious consequences in your personal injury case. Any time the statute of limitations is violated, the court will typically have little option but to dismiss the case with prejudice.
Dismissal with prejudice is the worst-case scenario for your lawsuit. Not only does it bring your lawsuit to an end, but it prevents you from ever pursuing the case again in the future. This is true even if the facts of the case are favorable to you. Given the important stakes, you have every reason to reach out to a qualified attorney to ensure your compliance with the statute of limitations.
If you or a loved one are involved in a motorcycle accident, you need to know and protect your legal rights. To do so, contact a Stuart motorcycle accident lawyer at Kogan & DiSalvo promptly to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
Your skilled attorney can explain the applicable law, advise you on the strength of your case, and aggressively represent your interest to achieve the compensation that you deserve. Contact us as soon as possible to learn how we can help.
Total reviews: 0 | Average rating: 0
Janie Domimguez
Hockey-Family Cataldo
Brian Andino did a great job. First of all anyone with a lawsuit in Martin County will soon learn about the Comparitive Negligence rules here. Something imposed by the county to avoid letting anything get to trial. Not only did they do a great job during all pre-trial mediations and more. The most impressive was the post settle. After they had been paid (reread after they got their $$) Brian continued to work for me settling the many liens. That was diligent and most impressive as it showed the moral work ethic as there was nothing left for the firm it was all my end. He continued to work until it was all done. Thank You Brian!
Jeffrey Otero
I usually don’t leave reviews but after Kogan & Disalvo handling my case left me beyond satisfied, from the moment I presented my case to when the case was finalized, everything was handled with such professionalism and amazing communication. I never had to wonder about my case because they made sure I was aware what stage my case was in and what were the next steps .Jennifer Langlois was amazing in answering all my questions not once did I feel as if bothering. It was always a pleasure speaking to her. A big thank you to the whole team!
Micah Byrd
I’m certainly grateful for the Kogan & DiSalvo firm for their dedication for the pursuit of my case. I pray that I do not have to have another case again, yet if I do or anyone else I know does, I certainly would refer them to contact Kogan and DiSalvo. Thank you all for the pleasant, straightforward and seamless process!
dunkemcclendon
They are dedicated and helpful
ashley noel
The was very professional and willing to work with you and make show you get what you deserve.
Loren Careri
We had a wonderful experience with Kogan & DiSalvo. They were extremely professional, knowledgeable and supportive during the entire process. They kept us informed every step of the way and were able to settle our case quickly. Should you be in need of a personal injury attorney, we highly recommend them.
kathleen guch
I’m very grateful to Kogan & DiSalvo Personal Injury Lawyers for the work they put into my case especially Samantha, the paralegal. She was a key part of the process from start to finish. Samantha made everything clear and straightforward, always taking the time to explain things and keeping everything on track. Her experience and efficiency really stood out. I’m thankful she was part of the team and truly appreciate everything she did.
Brenda Sacco
The personal care that this office gave me was impeccable and I couldn’t be more appreciative
Gary Jenkins
My car was rear ended on I95 in Virginia in a multi vehicle accident. My car was totaled and I had injuries that worsened days after.
Samantha, from Kogan and DiSalvo, was my point representative. They helped me arrange my medical treatment so I could recover while they took care of the paperwork. They dealt with the insurance companies, and the out of state police and witness reports.
After treatment I’m back to normal. Kogan and DiSalvo took the headache out of dealing with all involved parties.
I highly recommend them.
Elana Hansen
I had the pleasure of working with Kogan & DiSalvo Personal Injury Law Firm. Upon retention, their team was incredibly professional, compassionate, and dedicated to my case. Tiffany, accompanied by her legal assistant Maria, and paralegal Michelle, offered me personalized attention. From the beginning, their priority was to build a rapport , acknowledging the unique circumstances of my case, and further strengthened my confidence in their capabilities. The time taken to listen to my concerns and ensure I understood every step of the process only echoed the principles and foundation on which this firm has been built. Their expertise in personal injury law is evident, and they fought tirelessly to secure the compensation I deserved. Thanks to their hard work and consistent communication, I felt supported throughout the entire ordeal. If you’re looking for a law firm that truly cares about its clients and delivers results, look no further than Kogan & DiSalvo.
carol Cedeno
Samantha,
Was truly a blessing from the moment we met we connected she walked us through everything she took care of all over her needs always answered our calls made everything so simple her professionalism was wonderful
Nalson Samedifede
Great law firm to fight for you when you feel like you’re not gonna win, but they tell you that we’re going to win this case no matter what
Brenda Gibbons
My experience here at Kogan & Di Salvo has been very good from the start. Everyone is very professional and caring.
Brianna Cataudella
Great experience
purple lillies
You never really stop to think about what just really happens after a car accident.. And I can now tell you that I did, and that having a skilled, dedicated, and trustworthy car accident lawyer is definitely at the top of your priorities and needs. There is so much that goes on, so much that is required and complex, stressful, and just an overall real pain to go through. But that is where having a great lawyer comes in. One you can actually trust and rely on to have your best interests in mind and to take care of you. I can’t thank or recommend Kogan And DiSalvo enough!! You guys are the best! Thank you so much!
KELLY MCPHILLIPS
You never really stop to think about what just really happens after a car accident.. And I can now tell you that I did, and that having a skilled, dedicated, and trustworthy car accident lawyer is definitely at the top of your priorities and needs. There is so much that goes on, so much that is required and complex, stressful, and just an overall real pain to go through. But that is where having a great lawyer comes in. One you can actually trust and rely on to have your best interests in mind and to take care of you. I can’t thank or recommend Kogan And DiSalvo enough!! You guys are the best! Thank you so much!
Jennie Roberts
Dan & Lauren were amazing to work with! Very efficient and always there to answer any questions. Thanks for everything
Auggie Azevedo
Great people that work
for you
Itz Ryan
they handled my case very well, and i’m happy with the outcome!
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